Full Answer
What is Emilia’s role in Othello?
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.
Why does Iago tell Othello to have Emilia watch Desdemona?
Othello tells Iago to have Emilia watch Desdemona, and Iago tells Othello to watch how Desdemona acts regarding Cassio. (full context) Desdemona and Emilia enter to tell Othello it is time for dinner. Desdemona tries to soothe him with... (full context)
Does Emilia judge Othello too harshly?
An audience would not judge Emilia too harshly for her views, knowing Iago’s true nature. 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).
How does Emilia react when Desdemona drops her handkerchief?
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.). She shows only a small amount of suspicion as to what Iago plans to do with it, and accepts his refusal to tell her.
What does Emilia say to Othello?
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.).
What was Emilia's reaction when Othello told her?
57. What is Emilia's reaction when Othello tells her that Iago has revealed Desdemona's affair with Cassio to him? Emilia was shocked and amazed. All along she had thought the tale had been a lie contrived by some awful person; never dreaming that Iago was responsible.
What does Emilia say about jealousy?
“But jealous souls will not be assured so; They are not ever jealous for the cause, But jealous for they are jealous; 'tis a monster Begot upon itself, born of itself.” (Act 3, Scene 4) Just as Iago warns Othello to beware of jealousy, Emilia tells Desdemona that jealously is a monster that eats away at a person.
What does Emilia say about cheating?
The song makes Desdemona think about adultery, and she asks Emilia whether she would cheat on her husband “for all the world” (IV. iii. 62 ). Emilia says that she would not deceive her husband for jewels or rich clothes, but that the whole world is a huge prize and would outweigh the offense.
Who killed Emilia in Othello?
IagoShe tells how she found the handkerchief, which her husband had asked her to steal, and gave it to him. Iago stabs Emilia and runs out. As she dies, Emilia tells Othello that Desdemona loved him.
What does Emilia tell Othello that Desdemona has done?
She was brought up so gently that she can't make sense of his abuse. Thankfully, Emilia witnessed the whole thing and is happy to dish. She says Othello called Desdemona a whore and all sorts of other cruel names—things worse than a drunk beggar would have said to a prostitute.
Why is Emilia jealous in Othello?
For Emilia Jealousy runs her motives. She wants things she can't have so it pushes her to do things she shouldn't. Emilia betrays her best friend to get some kind of attention from her neglectful husband Iago by basically framing Desdemona unintentionally.
Who was jealous in Othello?
IagoIago is jealous of both Othello's success and the fact that Othello made Cassio a lieutenant. Iago claims that Cassio has never set a foot on the battlefield and that in promoting Cassio Othello has chosen by letter and affection and not by old gradation (Act 1. Scene 1).
What does Emilia say about men?
She believes most men are foolish, wicked, or perverse, and nothing she experiences during the course of the play disproves that assessment.
What does Emilia say causes wives unfaithfulness?
She says “they slack their duties” in which she is referring to them not fulfilling their obligations to their wives including their sexual desires (Line 98).
How does Emilia justify women's unfaithfulness in marriage?
Therefore, Emilia strongly expresses a contemporary view about the sexes in her opinion on betrayal. She argues that both men and women are unfaithful because they are in love with another person, they can not resist temptation, and they simply have a desire for entertainment.
What does Emilia think of marriage?
Key quotation: Emilia on marriage Emilia has a disillusioned view of marriage: ''Tis not a year or two shows us a man./ They are all but stomachs, and we all but food' (III. 4.104–5). These words remind us that the female characters are powerless in Othello ; they are 'food' for their men.
How does Emilia feel about Iago?
Emilia's relationship with Iago really seems like a marriage made in hell. Iago constantly mocks and disrespects her. He never seems to offer her any affection, and he always talks trash about women in general. Despite this (or because of this—Stockholm Syndrome's no joke) Emilia seems eager to please him.
What is the effect of Emilia's silence about the handkerchief?
She asserts that when Emilia steals the handkerchief she acts in accord with the “wifely virtues of silence, obedience, and prudence” (Neely 1993:131), and that when she gives it to Iago, she is “thereby making herself subservient to him and placing her loyalty to her husband above affection for Desdemona.
How is Emilia manipulated by Iago?
Iago treats Emilia contemptuously. He asks her sharply what she's doing alone, implying that her movements should be directed entirely by him. He also insults Emilia as 'a foolish wife' (III. 3.308), but when he realises she has the handkerchief, his tone softens: now Emilia is a 'good wench' (III.
