Free Othello Essay: The Disobedient Wife -- Othello essays

An Outspoken Wife as the Penalty for Dishonesty in Othello        In William Shakespeares Othello, the trueness of a woman to a man includes being reticent and obedient. Emilia clearly follows these guidelines of silence and obedience until her epiphany in which she learns of Iagos dishonesty. Shakespeare implies that the penalty for a mans dishonesty is an outspoken, disobedient wife.   Emilia literally causes Iagos downfall, which is brought on due to Iagos overestimation of Emilias loyalty.   Tis proper I obey him, but non now (5.2.203).   Because Emilia remains loyal to Iago throughout the play, Iago relies totally on the belief that Emilia will remain obedient to him. Emilia proves her loyalty to Iago by stealing the handkerchief that Othello gave Desdemona My wayward husband hath a light speed times Wooed me to steal it, but she so loves the token-- .... Ill have the work taen out, And lend t Iago ... I nothing but to please his fa ncy. (3.3.308-309, 312-313, 315)   In taking the ch...