The Love, Wealth and Death of Emilia and Desdemona in Othello Essay

The Love, Wealth and Death of Emilia and Desdemona in Othello

In the play Othello by William Shakespeare Desdemona and Emilia are very different. Emilia demonstrates practicality, while Desdemona is extremely committed in her views of love and faith. Both Emilia and Desdemona belong to different classes, one lower class and one higher class, which effects there thinking on certain subjects especially cheating. Emilia and Desdemona have opposite attitudes towards men and marriage. Both Emilia and Desdemona also adopt opposing roles in the face of death and you find out who the stronger one really is.

Emilia and Desdemona have different views on marriage and men. Emilia demonstrates practicality while Desdemona is extremely committed to her views of love and faith. Emilia is a lot more willing to cheat on her husband then Desdemona. Emilia says though "I would not do such a thing for a joint-ring...monarch. I should venture purgatory fort (6.3. 72-73). Emilia also said that she can cheat not in daylight but when it is dark. This would mean that she can cheat as long as nobody else can see her or know what she is doing. Desdemona has very different views than Emilia.

Desdemona is extremely committed in her views of faith and love. Desdemona does not believe in cheating and does not agree with Emilia. Desdemona claims "I do not think there is any such woman" and that one should "Beshrew me, if I would do such a wrong" (4. 3.78.83). Emilia is very sarcastic and sees the bad in Othello and thinks that cheating can be justified, while Desdemona still sees

the good in him and vows to never cheat and remain faithful. There difference in class also plays a part in how they view cheating.

Emilia and Desdemonas difference in wealth plays a part in the assessment. Emilia is a servant and is in the lower class. Her views reflect that of someone with lower morals and less self-respect. Desdemona is a wealthy politician's daughter and shows views that represent someone from a higher class in that she resents cheating and vows to be faithful and true under all circumstances.

Both women have completely different attitudes toward marriage and men. Emilia is a modern woman and a feminist before her time. Emilia is the first one to detect signs of being jealous. But jealous souls will not be answer'd so; they are not ever jealous for the cause, But jealous for they are jealous: 'tis a monster Begot upon itself, born on itself (3.4.3). She can detect the signs from the experience she knows, and that men get jealous. Unlike Emilia being more modern, Desdemona is old fashioned.

Desdemona can be viewed as being old fashioned and idealistic. Desdemona's sheltered life has not prepared her for the day to day desires, and her inexperience of the opposite sex is obvious in her line: "I think the sun where he was born/ Drew all such humours from him" (3.4.30). Desdemona wonders how any woman could possibly be unfaithful to their husbands, this makes Desdemona seem old fashioned.

In the face of death both women adopt different roles. Desdemona accepts her death as God's will and forgives her murderer. In Desdemona's last saintly act, she blames her death on herself: "Nobody; I myself; Farewell:" (5.2.121). Emilia is brave in the face of death. She is a symbol of loyalty and fairness, putting her mistress's good name before her own. I will not charm my tongue; I am bound to speak:My

mistress here lies murder'd in her bed (5. 2.220). Her physical and mental courage excel as she criticizes the crazy Othello and becomes the voice of revenge on her husband. Emilia represents solidarity between women; this is echoed in the swan song which she dies singing. Willow, willow, willow,--Moor, she was chaste; she loved thee, cruel Moor; So come my soul to bliss, as I speak true; So speaking as I think, I die, I die (5.2.298-301). The theme of the song is of women being betrayed by their husbands. It reminds every one of the close bond between Desdemona and Emilia and unites them in their death.

Desdemona and Emilia are two very different women. They both have different views on marriage and men. One believes in cheating and the other doesnt. Desdemona is very committed to her views of faith and love, while Emilia is not. There difference in class also plays a part in there difference in views. Emilia is from the lower class while Desdemona is from the higher class. Both women are betrayed by their husbands in the end. The murder of Desdemona and Emilia reminds every one of their close bond and unites them in their death. Overall Emilia and Desdemona have very different views.