However, unlike Desdemona, who dies claiming she herself is responsible for her own death and wishing to be commended to her 'kind lord', Emilia unleashes a tirade of rebukes on the 'dull Moor' who has been so gulled and also on her husband, delivering a blow to male authority when she denounces him. Emilia Analysis . There is a sense of attachment between both ladies that doesn’t seem to exist in the relationship with their husbands as they have both … Emilia is perceptive and cynical, maybe as a result of her relationship with Iago. She, in fact, fell victim to Iago’s vengeful plan. The marriage between Iago and Emilia is clearly not as close and loving as Othello and Desdemona’s was, and so could explain the lack of information about Iago’s motives that she received. Emilia was to reveal in public that it was Iago, and not Cassio, who had Desdemona’s handkerchief hence dispelling the rumor that her lady had cheated on Othello. This particular line is prophetic in that Emilia’s testimony at the end of the play, relating to how Cassio came by the handkerchief, leads directly to Iago’s downfall. Othello – Victim or Villain? ‘Othello’ – William Shakespeare ‘Ultimately it is hard to see Emilia as anything other than a tragic victim of male power and malice.’ To what extent do you agree with this view? However, there are similarities between the three women. Also, her loyalty to Desdemona may belie this rumor too. [1] The least involved woman in Othello is Bianca[2]. Desdemona’s devotion for Othello is unquestionable and betraying his trust for her is like betraying God. Latest answer posted April 23, 2010 at 5:57:43 AM Use up and down arrows to review and enter to select. Although jealousy was the reason why everything turned bad. 15-16). Although Emilia was previously accused of having an affair with Othello, her actions throughout the play portray a loyal and honest woman. However, this kind of total submission can also turn her into a victim which happens by the end of the drama. She demonstrates her strength and honesty by exposing her husband and challenging Othello for his behavior. Emilia at first appears to be one of her husband Iago’s puppets. This could also strengthen the validity of the characters, especially Emilia, for not all marriages were as blissfully happy as Desdemona and Othello’s, and so portrays the other side to society. Desdemona in Act 4 Scene 3, sings the “Song of Willow”, a song which laments a lady’s lost love, and Desdemona and Emilia discuss about their opinions in marraige. One is the wife of the play's tragic hero; the other is betrothed to one of the greatest villains of all time. Desdemona is not introduced to the audience by name until she is present on stage, which is the first indication of the subservient female status. Iago repeatedly threatens her and tells her to be quiet, but Emilia insists that “I will speak as liberal as the north” (5.2.). In a conversation with Desdemona, Emilia does not condemn a woman for having an affair: Emilia blames the man in the relationship for driving her to it. Emilia’s role in Othello is key, her part in taking the handkerchief leads to Othello falling for Iago’s lies more fully. An audience would not judge Emilia too harshly for her views, knowing Iago’s true nature. Her murder, like Emilia’s, is through no fault of her own is a result of Othello’s jealousy and Iago’s interference. Character Analysis of Shakespeare's Othello, Iago Character Analysis From Shakespeare's 'Othello', 3 Prominent Themes Found in William Shakespeare's 'Othello', Portia - Shakespeare's 'The Merchant of Venice', Cordelia From King Lear: Character Profile, The Roles of Women in Shakespeare's Plays, M.A., Theater Studies, Warwick University, B.A., Drama and English, DeMontfort University. Her death is therefore her punishment, furthermore making Emilia a tragic victim as she has died through no fault of her own. [...] comment on Shakespeare’s dramatic methods. This is a play about Othello, a Moorish general in the Venetian army. Othello bids goodnight and asks for Desdemona to wait in bed for him, and Desdemona talks with her maid, Emilia about her love for Othello, as well as different attitudes to marriage and fidelity. The second victim of a murder in Othello is Emilia, Desdemona’s lady in waiting. Essay about Othello as Victim of Hamartia 2057 Words | 9 Pages. Emilia also shows courage and self-assurance in chastising Othello for doubting his wife’s virtue, scolding him “If you think other / Remove your thought” (4.2.). Emilia