Why does Emilia betray Iago?
Emilia only betrayed her lady Desdemona because Iago has been asking for the handkerchief for a while now and since Desdemona just happened to conveniently drop the handkerchief she thought now was her opportunity to quickly grab it and make Iago happy, “No, faith, she let it drop by negligence, And to th' advantage I, ...
Why does Emilia die in Desdemona?
However, while Desdemona’s death reflects the murder of an innocent victim, Emilia dies seeking atonement for her participation in Iago’s crimes. 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.
What does Emilia do with Iago?
Emilia at first appears to be one of her husband Iago’s puppets. 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.) and shortly thereafter Emilia facilitates a meeting between Desdemona and Cassio, and encourages her mistress to advocate on behalf of Cassio. 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.). She shows only a small amount of suspicion as to what Iago plans to do with it, and accepts his refusal to tell her. These actions suggest that Emilia, at least initially, is at best passive, and at worst complicit in Iago’s schemes. He often speaks sharply or rudely to her, as when he quips “It is a common thing… to have a foolish wife” (3.3.) suggesting he doesn’t respect her intelligence.
Is Emilia passive or complicit?
These actions suggest that Emilia, at least initially, is at best passive, and at worst complicit in Iago’s schemes. He often speaks sharply or rudely to her, as when he quips “It is a common thing… to have a foolish wife” (3.3.) suggesting he doesn’t respect her intelligence.
What is the role of Emilia in Othello?
In Shakespeare’s “Othello”, Emilia is considered one of the minor characters. She is the wife of Iago and the lady in waiting to Desdemona. Emilia makes a crucial contribution to the play as a whole. She contributes to the characterization of a couple of key characters and adds to the dramatic irony of the play. She plays an essential role in the escalation of the dramatic action. She also adds to some of the themes of the play. Emilia contributes to the characterization of both Iago and Desdemona.
What is Emilia's motivation for hating the Moor?
One of these instances is in Act I, scene iii Iago reveals in his soliloquy that another motivation for hating the Moor is that he believes Othello may have bedded Emilia; “ I hate the Moor, And it is thought abroad that ‘twixt my sheets H’as done my office…” (I. iii. 377-379). Iago then proceeds to provoke Othello’s jealousy. Another contribution to the jealousy theme is in Act III, scene iv Desdemona states she has never given cause for Othello to be jealous.
What does Emilia say in Act III?
In Act III, scene iv Desdemona asks Emilia if she know where she lost her handkerchief. Emilia states, “ I know not, madam. ” (III. iv. 23). Again, later in the scene Emilia misses another opportunity to foil Iago’s plan. Emilia sees how upset Othello gets about Desdemona not being able to produce the handkerchief yet she does not come forth. Instead, she blames it on men and marriage; “ Tis not a year or two shows us a man.
What is the contrast between Emilia and Desdemona?
Throughout the play Desdemona ’s innocence and guilessness is contrasted with Emilia’s realistic and experienced perspective.
What is the theme of Othello?
103-104). She does not see the connection between the jealous husband and the handkerchief. This dramatic device of having the character being naive to information about which the audience is aware builds tension. The audience knows of Iago’s plan to use the handkerchief but Emilia is ignorant of this. If she simply reported what happened with the handkerchief the set up could be avoided. One of the main themes in Othello is jealousy.
Where does Emilia enter the play?
Emilia enters the play in Act II, Scene i when she and the party arrive in Cyprus. Iago speaks to her rudely and treats her disparagingly in front of the others; “Come on, come on! You are pictures out of door, Bells in your parlors, wildcats in your kitchens, Saints in your injuries…” (II. i. 108-110). This reveals to the audience Iago’s true nature in his marital relationship and his low opinion of women.
What does Emilia mean by jealousy?
Emilia speaks to jealousy and describes it as a monster ; “ They are not ever jealous for the cause, But jealous for they’re jealous. It is a monster Begot upon itself, born on itself. ” (III. iv. 159-161). This also supports the imagery created in Act II, scene iii when Iago is warning Othello the dangers of jealousy; “ O’ beware, my lord, of jealousy! It is the green-eyed monster, which doth mock…” (III. iii. 166-167). Emilia plays a significant role in Othello and serves many dramatic purposes. These range from characterization, plot development, dramatic irony and theme and imagery development.
