Desdemona's Treatment Of Women In Othello

Both Desdemona and Emilia are vital to the play, influencing the tragic end, yet there is a clear difference in who is more virtuous. The two most important women in Othello, both face their downfall, and are sufferers of public opinion. Emilia’s reputation destroyed when there is speculation about her having an affair with Othello. In Iago’s soliloquy, he reveals his plans and motives to ruin Othello saying, “… I hate the Moor, / And it is thought abroad that ‘twixt my sheets / He’s done my office…” (Shakespeare 1.3.377-379). In Iago’s eyes, the image of his wife has been destroyed, losing trust and faith in her; the people of Venice now view Emilia differently with her ruined reputation. In the same way, Desdemona faces disapproval from

Desdemona proves her honesty and loyalty, showing her love toward her husband. When Othello accuses Desdemona of cheating, she affirms, “… I never did / Offend you in my life, never loved Cassio / But with such general warranty of heaven / As I might love. I never gave him token.” (5.2. ??). Alternatively, when she is killed by Othello and Emilia asks who is to blame, Desdemona says, “Nobody, I myself. Farewell / Commend me to my kind lord. O, farewell” (5.2.??). Proving her virtuous personality, Desdemona is veracious, stating she is not cheating, reassuring and pleasing her husband; she protects the reputation of Othello, defending him even after he has murdered her. She risks her own life for her husband’s, as he means the world to her. Even though it may not be morally right, Emilia shows her loyalty toward Iago through her submissiveness. Following his wishes, Emilia pleases Iago saying, “I am glad I have found this napkin, / This was her first remembrance from the Moor. / My wayward husband hath a hundred times / Wooded me to steal it, but she so loves the token … Heaven knows, not I. / I nothing but to please [Iago’s] fantasy.” (3.3 ??). Emilia reinforces her loyalty, doing as Iago told her, and steals the handkerchief, yet she has made a dishonest act toward her friend. Showing several similarities, the women also differ in

Desdemona is very proper, speaking with purpose and poise, influenced by her nobility. When speaking with Othello she says, “Why that’s with watching, ‘twill away again. / Let me but bind it hard, within this hour / It will be well.” (3.3. ??). Speaking with figurative language, it is evident that Desdemona speaks from the heart, showing utmost respect to her husband, her high status shows through her . Unlike Desdemona, Emilia speaks with common language, mostly influenced by her lower class, working as Desdemona’s maid. With Desdemona she says, “To eat us hungerly, and when they are full, / They belch us…” (3.4. ??). Emilia speaks in a tone that mirrors Iago, speaking in a manner that would not be accepted around people superior to her. It is evident that Emilia does not have as broad a vocabulary as Desdemona, making her appear less intelligent, with little experience. CONCLUDING