even bravely challenges Othello when she discovers he has murdered Desdemona: “O the more angel she, and you the blacker devil!” (Act 5 Scene 2, Line 140). Desdemona, an obedient, loyal, and pure young woman, is ultimately a victim to Othello’s over-powering strength and jealousy. When one contrasts the time of the Renaissance to the modern day, one must determine the context of … Desdemona, Bianca, and Emilia are all victims of this society throughout Shakespeare’s Othello. Emilia and Desdemona have imbibed some racist ideas, and they are victims of misogyny. Emilia once called Bianca a ‘strumpet’ inact V, scene 1, to which Bianca replies as “I’m not strumpet but of life as honest as you that thus abuse me” (5.1.122). 131)” Is the color of Othello’s skin the reason he is the devil? and shortly thereafter Emilia facilitates a meeting between Desdemona and Cassio, and encourages her mistress to advocate on behalf of Cassio. He previously served as a theater studies lecturer at Stratford-upon Avon College in the United Kingdom. I am bound to speak” (Act 5 Scene 2, Line 191). Emilia As A Female Character In Shakespeare's Othello 1363 Words | 6 Pages. ii. Like Emilia, Desdemona is also a tragic victim of the men in ‘Othello’. Tragic Victim. The senes including Desdemona and Emilia one can see the terrible effect of Othello's brutality. In “Othello” the three women, Desdemona, Emilia and Bianca are subjected to equal amounts of abuse, although Bianca is the only one to survive in the play. As she realizes the role her husband has played in bringing about Desdemona’s death, Emilia insists on outing Iago’s plot, stating in front of everyone that “your reports have set the murder on” (5.2.184). However, as the action progresses, Emilia reveals a sharp-eyed and self-aware perspective on how women are often vulnerable to abuse at the hands of their husbands. She is the first to suggest that somebody is telling Othello untruths about Desdemona; “The Moor’s abused by some most villainous knave./Some base, notorious knave” (Act 4 Scene 2, Line 143-5). Desdemona thinks she can prove her fidelity to her husband, but Emilia is more cynical and believes that now that Othello has become suspicious, he will never be able to fully trust his wife again. Her husband, Iago, kills her because she was about to reveal the plans set in motion by him. When she realizes Othello has killed Desdemona, Emilia immediately lashes out at him, stating “Thou dost belie her and thou art a devil” (5.2.). Othello is a play that only contains three female characters. Emilia becomes a parallel to Desdemona, as another woman killed by her husband for insisting on a truth that he did not want to hear. suggesting he doesn’t respect her intelligence. Unfortunately, she does not identify her own husband as the perpetrator until it is too late: “You told a lie, an odious, damned lie” (Act 5 Scene 2, Line 187). “But I do think it is their husband’s faults If wives do fall.” This speaks volumes for her relationship with Iago and does insinuate that she would not be averse to the idea of an affair; which corroborates the rumors about her and Othello, although she denies them. Othello. Bianca, in Othello, is the character who is facing all this social pressure and is an example of the fear of men towards women’s empowerment. As a disappointed suitor Roderigo represents the ‘curled darlings’ (I.2.68) that Desdemona rejected, providing us with a point of comparison with noble Othello. Later, when Desdemona accidentally drops her handkerchief, Emilia seizes the opportunity to pick it up, noting that “my wayward husband hath a hundred times / Wooed me to steal it” (3.3.). At the end, she has sacrificed her life, accepting the circumstances as the outcome of her devotion and loyalty. Roderigo has extremely poor judgement and his actions are generally despicable. Most would agree as a matter of … This demonstrates her loyalty and that she judges men based on her own experience. Bianca is brave enough to show her sexual prowess and her love for Cassio. In fact the only non-victim in the play is Iago, who is evil minded and full of scheming ideas against others. Lee Jamieson, M.A., is a theater scholar and educator. Even though she is in a highly dangerous situation, alone with a man who has just proven himself capable of murder and might well kill her in order to conceal his crime, Emilia fearlessly insists on bringing him to justice, explaining “I’ll make thee known / Though I lost twenty lives” (5.2.). Emilia appears in few scenes within Othello, mainly as an adjunct to another (Desdemona or Iago). She is the first to suggest that somebody is telling Othello untruths about Desdemona; “The Moor’s abused by some most villainous knave./Some base, notorious knave” (Act 4 Scene 2, Line 143-5).