Desdemona's Loyalty In Othello

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In era where women were objectified and considered inferior to the male body, Emilia the spouse of Iago, proved that a woman was more than just property and should have equal rights to voice their opinions. As learnt from Emilia towards the end of the play, she is an example of why the greater sin would be to fear and lie, then be honest and stand against societal norms. Emilia displays true loyalty to Desdemona when she defends Desdemona’s chastity to Othello. She implores Othello to trust his wife and assures him there is no way she would cheat. Despite Iago’s threats, Emilia has chosen Desdemona over her husband, loyalty over deceit. As per the belief of men in this era, Silence, Chastity and Compliance are the three components that reflects …show more content…
Iago threatens to kill Emilia after his true intentions have been revealed. Emilia stands without fear to tell Othello the truth and defend Desdemona’s name. Standing up for the truth, Emilia has had enough of being obedient and complying to Iago’s orders, and speaks up against both men Iago and Othello. “Ay, ay. Oh, lay me by my mistress' side.” Till her very last point, Emilia proves her loyalty to Desdemona. After Iago stabs her with his sword, she asks to be laid next to her mistress, Desdemona. If Emilia wanted to, when Iago told her to stay quiet and go home, she could’ve obeyed those orders, but instead chose to be obedient and loyal not to her husband but to her lady. She spoke up against Iago’s crimes and redeems herself with true eternal devotion to Desdemona.

[Emilia demonstrates the strongest challenge to the definition of an “ideal” woman, while gathering inner strength to revolt against society and defy man’s invisible reign on woman.] As per the belief of men in this era, Silence, Chastity and Compliance are the three components that reflects an ideal woman.
Emilia stood against the image of an “ideal woman”, and proved that to be determined and lead a purposeful life was far more important than complying with the norms of society. She supported the truth and lived a life not of fear and wrongdoings, but of honour and
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