After the murder of Desdemona in Shakespeare’s Othello, Emily enters and realizes her husband’s role in the death. “My husband says it’s false?” (5.2 159). “He lies to the heart.” (5.2 163). Finally, the truth comes out. Why is all this so tragic that the massacre could have been avoided if Aemilia and Desdemona had been allowed to speak earlier? Reply to Objection 2: In the story, not only is a man judged by his deeds, but also by the deeds of his wife. Othello allows his character to be tested, not by any action he has taken, but by the action he believes he has taken from his wife. He develops his entire identity because of a perceived action on the part of Desdemona. The problem with this is that Desdemona is rightly judged to be defending herself without an opportunity. Its importance lies in what others say and think about it, but it is not called upon to argue arguments against it. In this story, the woman’s character and virtue are very significant, yet the woman’s role is restricted and limited.
Desdemona is introduced as a strong and wise woman. She has an independent mind, and marries Othello against her father’s objections. Othello appeals to the leader to allow Desdemona to go with him to Cyprus, so that he can: “With a free and kind heart” (1.3 264). Cassio believes that Othello will trust Desdemona’s opinion. This is why he asks for his help to get back to his place. Desdemona believes that Othello wants to use her mind. He sets his opinion by restoring Cassius. But he is the first to show that Othello has despised him.
Othello claims to respect Desdemona’s prudence, but ignores the whole story. Iago can easily doubt that he is an unbeliever. Othello prays with Iago: If you feel more, let me know more. (3.3 244). He is willing to doubt his wife because of the perception of Iago’s actions. After the conversation with Iago, Othello sees Desdemona, but neglects to confront her about his affairs. Instead of believing enough about his trouble with her, he puts his faith in Iago. When Othello finally meets Desdemona, he is already convinced of his guilt. He asks her if she is a “fool” and a “whore.” Without fully understanding the thoughts that Othello is interrogating, Desdemona cannot fully defend herself. She doesn’t go right out and asks if she slept with Cassius. He never tells her that he thinks he gave Cassion the shroud. Desdemona cannot understand how: “He that the smallest abuse clings to the smallest sentence?” (4.2 112). He thought he had more faith than that. He claimed to value his mind and opinion, but in reality he valued Iago’s opinions.
Aemilia is another voice which, as a woman, is heard. Iago makes no secret of the fact that his understanding is not respected. Aemilia speaks so rudely that Desdemona says in dismay: “Alas, she has no speech!” (2.1 106). It constantly deposits and releases. When he gives her the handkerchief, she refuses to tell him more than: “I use it for him” (3.3 324). He expects her to obey him without doubt. When Desdemona asks her where the shroud is, Aemilia lies to her husband. He wants to lie because he does not understand what Iago is trying to do.
He approves the honorable speech of a man, rather than the speech of a woman in a play. Although the importance of a woman’s honesty is set, no one seems to believe that women are honest. When Othello questions Aemilia about Desdemona’s supposed affair, she interrupts him with answers. He claims to be simple and Desdemona lies. Iago wants to get word of his.
Iago tries to silence Aemilia throughout the play, and it is interesting that her voice leads to the incident. When he realizes that the series of events that lead to Desdemona’s murder, he refuses to lie to her anymore. He ignores her silence, and shows the handkerchief she gave to Iago. Aemilia’s public declarations provide clarity to Othello and other characters. She effectively provides a reason for Othello’s behavior. Aemilia’s word is not alone though. A letter was found in Roderic’s pocket containing the information he provided on the back. The story shows that the voice of a man is more reliable than the voice of a woman. Aemilia does not speak without expense, but. Iago slays her with words, and her voice ceases again.
Women seem to be in the game as a way of evaluating men. In the story, it is important that the women have an immaculate, flawless character. When a woman is chaste and honest, she is entirely devoted to the man. Since she is a promiscuous woman and her disgrace, it seems that the man is weak and stupid. Othello kills Desdemona because he believes his reputation is lost. He believes that it is immoral, and that it makes a person look less. His concern for fame overcomes his wife’s trust and respect. Desdemona transforms from being independent and self-assertive to being restricted to the role of a silent wife. Othello kills Desdemona because she didn’t defend herself enough, but he never gives her the chance. When Desdemona cries before her death, Aemilia asks who killed her. Even the dying Desdemona refuses to implicate Othello: “None, I myself. Farewell. I commend myself to my kind lord. O farewell!” (5.2 133). Her husband ignored her living voice and refused to use his dying voice against her. Aemilia leaves his wife in silence and obedience, and speaks against her husband. When he realizes what Iago has done, he cannot remain silent any longer. Iago kills her for treachery, and destroys the plan. When she was dying, she said, “Thus I came to my blessed soul as I speak the truth. Speaking as I think, alas, I die” (5.2 257-258). Finally, Emily can speak her mind freely, if only for a while.
Shakespeare, William. Othello. Norton Shakespeare Ed. Stephen Greenblatt, et al. Ed. New York: Norton, 2008. 2119-2191.