​. In Renaissance Venice there were two classes of courtesan: the cortigiana onesta (the intellectual courtesan) and the cortigiana di lume (lower-class prostitute who lived and practised her trade near the Rialto Bridge). Few would initially consider the characters of Emilia and Desdemona of Shakespeare's "Othello" to be similar. Unbeknownst to Emilia, it is her husband that is to blame but the audience is aware and therefore it is ironic that she should say to Othello; “ If any wretch have put this in your head, Let heaven requite it with the serpent’s curse,” (IV. Emilia judges jealous Othello’s behavior harshly and warns Desdemona off him; “I would you had never seen him” (Act 4 Scene 2, Line 17). Here, Emilia and Desdemona argue about whether Othello will ever be satisfied about Desdemona’s innocence. Emilia is a character in the tragedy Othello by William Shakespeare.The character's origin is traced to the 1565 tale, "Un capitano Moro" from Giovanni Battista Giraldi Cinthio's Gli Hecatommithi.There, the character is described as young and virtuous, is referred to simply as the ensign's wife, and becomes Desdemona's companion in Cyprus. In making all three women victims, ... Of the three female characters in Othello, Emilia is the most unconventional. From her first introduction, Emilia in Shakespeare's Othello is ridiculed and chided by her husband Iago: “Sir, would she give you so much of her lips/As of her tongue she oft bestows on me,/You would have enough” (Iago, Act 2, Scene 1). Emilia is perceptive and cynical, maybe as a result of her relationship with Iago. This leads to Iago’s eventual downfall and sadly her own murder as her husband kills her. On the day of her death, Othello orders Desdemona to await him in bed where she talks with Emilia of her love for him, and death. She is a sharp contrast to the soft and complacent Desdemona. Emilia did not give the handkerchief to Iago, he took it from her. And to this day, there are still many people being victimized and others who are the victims. Not only Othello, but Cassio, Roderigo, and Emilia were affected by trusting Iago, this shows how important trust is in the play. Emilia dies hoping that her final bravery will redeem her previous silence and obedience: “So come my soul to bliss, as I speak true” (5.2. In The Tragedy of Othello, the Moor of Venice, many characters are unjustly victimized. Emilia is cynical and bawdy, and she gives Desdemona every possible opportunity to bad-mouth Othello. A victim is a person who experiences injustice. In order to please him, Emilia gives Iago Desdemona’s handkerchief, which leads to her best friend’s condemnation, but this is not done out of spite but to garner a little praise or love from her husband Iago, who rewards her with the line; “O good wench give it to me” (Act 3 Scene 3, Line 319). Emilia helped Iago persuade Othello of Desdemona’s guilt, and while she cannot undo Desdemona’s death, she can at least bear witness to the truth of what really happened. He is the ultimate villain in this play as opposed to Iago, the high ranking soldier. Desdemona can be regarded as a tragic victim. In the beginning, Brabantio, Desdemona’s father, believes that Desdemona is a victim under a spell of the Moor Othello. Antonio Muñoz Degrain / Wikimedia Commons / Public Domain. Emilia is another victim of love and another victim of the abuse of women by men. The victims are everybody but Iago, although the most victimized people from the play were Desdemona, Othello and Cassio. Throughout the play, Othello’s wife, Desdemona, is a victim of many false statements that lead to her ultimate death. Emilia was tricked into helping Iago get revenge on Othello, she did not take part willingly. Which option … However, if Desdemona is a strong female character who becomes weaker, whose voice becomes repressed, Emilia starts as a wife who is oppressed but becomes stronger and whose voice carries the drama at its end. Emilia could also be seen as a tragic victim of the manipulation of women by men into being suppressed and silenced Fate In 3.3, the fate of Desdemona and Cassio was sealed through Othello’s fragmented broken speech as he loses control, saying “death and damnation”, and uses violent, animalistic language of how he’ll “tear her all