Othello #7

            Emilia demonstrates both loyalty and confidence when she tells Othello that he has made a grievous mistake in murdering Desdemona. Unlike Iago, Emilia does not shy away from the truth; she clearly and directly states her honest opinions. When Othello admits to murdering Desdemona, Emilia responds, “O, the more angel she, and you the blacker devil!” (5.2.161). Not only is Emilia admonishing a man who has just committed murder, but she is also gravely insulting the most powerful man on the island. Emilia highlights the disparity between Desdemona’s virtue and Othello’s corruption, using a religious reference to further sanctify Desdemona while condemning Othello. Unlike Desdemona, Emilia refuses to submit herself to men. While Desdemona would have found a way to blame herself, Emilia calls Othello out: “O gull! O dolt, / As ignorant as dirt!” (5.2.199-200). She decides to ensure that Othello’s actions are recognized by others, no matter the consequences. Perhaps her vow to expose Othello represents Emilia’s profound loyalty to Desdemona. However, if she were truly loyal, she should have stopped the murder from happening in the first place. Emilia then goes on to insult Iago, her husband. When Othello tells her that Iago informed him of Desdemona’s infidelity, Emilia wishes that Iago’s “pernicious soul / Rot half a grain a day!” (5.2.190-1). Again, Emilia’s reaction heightens the contrast between her and Desdemona. When Othello treated Desdemona poorly, she justified his actions and blamed herself. When Iago behaves poorly, Emilia condemns his soul. Emilia is not the obedient wife; she is confident in herself, and her confidence takes precedence over her duty to Iago. When Iago orders Emilia to be silent, she retorts, “No, I will speak as liberal as the north. / Let heaven and men and devils, let them all, / All, all, cry shame against me, yet I’ll speak” (5.2.261-263). Emilia’s response is the epitome of defiance. She stands up for what she believes is right, and she refuses to back down. Unfortunately, Emilia’s self-assurance does not change her fate; like Desdemona, she ends up murdered.