What scene does Emilia declare Desdemona innocent?
Emilia declares Desdemona's innocence at the opening of Act IV, scene ii. Othello is grilling her as to whether she has seen anything between Desdemona and Cassio, and finally Emilia says:
What is the irony in the lines I have bolded?
The irony here, in the lines I have bolded, is that she is referring to exactly what has happened. The audience knows this to be true, since they have seen Iago work his evil "serpent's curse." So, it is dramatic irony as well, as Othello does not know what the audience knows, that Emilia speaks the truth about the "wretch" who put the idea of adultery "in [his] head."
What does Emilia wonder if Othello is jealous?
Emilia wonders if Othello is jealous, then comments on how fickle men are towards women. (full context) Desdemona surmises that Othello's bad temper must arise from some affair of state. Emilia wonders again whether it might be jealousy. When Desdemona says he can't be jealous, since... (full context) Act 4, scene 2.
What happens when Othello says yes?
When Othello says yes, Iago sadly informs him that earlier that day... (full context) Act 3, scene 4. When the clown exits, Desdemona wonders what has happened to her handkerchief. Emilia, who is also present, says she doesn't know. (full context) ...she tries to change the subject back to Cassio's suit.
What does Othello tell Emilia to watch Desdemona?
Othello tells Iago to have Emilia watch Desdemona, and Iago tells Othello to watch how Desdemona acts regarding Cassio. (full context) Desdemona and Emilia enter to tell Othello it is time for dinner. Desdemona tries to soothe him with... (full context) Iago enters. To his delight, Emilia shows him the handkerchief.
What is the scene in Act 3 of The Clown?
Act 3, scene 1. Cassio gives the clown a gold piece, and asks the clown to bring Emilia to him so that he may speak with her. The clown exits and Iago enters.... (full context) Emilia enters, and tells Cassio that Othello and Desdemona have been talking about his situation. Desdemona... (full context) Act 3, scene 3.
What does Desdemona ask Emilia to fetch?
Desdemona asks Emilia to fetch Iago, whom Desdemona then questions about Othello's behavior. Emilia thinks that it must... (full context) Act 4, scene 3. ...a walk. Before leaving, he orders Desdemona to go directly to bed and to dismiss Emilia. Emilia helps Desdemona prepare for bed.
What does Emilia say to Desdemona?
As they discuss Othello, Emilia says that she wishes... (full context) Desdemona then asks Emilia whether she would commit adultery. Emilia responds that woman are just like men, and will... (full context) Act 5, scene 1. Cassio is carried offstage and Emilia enters.
Why does Desdemona want to sleep with Emilia?
As soon as they arrive, Desdemona... (full context) ...wants to sleep with her because he wants revenge on O thello for possibly sleeping with Emilia.
What does Othello say about Emilia?
In Act IV, scene ii, Othello interrogates Emilia as if she were a witness to a crime. Her testimony would be strong evidence of Desdemona’s innocence, except that Othello dismisses it all as lies, because it does not accord with what he already believes. Just as there is no way for Othello to prove beyond any doubt that Desdemona has been unfaithful, no amount of evidence could now overturn Othello’s belief in her guilt. (In the final scene, Othello does abruptly decide that he has been deceived all along by Iago, but not because he is confronted by compelling proof.) Othello explains away any evidence in Desdemona’s favor, however strong, by imagining Emilia and Desdemona to be subtle and sophisticated liars.
What does Emilia say to her husband about Othello?
Emilia says to her husband that Othello must have been deceived by some villain, the same sort of villain who made Iago suspect Emilia of sleeping with Othello.
What does Desdemona say about Lodovico?
As Emilia undresses her, Desdemona suddenly remarks that Lodovico, who was onstage at the beginning of the scene, “is a proper man” (IV.iii. 34 ). This remark suggests that Lodovico is attractive, all that a man should be, and it is somewhat puzzling, considering all that Desdemona has to think about at this moment.
What does Desdemona say to Othello after dinner?
After dinner, Othello proposes to walk with Lodovico, and sends Desdemona to bed, telling her that he will be with her shortly and that she should dismiss Emilia. Desdemona seems aware of her imminent fate as she prepares for bed. She says that if she dies before Emilia, Emilia should use one of the wedding sheets for her shroud. As Emilia helps her mistress to undress, Desdemona sings a song called “Willow” about a woman whose love forsook her. She says she learned the song from her mother’s maid, Barbary, who died singing the song after she had been deserted by her lover.