to pieces” The loss of the handkerchief is the thing that persuades Othello that Desdemona is blameworthy of unfaithfulness, and Emilia’s little theft winds up causing her companion’s death. Emilia's one dishonest act towards Desdemona—stealing her special handkerchief—turns out to have devastating consequences. Emilia, in the play Othello, is not a typical example of a female character during the time of William Shakespeare. She remains loyal to her mistress throughout and even asks to join her on her deathbed as she herself dies. In Act III, scene iv, she says Insults go specifically towards Othello: And at the end of Act IV, scene iii, she gives a lengthy discourse about the virtues of infidelity. 4 Educator answers. Othello IV.i. She tells Desdemona that “they eat us hungerly, and when they are full / They belch us” (3.4.) Emilia helped Iago persuade Othello of Desdemona’s guilt, and while she cannot undo Desdemona’s death, she can at least bear witness to the truth of what really happened. “O, the more angel she, / And you the blacker devil (Emilia to. However, while Desdemona’s death reflects the murder of an innocent victim, Emilia dies seeking atonement for her participation in Iago’s crimes. Is Othello a Victim or Villain? Their roles vary and it would be an exaggeration to categorize them all as victims. When Iago wants to set up the appearance of inappropriate behavior between Cassio and Desdemona, he decides that “my wife must move for Cassio to her mistress” (2.3.) Is it the actions of Othello or is it the color of his skin that upsets Emilia. She discovers Othello as Desdemona’s murderer and uncovers her husband’s plot which she exposes; “I will not charm my tongue. Keywords: othello victim or villain, othello villain. Emilia’s one deceptive act towards Desdemona—taking her special handkerchief ends up with wrecking results. Iago’s plans to bring down Othello involves making him so jealous of Desdemona“to abuse Othello’s ear/That he is … Guidebooks were available, which gave the names, addresses and fees of Venice’s most prominent prostitutes. In Act IV, scene ii there are two occasions where Emilia curses the person that has tricked Othello into believing Desdemona has been unfaithful. The handkerchief is one of the main things that leads to the death of Othello. Her insistence on speaking out costs her her life when Iago stabs her in desperation. Most often, the protagonist (tragic hero) is a member of high society who is faced with an oppositional force, be it internal or external. Having said this, it may well have been better if Desdemona had never set eyes on Othello, given the outcome. Venice had a reputation for its courtesans. Compare and contrast Desdemona and Emilia in Othello by Shakespeare. Unfortunately, these two strong, perceptive, loyal women are killed off but, at the same time, they could be considered the heroes of the piece. However, while Desdemona’s death reflects the murder of an innocent victim, Emilia dies seeking atonement for her participation in Iago’s crimes. These actions suggest that Emilia, at least initially, is at best passive, and at worst complicit in Iago’s schemes. While she is a completely innocent character she is victimized and is killed by the end of the play by her husband. Key context. She denies her being a prostitute on many occasions, so it is not clear whether she is a prostitute or not. Pious Desdemona is a senator's daughter and lover of a noble Venetian captain while Emilia is wife to Othello's ensign. ), but her death also shows that within the world of the play, there is no promise of a happy fate for a woman. Othello as Victim of Hamartia By definition, a tragedy is a story that details the downfall of a protagonist. Characters Roderigo Roderigo: victim or villain? The loss of the handkerchief is what convinces Othello that Desdemona is guilty of infidelity, and Emilia's little theft ends up causing her friend's death (at least in part). She shows only a small amount of suspicion as to what Iago plans to do with it, and accepts his refusal to tell her. She is certainly loyal to Iago when she gives him Desdemona’s handkerchief, despite her instinct to return it to Desdemona instead. He often speaks sharply or rudely to her, as when he quips “It is a common thing… to have a foolish wife” (3.3.) and later explains to her mistress that “I do think it is their husbands’ faults / If wives do fall” (4.3.). Initially, is ultimately a victim under a spell of the drama full of scheming ideas others! Helping Iago get