Well, perhaps Emilia is not a martyr in the literal sense. However, although her part may seem relatively small compared to the whole play, she has a dominant role in how the events pan out. Yes, she may be a pawn in Iago's grand scheme, but she is the one that contributes to his ultimate undoing.
Throughout the play, Emilia sits in the back, especially when considering her marriage to Iago. The one time when she is able to please him (something she is insistent on doing) is when she takes Desdemona's handkerchief, and even then, Iago doesn't show her his gratitude: "Be not acknown on't. I have use for it. Go, leave me." (iii.iii.324). We know that Emilia cares for Desdemona, and when the time comes to unveil Iago's plans to Othello in Act V, its almost like her way of defending her friend, clearing Desdemona's good name, and in a way absolve herself of taking the handkerchief.
What I think is the funniest, if not ironic, aspect of Emilia's character is that although she is Iago's wife, it seems like she is the one Iago knows the least about. He is spending so much of his time plotting against the men throughout the play, its like he thinks nothing about it if his wife finds out. Emilia is the only character Iago doesn't think about bringing down, and in the end she is the one that uncovers that he is not "honest Iago". Isn't it funny how that works out?
4 comments:
I liked this entry. Emilia as a Martyr is definitely an interesting thought. In the end she does become Iago's downfall, and she pays for it with her life. I also feel she might have been the only person capable of doing it. She isn't seen as a threat in Iago's eyes, and at the same time she has an idea of what is going on. Emilia becomes Iago's weakness because he overlooked and underestimated her.
Iago views women in a demeaning manner and therefore probably never thought that Emilia would reveal his wrong-doings. Sadly, she doesnt speak up in time to save everyones life, but then this wouldnt be a tragedy...
Nice cartoon! =)
Interesting post! I think Emilia's failure in uncovering Iago's plot in time sends a strong message about the marginalization of women. Things probably would have turned out better if the women of the play—both Emilia and Desdemona—had been taken more seriously by the men and given more of a voice. I personally like to think that Shakespeare put the knowledge to save the play in the hands of a woman because he wanted to show that women can be the key difference, and treating them as second-class only leaves everyone miserable in the end.
Yes, Emilia is a Martyr. I can't say that i would have thought to label her one, been cannot argue against her being labeled as such. Iago pays no attention to her and yet in the end of the play she loses her life for him defining herself as a MArtyr.
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