In othello, what do these lines reveal about Emilia’s character, motives, relationships, and inner thought?
Emilia’s Line:
If it be not for some purpose of import,
Give't me again: poor lady, she'll run mad
When she shall lack it. (III.iii)
Go to Act III, scene 3, here:
https://www.sparknotes.com/nofear/shakespeare/othello/page_128/
Read the scene and let us know what you decide. You can also find out a bit more about this character in the Character List at the right.
To understand what these lines reveal about Emilia's character, motives, relationships, and inner thoughts in Othello, we need to analyze the context of the scene and examine the words she uses.
First, let's break down the lines:
"If it be not for some purpose of import,
Give't me again: poor lady, she'll run mad
When she shall lack it."
In this scene, Iago has just convinced Othello to give him the handkerchief that Othello had previously given to Desdemona as a symbol of their love. Emilia, who is Desdemona's maid and Iago's wife, picks up the handkerchief that Othello drops and contemplates its significance.
1. Character: These lines reveal Emilia's observant and perceptive character. She understands the value of the handkerchief and recognizes its importance to Desdemona. Her keen observation of Desdemona's state of mind ("poor lady, she'll run mad") demonstrates empathy and concern for her mistress.
2. Motives: Although Emilia's exact motives at this moment may not be explicitly revealed, her words suggest that she knows someone else desires the handkerchief for their own purposes. She asks for the handkerchief, possibly hinting that she might be aware of Iago's scheme to use it against Othello and Desdemona.
3. Relationships: Emilia's relationship with Desdemona is depicted through her concern for her mistress. She refers to Desdemona as a "poor lady" and recognizes that Desdemona would be devastated if she were to lose the handkerchief. These lines imply a close bond between Emilia and Desdemona, demonstrating her loyalty and care for her friend.
4. Inner thoughts: Emilia's inner thoughts are not explicitly revealed in these lines, but her choice of words suggests that she understands the potential consequences of the missing handkerchief. Her statement that Desdemona "will run mad" implies that she can anticipate the emotional distress that would follow its loss. This indicates a depth of understanding and insight into the impact the handkerchief has on Desdemona's state of mind.
To fully comprehend Emilia's character, motives, relationships, and inner thoughts, it is crucial to consider the entire play and the subsequent actions and dialogue of the character. Analyzing additional scenes and interactions involving Emilia will provide more insights into her complexities and her role in the play.