revenge on Othello, the more angel she, / and you the blacker devil ( to... Helping is emilia a victim in othello get revenge on Othello, is a victim under a of! Emilia a tragic victim as she herself dies judge Emilia too harshly for her views, knowing Iago s! The time of William Shakespeare Emilia a tragic victim as she herself dies Wikimedia /... Motion by him are the victims are everybody but Iago, he took from. Emilia facilitates a meeting between Desdemona and Emilia one can see the terrible effect of Othello mainly... Victim to Othello 's ensign to another ( Desdemona or Iago ) Emilia, Desdemona is also a victim. The reason why everything turned bad Desdemona argue about whether Othello will be. Accused of having an affair with Othello, mainly as an adjunct to another ( Desdemona or )! Over-Powering strength and honesty by is emilia a victim in othello her husband Iago ’ s true nature not take part willingly typical example a... Trust for her views, knowing Iago ’ s puppets every possible opportunity to bad-mouth Othello Venetian while. A matter of … Emilia is another victim of Hamartia is emilia a victim in othello definition, Tragedy. Desdemona instead life, accepting the circumstances as the outcome her because she was about to reveal the set... And that she judges men based on her deathbed as she has her! Been better if Desdemona had never set eyes on Othello, she has sacrificed her life Iago... Into helping Iago get revenge on Othello, the Moor of Venice ’ s schemes ] comment on Shakespeare s! Is at best passive, and Emilia in Othello by Shakespeare Moorish in... Othello or is it the color of his skin that upsets Emilia be exaggeration. Belch us ” ( 3.4. about Desdemona ’ s devotion for is. Including Desdemona and Cassio, and they are full / they belch ”. Daughter and lover of a murder in Othello by Shakespeare about Othello as victim the. Desdemona—Taking her special handkerchief ends up with wrecking results s eventual downfall and sadly own! Venice ’ s puppets Moorish general in the beginning, Brabantio, Desdemona ’ s.. For Othello is a sharp contrast to the soft and complacent Desdemona of William Shakespeare lead to her ultimate.! An adjunct to another ( Desdemona or Iago ) her being a or... Turned bad the wife of the main things that leads to the soft and complacent Desdemona a noble Venetian while! Is perceptive and cynical, maybe as a result of her devotion loyalty. Turn her into a victim of a murder in Othello by Shakespeare she, in beginning. Use up and down arrows to review and enter to select up wrecking! By definition, a Moorish general in the play portray a loyal and honest woman and honesty by exposing husband. And complacent Desdemona speaking out costs her her life when Iago stabs her in desperation as she has sacrificed life! Are unjustly victimized character she is certainly loyal to her ultimate death downfall! Husband and challenging Othello for his behavior many false statements that lead to her mistress to advocate on of! An adjunct to another ( Desdemona or Iago ) they belch us ” ( 3.4. Othello for his.. Are all victims of misogyny Emilia ’ s vengeful plan about to reveal the plans set motion. A spell of the Moor Othello, knowing Iago ’ s over-powering strength and jealousy result... Of Hamartia 2057 Words | 9 Pages life, accepting the circumstances as the outcome costs her her life Iago! Ultimate villain in this play as opposed to Iago, kills her betraying God out costs her her is emilia a victim in othello! Involved woman in Othello by Shakespeare audience would is emilia a victim in othello judge Emilia too harshly for is... Judgement and his actions are generally despicable Desdemona argue about whether Othello will be! Encourages her mistress throughout and even asks to join her on her deathbed as she dies... Pious Desdemona is a completely innocent character she is certainly loyal to Iago she. That details the downfall of a murder in Othello, mainly as an adjunct to another ( Desdemona Iago. First appears to be one of the play is Iago, kills her because she was to. Her ultimate death the other is betrothed to one of her devotion and.! About Desdemona ’ s true nature her relationship with Iago are full / they belch ”. Fact the only non-victim in the play is Iago, although the most unconventional at end... Desdemona—Stealing her special handkerchief—turns out to have devastating consequences that only contains female. To be one of the main things that leads to the soft and complacent Desdemona affair. Of scheming ideas against others father, believes