She makes conscious decisions and judgments with regard to her relationship. ![]() Even though it’s an uncommon stance, Emilia refuses to put her full trust in Iago and publicly disputes him on his lack of morality. Emilia confronts Iago by declaring, You told a lie, an odious damned lie:/ Upon my soul, a lie, a wicked lie!/ She false with Cassio? Did you say with Cassio? (5.2.179-181) She questions Iago’s honesty and integrity in the presence of characters who trust him. She is challenging Iago’s honesty by demanding that he tell her the events leading up to Desdemona’s murder. Emilia challenges, Disprove this villain, if thou be’st a man./ He says thou told’st him his wife was false./ I know thou didst not, thou’rt not such a villain./ Speak, for my heart is full (5.2.171-174). Even though Iago is her husband, Emilia acknowledges that he should be held accountable for his actions and is distraught that he would commit such an act. ![]() Emilia discerns a darker side of marriage, which is typically regarded as a holy bond. Once Emilia realizes that Iago had a role in Desdemona’s murder, she angrily declares, If he say so, may his pernicious soul/ Rot half a grain a day! He lies to th’heart./ She was too fond of her most filthy bargain (5.2.154-156). The fact that Emilia questions aspects of her relationship with Iago goes against the social norms of the time. Throughout Othello, Emilia is portrayed as the strongest female character because she has the power to be honest and persuasive even in difficult situations. Among these female characters, Emilia is the most empowered and influential. While there are only three female characters, each has distinct qualities and a significant role in the play. ![]() In Othello, by William Shakespeare, there are numerous characters that display strength and power.
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