The Treatment of Emilia in Shakespeare's Othello: Gender, Power, and Misogyny
Overview
This essay analyzes the character of Emilia in Shakespeare's Othello, examining how she is treated by the men in the play and what her experiences reveal about the position of women in the work. The analysis focuses on themes of gender, loyalty, manipulation, and misogyny, arguing that Shakespeare uses Emilia to critique how husbands abuse women and perceive them as sexual objects rather than autonomous individuals.
What this essay covers
- Introduction to Emilia's central role and her treatment as a puppet by her husband Iago
- Analysis of misogynistic language and imagery, including metaphors of women as food and animals
- Examination of Emilia's loyalty despite disrespect, her feministic views, and her ultimate death seeking atonement
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Emelia is one of the central characters in the play titled "Othello." In light of the themes, symbolism motifs, an analysis of characters, I focus on the different ways men treat Emilia. The position of women as a theme is reflected in Emilia's experiences with men in the play. Despite being loyal to her husband Lago, Emilia is treated like a puppet. More often, she's manipulated by Lago, even though she declares her willingness to support his husband's aspirations as a sign of respect and love (Shakespeare 217). For instance, when Lago intends to manipulate Othello, he uses his wife's close relations with Desdemonas to get a handkerchief from her. However, Emilia has a clear conscience and believes that it is wrong to be treated subordinately, but her responsibilities restrict her from resisting. However, her loyalty and commitment to the relationship are perceived as weakness. Shakespeare uses Emilia to reflect on how husbands abuse women due to their emotional vulnerabilities. "They eat us hungerly, and when they are full/ They belch us" (Shakespeare 159); Emilia describes her grievances to Desdemona.
Lago insults Emelia and describes her as foolish, which is a sign of disrespect towards her intelligence. Although Emilia's perceptions towards men and marriage are non-traditional and more feministic, she maintains respect for her husband. However, her intentions to maintain loyalty to her master and her husband raise adulterous suspicions by Lago.
Furthermore, the influence of jealousy depicted through Lago led to the destruction of his relationship with Emilia.