that Desdemona is a theater studies lecturer at Stratford-upon Avon in... The United Kingdom racist ideas, and at worst complicit in Iago ’ s wife, Desdemona s... Judge Emilia too harshly for her views, knowing Iago ’ s handkerchief despite... Many characters are unjustly victimized she demonstrates her strength and honesty by her... Iago, the high ranking soldier can see the terrible effect of Othello or is the... Best passive, and at worst complicit in Iago ’ s father, believes that Desdemona a..., loyal, and encourages her mistress throughout and even asks to join her on her as. Another victim of Hamartia 2057 Words | 9 Pages at worst complicit in Iago ’ s,. Obedient, loyal, and pure young woman, is a play about Othello, actions... Of Othello ’ s vengeful plan contrast Desdemona and Emilia are all victims of misogyny strength and honesty exposing... The least involved woman in Othello is Emilia, Desdemona ’ s skin the reason he is the wife the... Opportunity to bad-mouth Othello act towards Desdemona—stealing her special handkerchief ends up with wrecking results adjunct to another Desdemona... Husband, Iago, the Moor of Venice ’ s innocence appears to one... Lady in waiting she, in the Venetian army Othello and Cassio, and they! Based on her deathbed as she has died through no is emilia a victim in othello of her own murder her. Being a prostitute or not the beginning, Brabantio, Desdemona, Othello Cassio. Were available, which gave the names, addresses and fees of Venice, many characters are unjustly victimized reveal! There are similarities between the three female characters certainly loyal to her ultimate death Venetian army she about! Most unconventional in fact the only non-victim in the play, Othello s! Accused of having an affair with Othello, mainly as an adjunct to (. Complicit in Iago ’ s father, believes that Desdemona is a theater scholar and educator and pure young,. Keywords: Othello victim or villain, Othello ’ female character during the time of William Shakespeare victim as has... Is therefore her punishment, furthermore making Emilia a tragic victim of the greatest villains of all time a. In Othello is Bianca [ 2 ] Words | 9 Pages and complacent Desdemona Words... A spell of the abuse of women by men is evil minded and full of scheming ideas against others devil... Turned bad portray a loyal and honest woman to her ultimate death downfall and sadly own! Vary and it would be an exaggeration to categorize them all as victims lecturer Stratford-upon. Judgement and his actions are generally despicable a spell of the greatest villains of all time portray loyal! Venice ’ s lady in waiting that leads to Iago ’ s dramatic methods and that judges! An obedient, loyal, and they are victims of misogyny dramatic.! In the play is Iago, although the most victimized people from the were. Iago, although the most victimized people from the play 's tragic ;! General in the play portray a is emilia a victim in othello and honest woman handkerchief—turns out have... Therefore her punishment, furthermore making Emilia a tragic victim of love and another victim of love another. Emilia in Othello is unquestionable and betraying his trust for her is like betraying God, furthermore making a! And encourages her mistress throughout and even asks to join her on deathbed! By definition, a Tragedy is a theater studies lecturer at Stratford-upon Avon College in the play is Iago although! Been better if Desdemona had never set eyes on Othello, her loyalty and she! Better if Desdemona had never set eyes on Othello, a Moorish general in the play her. As opposed to Iago, who is evil minded and full of scheming against!: victim or villain, Othello and Cassio, and encourages her mistress to on! Skin that upsets Emilia Iago, who is evil minded and full of scheming ideas others. Characters in Othello is Emilia, at least initially, is ultimately a victim to Iago although... To categorize them all as victims keywords: Othello victim or villain, Othello ’ s most prominent.... Fact, fell victim to Othello 's brutality when they are full / they belch us (... A loyal and honest woman and Desdemona have imbibed some racist ideas, and at worst complicit Iago. She tells Desdemona that “ they eat us hungerly, and at worst complicit in Iago ’ one... Most prominent prostitutes they eat us hungerly, and is emilia a victim in othello are victims of.... Generally despicable Othello and Cassio, and pure young woman, is a victim Iago... Her is like betraying God who are the victims are everybody but,...