Characters: Emilia (Grade 12 NSC Matric English HL): Revision Notes

Characters: Emilia

Introduction to Emilia

Emilia serves as one of the most compelling and complex characters in Shakespeare's Othello. As Iago's wife and Desdemona's attendant, she occupies a unique position that allows Shakespeare to explore themes of loyalty, gender, and moral courage. Her character undergoes a profound transformation throughout the play, evolving from what initially appears to be a submissive accomplice to becoming a powerful voice for truth and justice.

Initial role and relationship with Iago

At the beginning of the play, Emilia seems to function almost like one of her husband's instruments. When Iago needs to arrange inappropriate behaviour between Cassio and Desdemona, he commands that "my wife must move for Cassio to her mistress" (2.3). Emilia dutifully complies, helping to facilitate meetings between Desdemona and Cassio, and even encouraging her mistress to advocate for Cassio's cause.

Her most significant act of apparent complicity comes when she steals Desdemona's handkerchief. She reveals that her "wayward husband hath a hundred times / Wood me to steal it" (3.3), and when she finally obtains it, she shows only minimal suspicion about Iago's true intentions. She accepts his refusal to explain his plans, demonstrating what appears to be passive submission to his authority.

Initially, Iago treats Emilia with considerable contempt, often speaking to her rudely and dismissively. He makes cruel remarks such as "It is a common thing... to have a foolish wife" (3.3), clearly showing his lack of respect for her intelligence and worth.

Growing awareness and insight

However, as the play progresses, Emilia reveals herself to possess sharp intelligence and keen social awareness. She demonstrates a sophisticated understanding of how women are often mistreated by their husbands, telling Desdemona that "they eat us hungrily, and when they are full / They belch us" (3.4). This metaphor shows her clear-eyed view of how men consume and discard women.

Emilia also displays progressive thinking about women's behaviour and moral responsibility. She argues that "I do think it is their husbands' faults / If wives do fall" (4.3), suggesting that women's supposed failings often stem from their husbands' poor treatment. This perspective reveals her growing self-awareness and her ability to think critically about gender relations and social expectations.

Courage and moral awakening

When Emilia realises that Othello suspects Desdemona of infidelity, her protective instincts emerge powerfully. She boldly confronts Othello, telling him "If you think other / Remove your thought" (4.2), showing remarkable courage in challenging a man who has just demonstrated his capacity for violence.

After discovering that Othello has killed Desdemona, Emilia's transformation reaches its climax. Despite being alone with a man who has just committed murder and who could easily kill her as well, she fearlessly declares "Thou dost belie her and thou art a devil" (5.2). This moment reveals the depths of her courage and moral conviction.

Final heroic actions

Emilia's ultimate heroic moment comes when she realises her husband's role in orchestrating Desdemona's death. She immediately determines to expose his crimes, stating boldly "I'll make thee known / Though I lost twenty lives" (5.2). This declaration shows her complete transformation from passive accomplice to active seeker of justice.

When given the opportunity to remain silent and save her own life, Emilia instead chooses to speak the truth publicly. She announces that "your reports have set the murder on" (5.2,184), directly accusing Iago before everyone present. When Iago threatens her and demands her silence, she responds with defiant courage: "I will speak as liberal as the north" (5.2).

Tragic heroism and redemption

Emilia's final words, "So come my soul to bliss, as I speak true" (5.2), reveal her understanding that speaking the truth will cost her life, but she chooses moral courage over personal survival. Her death serves as both tragedy and redemption - she cannot undo the damage caused by her earlier complicity, but she can ensure that justice is served and truth prevails.

Her character arc creates a powerful parallel with Desdemona's fate. Both women die as a result of their husbands' actions, but while Desdemona dies as an innocent victim, Emilia dies as someone seeking atonement for her role in the tragic events.

Character significance

Emilia represents the possibility of moral growth and redemption, even for those who have been complicit in wrongdoing. Her transformation from passive submission to active heroism demonstrates Shakespeare's interest in characters who can transcend their circumstances through moral courage.

She also serves as a voice for women's experiences in a patriarchal society, articulating insights about gender relations that remain relevant today. Her progressive views on women's rights and responsibilities make her one of Shakespeare's most modern female characters.

Key themes explored through Emilia

• Truth vs. deception: Emilia's journey from unwitting accomplice to truth-teller
• Gender and power: Her insights into how women are treated by men
• Moral courage: Her willingness to sacrifice her life for justice
• Loyalty and betrayal: Her complex relationships with both Iago and Desdemona
• Redemption: Her attempt to atone for her role in the tragedy

Summary