Monday, April 16, 2018

Fyodor on Desdemona and Emilia



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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