What does Othello tell Emilia about Desdemona?
Othello interrogates Emilia about Desdemona ’s behavior, but Emilia insists that Desdemona has done nothing suspicious. Othello tells Emilia to summon Desdemona, implying while Emilia is gone that she is a “bawd,” or female pimp (IV.ii. 21 ). When Emilia returns with Desdemona, Othello sends Emilia to guard the door. Alone with Desdemona, Othello weeps and proclaims that he could have borne any affliction other than the pollution of the “fountain” from which his future children are to flow (IV.ii. 61 ).
What scene does Desdemona go to bed in?
Having had to preside over a state dinner right after being abused by her husband in Act IV, scene ii, Desdemona must be completely exhausted by the beginning of Act IV, scene iii. She submits without complaint to Othello’s order that she go to bed and dismiss Emilia. Despite Othello’s repeated offenses, Desdemona continues to love her husband.
What is Emilia's comment in Willow?
Emilia’s comment serves as an invitation for Desdemona to speak more openly about the possibility of her infidelity. When Desdemona tells the story behind the “Willow” song that she sings, she says that the name of her mother’s maid was “Barbary” (IV.iii. 25 ), inadvertently echoing Iago’s description of Othello as a “Barbary horse” (I.i. 113 ).
What is the role of Emilia in Othello?
In Shakespeare’s “Othello”, Emilia is considered one of the minor characters. She is the wife of Iago and the lady in waiting to Desdemona. Emilia makes a crucial contribution to the play as a whole. She contributes to the characterization of a couple of key characters and adds to the dramatic irony of the play. She plays an essential role in the escalation of the dramatic action. She also adds to some of the themes of the play. Emilia contributes to the characterization of both Iago and Desdemona. Emilia enters the play in Act II, Scene i when she and the party arrive in Cyprus. Iago speaks to her rudely and treats her disparagingly in front of the others; “Come on, come on! You are…show more content…
What is Emilia's character in Othello?
Emilia’s Character in Othello Often within novels, plays or sorties, individuals are labeled to a certain category of character that fits an evident template. Emilia within Shakespeare’s Othello is unlike many of the other characters in that prospect as she is unique. Emilia has several different views and outlooks on the worldly matters, especially in comparison to say Desdemona or Othello whom respectively represent innocence and jealousy. The apparent fact that Emilia is married to Iago is
What is the attention grabber in Othello?
Attention grabber. Explanation to attention grabber. Othello by William Shakespeare depicts feminism through the oppression of women by the characters Cassio, Othello, and Iago. To begin, Cassio portrays how superior he is to Bianca through his actions and words. Bianca is a prostitute, and is considered to be Cassio’s lover. Bianca is repeatedly degraded not only because of her sexual status, but also because she is a women. Cassio jokes around with Iago telling him that he will never marry her
What are the relationships in Othello?
One of the major components in Othello, that Shakespeare incorporated throughout the play, is relationships. These relationships are driven by different motivations and give each individual something unique. Each character contributes disparate factors to their relationships and change from scenario to scenario. The presentation of different relationships in Othello represents many of the underlying motifs of the play. Othello and Iago’s relationship, the most prominent relationship, represents
What are the women in Othello?
Shakespeare developed complex and varied female characters in his plays, especially the women portrayed in Othello. In the play, Shakespeare introduces three female characters: Desdemona, Othello 's wife, Emilia, Iago ’s wife and mistress
What is the significance of the act of treachery in Othello?
They greatly contribute to the theme that appearance does not always portray reality, and reality is not what one sees but more often what one does not see. The acts of treachery and betrayal in Othello help to develop this theme through character development. Such acts include: how Iago deceives Othello by being his friend and enemy at the same time. Othello betraying his wife’s love and trust. Emilia (Iago’s wife)
Who is the villain in Othello?
In Shakespeare's Othello, the villainous Iago is the cause of all the tragedy and misunderstanding in the play. He carries out an elaborate plan to get what he wants, which is the position of being lieutenant, by deceiving and tricking everyone around him. It seems Iago is either an amazing actor and very talented at perfectly carrying out detailed plans, or has an advantage for himself. He is able to completely change people's true beliefs and to listen to him. It is entirely possible that Iago
