Analysis of emilia in othello. Emilia Character Analysis in Othello 2022-10-15
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Emilia is a complex character in William Shakespeare's play Othello. She serves as a maid to Desdemona, the wife of the play's protagonist, Othello. At first glance, Emilia may seem like a minor character, but upon closer examination, it becomes clear that she plays a crucial role in the development of the plot and themes of the play.
One of the most notable aspects of Emilia's character is her loyalty to Desdemona. Despite being a servant, Emilia deeply cares for her mistress and is willing to go to great lengths to protect her. This is exemplified in the final act of the play, when Emilia stands up to Othello and defends Desdemona's honor, even though it means going against her husband, Iago. This loyalty ultimately leads to Emilia's tragic demise, as she is killed by Othello for speaking the truth about Desdemona's innocence.
Another important aspect of Emilia's character is her relationship with Iago. Iago is a manipulative and deceitful character who uses Emilia's loyalty to further his own twisted plans. He convinces Emilia to steal Desdemona's handkerchief, knowing that it will be used to falsely accuse Desdemona of infidelity. Emilia's willingness to follow Iago's orders, despite her reservations, demonstrates the power of manipulation and the dangers of blindly following authority.
Through her relationship with Iago, Emilia also serves as a foil to Desdemona. While Desdemona is naive and trusting, Emilia is more skeptical and aware of the dangers of the world. This is demonstrated in their conversations about love and relationships. While Desdemona believes that love is a powerful force that can overcome any obstacle, Emilia is more realistic and acknowledges that love can be destructive.
Emilia's character also highlights the themes of gender and social status in the play. As a maid, Emilia occupies a lower social position than Desdemona and is expected to be subservient to her mistress. However, Emilia's intelligence and wit often challenge this dynamic, as she is not afraid to speak her mind and voice her opinions. This is particularly evident in her interactions with Othello, as she refuses to blindly accept his accusations against Desdemona and instead speaks up in defense of her mistress.
In conclusion, Emilia is a complex and multifaceted character in Othello. Through her loyalty to Desdemona, her relationship with Iago, and her commentary on gender and social status, Emilia plays a crucial role in the development of the play's plot and themes. Despite her ultimately tragic fate, Emilia's strength and bravery make her a memorable and important character in the play.
Characterisation Emilia Othello: Advanced
Because the audience knows Iago has the handkerchief at this point, it makes the vow of loyalty between Othello and Iago occurring before this interaction even more legitimate. Once Emilia hands over the handkerchief to Iago, the plot against Othello accelerates. Finally, Othello realizes that it is Emilia who is calling. None of the women in Othello participated willingly in Iago's conspiracy, yet all three paid a price. The purest love of all is that of Othello and Desdemona. Wives were expected to, especially by God, be monogamous and not commit adultery.
Emilia doesn't hesitate to express her non-traditional views on men and marriage. With the help of raging emotions and the deep desire for freedom, Emilia finally earns her Role Of Family In Othello Situation in Othello 1. After receiving the gift from Othello, Desdemona misplaces the handkerchief. Emilia is always there to listen and to give advice to young Desdemona whenever she needs it the most. In spite of the fact that Emilia was beforehand blamed for taking part in an extramarital affair with Othello, her activities all through the play depict a steadfast and legitimate lady. Though it appears that Emilia is both a loyal and obedient wife, her actions speak much louder than her words. .
Emilia In Othello: A Complete Transformation Essay Example
Summary: Act IV, scene iii 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. He refers to Iago's character is that of "raging torment". . The trouble is that psychology only takes us so far. Jessica has also worked with Melbourne Theatre Company, Queensland Theatre and two touring productions with Bell Shakespeare. With that change of possession, Desdemona has lost the love and trust her husband originally gave her. The Moor hath killed my mistress! Emilia, an analytical woman that knew to obey the social norms but still carried a sense of inherent moral compass and compassion.
Analysis of Emilia (Othello) Character's Importance Critical Analysis Essay Example
This is not a casual coincidence. Emilia is loyal to Desdemona, but she is loyal to Iago. She has over a decade of experience in television across all the major networks, with lead roles in; Home and Away, Wonderland, Bad Mothers and Underbelly. Now Lodovico turns to Othello, and tells him that he must give up his command and return with them to Venice. In the drama Othello, by William Shakespeare, there are several dynamic and interesting characters from the beginning to the end. Emilia's conviction for female equality is so strong that she attempts to convince Desdemona that she should not put up with Othello's jealousy. She shows her loyalty to her mistress by speaking up in front of Othello when he was accusing Desdemona to adultery with Cassio.
The Significance of Emilia's Character in Othello: [Essay Example], 810 words GradesFixer
His curious final anecdote asserts his rightful membership in Venetian society. The song reminds Desdemona of adultery, and she asks Emilia if she would cheat on her husband for the prize of the entire world. Desdemona is slapped by Othello and no one can believe that the well-known respected general would do such a thing. While the innocent and beautiful Desdemona is a truly tragic figure, he juxtaposes her traditional femininity with Emilia's unconventional views: 'Let them use us well; else let them know, the ills we do, their ills instruct us so' Act 4, Scene 3. I nothing but to please his fantasy.
Free Essay: Character Analysis: Importance of Emilia in Othello
Othello insists again that Desdemona was unfaithful and brings up the proof of the handkerchief. Emilia also has a powerful monologue comparing women to men in this play. . She attempts to unite the sexes with equality, even though her attempt goes ahead to show the division. She shows her loyalty to her mistress by speaking up in front of Othello when he was accusing Desdemona to adultery with Cassio.
Let husbands know Their wives have sense like them: they see and smell And have their palates both for sweet and sour, As husbands have. By refusing to speak, Iago retains some of the directorial control of events that he has striven for throughout: he never reveals his inner reality to the other characters. Emilia finally puts all the pieces of Iago's web of manipulations together, and realizes the complete terror that he has caused. While the beautiful and pure Desdemona is considered the central female character, Emilia represents a non-traditional woman of the time. Emilia sacrifices her life to defy Iago who arranged Desdemona's death as she embraces death by breaking her silence in telling Othello the truth about the handkerchief. In the beginning of the play, Emilia is submissive, but in the end she transforms and stands up to her husband and doesn't let him get away with any of his manipulations. He is portrayed to the audience as a symbol of power and strength.
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. Iago goes on to say women talk to much and are practically useless. . She spends much of her day in Desdemona's service, so she has insight and access to Desdemona's personal life. Desdemona tells Emilia to lay her wedding sheets on the bed for that night. She shows only a small amount of suspicion as to what Iago plans to do with it, and accepts his refusal to tell her. This tells us about the relationship between Iago and Emilia.
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. Even though he is a high ranking military official, he is less respected because of his dark skin and being a foreigner. Her understanding of men seems to be different compared to traditional women in that era. Concept of the Marriages 3. It is so tragic that no one character survives by the end of the play.
Through most of the play, he is able to fool Othello, Desdemona, Cassio, Roderigo, and Emilia, his own wife. Standing over Desdemona as she sleeps, he admires her beauty, kisses her, and is almost moved to let her live—noting that, like a flower, once plucked, she cannot be given "vital growth" 5. He struggles with Desdemona as she begs to be first banished instead of killed and then allowed to live just a few minutes more. Desdemona is distraught, and she seems to be aware of her impending fate when Othello tells her to go to bed and dismiss Emilia. Previously willing to endure anything for lago, Emilia now wishes to punish her husband. Redemption In any case, she redeems herself or possibly gives a good shot at attempting. The answer is apparent when Emilia steps in.
