Contrast of Emilia and Desdemona in Othello

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The play “Othello” by William Shakespeare talks of two major feminine characters: Desdemona and Emilia. Desdemona is the wife of the play’s major character, Othello while Emilia is engaged to the greatest villain in the play, Iago. As such, the two women play a central role in the development of the theme in the play. In this respect, the women are similar and different in several ways. Therefore, this essay compares and contrasts these two female characters. Both women have a close relationship. Emilia’s devotion to her mistress does not falter until their death. On the other hand, Desdemona remains reliant on Emilia’s wisdom and knowledge of men. She constantly seeks Emilia’s advice with regard to men. Moreover, both women are ignorant. Their ignorance is illustrated by when they unknowingly fall for Iago’s deceptive plans. Iago also calls his wife Emilia stupid. He says, “It is a common thing to have a foolish wife." (line 304, act 3, scene 3). In addition, their ignorance makes them love their husbands blindly. This blind and ignorant love leads them to an early grave when their husbands murder them. Moreover, Desdemona and Emilia are loyal to their husbands. In this respect, they do anything to please their husbands. When Othello voices his distrust of his wife, Desdemona reassures him of her love and loyalty to her. To this end, she assures her husband that she has not been committed adultery with Cassio, in an effort to please him. Desdemona says, “I never did Offend you in my life; never loved Cassio But with such general warranty of heaven As I might love. I never gave him token” (line 61, act 5, scene 2) On the other end, Emilia proves her loyalty and devotion to her husband by following his instructions to the latter. In addition, she stays close to her husband despite Iago’s incessant abuses and aggression towards her. She fondly refers to

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