Emilia: The Unsung Heroine in Othello's Tragedy

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Shakespeare’s Othello presents an antagonist who has a perfect understanding of human nature: Iago’s grasp of human hopes, ambitions, insecurities and flaws, coupled with the fact that he is an excellent judge of character, allows him to devise a tragedy fueled primarily by mere malevolence. Even so, he is not the only character that possesses this knowledge. His wife, Emilia, despite far from being the central figure of the play, understands human motivations almost as well as her husband does. She initially starts out as a submissive character, but gradually develops throughout the play into the one character who can see through Iago, oppose him, and cause his downfall. Through this development, Emilia becomes the voice of reason, the sense …show more content…

Her story begins to extend far beyond one of abuse as it delves into the subjects of loyalty and equality during her interactions with Desdemona, where she begins to question her loyalty towards Iago. Emilia displays her desire to aid Iago in his quest for power when saying, "Who would not make her husband a cuckold to make him a monarch? I should venture purgatory for 't" (4.3.85-87). Despite this claim, it is clear that she is torn between her loyalties to Iago and Desdemona. She feels conflicted about taking such a precious token as it is the handkerchief from her lady, even though Iago has repeatedly asked her to steal it. Almost as soon as she hands it over to Iago, she begins to worry about Desdemona 's wellbeing and asks Iago to return it, “Give 't me again: poor lady, she 'll run mad / When she shall lack it.”(3.3.1899-1990). Her conversations with Desdemona also allow her to openly discuss her thoughts on equality in relationships; views which are probably permeated by her own resentment towards her husband. This change in personality and portrayal in her character allows her to take on a more active role in the plot, and is what will later make her a crucial

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