This is a character grid which identifies four key themes in relation to the character of Emilia in 'Othello', exploring these in detail. These headings make the basis for a thorough essay/exploration of the character and all assessment objectives required in the A level exam are touched upon. Henc...
Loyalty to Iago: Relationship with Desdemona:
Act 3.3- Emilia stole Desdemona’s handkerchief because Iago asked her to, and while she did ask Throughout the play, Emilia’s relationship with Desdemo
him why he stole it, she didn’t press him when he refused to answer her. She seems to devote conscience and her responsibilities as both a wife and De
herself entirely to him at first. ‘I am glad I have found this napkin… I’ll have the work ta’en out and complexity of being a woman in Elizabethan England. By
give’t Iago: what he will do with it heaven knows, not I, I nothing, but to please his fantasy.’ She is and plays the role of Desdemona’s defender in death.
a dutiful wife, complicit in Iago’s schemes. The beginning- Desdemona is dismissive of Emilia. Desde
Emilia steals the handkerchief, despite knowing Desdemona ‘so loves the token… That she reserves Emilia in order to appease the transgressive nature of he
it evermore about her’ (Act 3.3) Emilia could potentially be seen as immoral for putting her by Iago. Desdemona attempts to use Iago’s views upon E
husbands ‘fantasies’ before her mistress’ peace of mind. Desdemona is at first uncaring about Emilia- sees her as
Emilia’s retrieval of the discarded handkerchief provides insight into her anxiety to please her Division between the two women based on marital loyal
husband. Their marriage, like that of Desdemona and Othello, is connected through the transfer of and Othello’s marriage, and keeps this hidden from her.
this love token. Both share a few qualities in the sense they are blindly lo
‘I know not, madam’- In act 3.4, Emilia still gives no indication of Iago’s plan. BUT- the shortness of Relationship with Desdemona is that of a servant. The hi
her sentences in the presence of Desdemona’s panic could suggest that she is uncomfortable with audience may be tempted to imagine a friendship betwe
the emotional distress she is causing to Desdemona. This suggests that although she is loyal to Iago, dynamic with Desdemona- ‘lay on our bed my wedding
she does not share his villainy. orders that Emilia obeys reinforces the distance between
We see the couple of Emilia and Iago together only once, in Act 3.3 when Iago treats Emilia Address terms between the two- ‘madam’, reinforces th
contemptuously. He asks her sharply what she’s doing alone, implying that her movements should Emilia seems more cynical than Desdemona- they disagr
be entirely directed by him- ‘What do you here alone?’ He also insults Emilia as a ‘foolish wife’, but would not make their husband a cuckold, to make him a
when he realises she has the handkerchief, his tone softens: Emilia is then a ‘good wench.’ This woman.’ Women could only progress or rise in the socia
demonstrates exactly how little respect Iago has for Emilia, only seeing her as a tool by which he can explaining Emilia’s willingness to commit adultery if it wo
use and manipulate. Emilia and Desdemona are both expected to be silent as
Dramatic irony in Act 4.2 as Emilia speaks of her hatred for the man who has poisoned Othello’s heard. However in private, Desdemona and Emilia speak
mind, but little does she know it is her own husband. ‘I will be hanged if some eternal villain Some
busy and insinuating rogue… have no devised this slander. I will be hanged else!’ ‘The moor’s As the play progresses…
abused by some most villainous knave.’ Mason argues that ‘Emilia’s suspicion is painfully ironic but Emilia comforts Desdemona and offers her support. She
it serves to emphasise that no one suspects Iago, not even his wife.’ A05 Emilia is not a bad how Othello should have treated his wife.
character, only finds the truth about Iago when it is too late. Desdemona and Emilia almost become each other as the
Iago’s public treatment of Emilia is also very dismissive in Act 4.2. Iago is annoyed when Emilia becomes more assertive and transgressive.
refers to Iago’s false suspicion that Othello has cuckolded him. Iago’s short lines sound like threats: Emilia becomes the most vocal about the mistreatment o
‘Speak within doors’ ‘You are a fool, go to.’ handkerchief. Act 4.2- Emilia gives a sincere pronouncem
At the end of the play, repetition of ‘My Husband!’ Suggests that Emilia trusted Iago completely and she is honest, Lay down my soul at stake.”
is in shock when she finds out he was the mastermind behind the events of the play. Even so, she Act 4.2- Emilia acts as Desdemona’s defender, speaking u
continues to believe him until he admits to having lied to Othello- she tells him: ‘I know thou didst your bosom.’ She shows courage and self-assurance in c
not [tell Othello that his wife was false]: thou’rt not such a villain.’ “If you think other / Remove your thought”. Considering
Just before Iago kills Emilia, he calls her a ‘villainous whore’ and ‘filth.’ These words encapsulate the seen as incredibly brave and transgressive. A03. This pre
disrespect Iago feels for all women, and its likely that the audience feel sympathy for Emilia who has It is almost ironic that Emilia dies next to Desdemona as
The benefits of buying summaries with Stuvia:
Guaranteed quality through customer reviews
Stuvia customers have reviewed more than 700,000 summaries. This how you know that you are buying the best documents.
Quick and easy check-out
You can quickly pay through credit card for the summaries. There is no membership needed.
Focus on what matters
Your fellow students write the study notes themselves, which is why the documents are always reliable and up-to-date. This ensures you quickly get to the core!
Frequently asked questions
What do I get when I buy this document?
You get a PDF, available immediately after your purchase. The purchased document is accessible anytime, anywhere and indefinitely through your profile.
Satisfaction guarantee: how does it work?
Our satisfaction guarantee ensures that you always find a study document that suits you well. You fill out a form, and our customer service team takes care of the rest.
Who am I buying these notes from?
Stuvia is a marketplace, so you are not buying this document from us, but from seller abibillingham123. Stuvia facilitates payment to the seller.
Will I be stuck with a subscription?
No, you only buy these notes for £7.99. You're not tied to anything after your purchase.
