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Emilia is a multidimensional character who plays several important roles in “Othello”. She contributes to the very impetus of the play, Iago’s jealousy (’twixt my sheets / He has done my office 1.1. 388 - 9). She provides Iago with the “ocular proof” he requires to carry out his sinister plans and later she exposes him publicly. Emilia’s worldliness enhances Desdemona’s innocence and her relationship with Desdemona counterpoints Iago’s relationship with Othello. Furthermore, Emilia contributes to significant themes in “Othello” including jealousy, marriage, and woman’s role in Renaissance society. Emilia is, without doubt, the most compelling female in “Othello”. While Desdemona remains idealistic and naïve, and Bianca remains a “strumpet”, Emilia transforms from docile wife to liberated woman.

Shakespeare introduces Emilia in Act 1as an unseen wife – a possession dispensable at will. Othello simply asks that “honest” Iago’s wife become Desdemona’s escort (I prithee let thy wife attend on her, And bring them after in the best advantage 1. 3. 291-292) and, without discussion, his request is fulfilled. In Act 2 Iago publicly insults the now present Emilia. (Sir, would she give you so much of her lips / As of her tongue she oft bestows on me, /You would have enough. 2.1. 100-103) Instead of lashing out, she responds with few words. (You have little cause to say so. 2.1. 108) Up to this point in the play Shakespeare portrays Emilia as an obedient wife who never speaks out against her husband.

As Acts 3 and 4 unfold, Emilia reveals herself as an intelligent, independent thinker. She has worldly and liberal views. (The world’s a huge thing; it is a great price for / a small vice 4.3. 70 - 71 .) She is cynical about marriage. (Yet have we some revenge. 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. 4.3. 96 -99) She understands...