Desdemona and Emilia (Fyodor Wheeler)
Desdemona and Emilia talk about a dangerous topic at the end
of Act 4 – female infidelity. Both of them have been in some way accused of
being unfaithful to their husbands; Desdemona with Cassio and Emilia with
Othello. Desdemona is innocent in both senses of the word, having done nothing
wrong and being ignorant of how the world works and of what people, including
women, are capable. She has been rejected and hit by her husband but she still
loves him, “even in his stubbornness, his cheeks, his frowns” (Oth.4.3.21).
She even isn't quite sure if women commit adultery, which is suggested by the
unfaithful man in the willow song – “If I court more women, you'll couch with
more men” (Oth.4.3.61-62). Emilia herself is forced to be a bystander in
the unfolding disaster. She knows Iago has the handkerchief because she gave it
to him, saying she does “nothing but to please his fantasy” (Oth.3.3.343).
Desdemona sees dedication to her husband as a matter of love, whereas Emilia
sees it as a practical matter.
Emilia's view of serving a husband is unusual, especially
within the context of this play. She blames men for their wives being
unfaithful – “it is their husbands' faults / If wives do fall” (Oth.4.3.97-98).
She explains exactly why at the end of her speech – “the ills we do, their ills
instruct us so” (Oth.4.3.115). When Desdemona asks if she would ever
commit adultery, Emilia says she would not do it for some petty reason, but
“for the whole world” (Oth.4.3.85) because “Who / would not make her
husband a cuckold to make him a monarch?” (Oth.4.3.85-87).
These opposing views
of wifely duty reflect part of Katherina's speech on the subject in Taming
of the Shrew. Katherina says women have three duties to their husband – “to
serve, love, and obey” (Shr.5.2.164). Desdemona will obey Othello, but
she believes in love as the most important thing – even if he goes mad and
accuses her of something that isn't true. Emilia serves Iago, even knowing that
he's up to no good.
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