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Catalog
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of Shakespearean Characters |
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EMILIA in OTHELLO |
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Emilia is a polar opposite to her diabolical husband, Iago. She exercises her high moral qualities in the service of Desdemona. As an emblem of truth, it is consistent that Othello orders her out when he hurls false accusations at Desdemona which stun her into a state of shock. Emilia offers comfort and support, rounded out by an acid tongue-lashing in the presence of her husband, Iago:
"The Moor's abused by some most villainous knave, Some base, notorious knave, some scurvy fellow.It is with the same clear-sightedness that she berates the fickleness of husbands and the dishonesty of their double standards, declaring that fidelity and equality are the true bases for good human relationships. After Othello has strangled Desdemona, Emilia bursts in on the scene: Othello: "You heard her say herself, it was not I."The ferocity and passion of Emilia's verbal assault incites Othello to draw his sword on her. She challenges: "Do thy worst: Thou hast not half that power to do me harmHer call for help rallies the nobles, including Iago whom she accuses before them all: "You told a lie, an odious damned lie;Iago tries to silence her with threats but she proclaims in defiance: "I am bound to speak.Despite Iago's violence and protests, she exposes the incriminating evidence of the handkerchief, against him. In his trapped futility, and desperation, he stabs her. Her dying words are: "So come my soul to bliss, as I speak true;It is the supreme sacrifice to die a martyr to the cause of truth, but Emilia was one of the rare breed.
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