Which wife is more virtuous to her husband Desdemona or Emilia in the play Othello? Please use examples from the play to describe each womans interaction with her husband and each woman's reaction to her husband.
I think you will be able to find the answer at either of these sites:
www.sparknotes.com/shakespeare/othello/
www.pinkmonkey.com/booknotes/barrons/othello.asp
To determine which wife in Othello is more virtuous to her husband, Desdemona or Emilia, we can examine their interactions and reactions to their husbands in the play. Here are some examples from the play that can help us analyze their characters:
1. Desdemona:
Desdemona is portrayed as a faithful and loyal wife to Othello throughout the play. She expresses her love and devotion for him openly, despite the challenges they face. For example, when Desdemona is questioned about her love for Othello in Act 1, Scene 3, she defends her marriage by saying, "My noble Moor is true of mind and made of no such baseness as jealous creatures are" (1.3.227-228). Desdemona's unwavering trust and belief in Othello's honorable nature shows her strong commitment to her husband.
Furthermore, Desdemona's reaction to Othello's accusations of infidelity later in the play highlights her virtuous character. Instead of responding with anger or defensiveness, she remains steadfast in her innocence and continues to love and support Othello. In Act 4, Scene 2, Desdemona says, "By heaven, I do not, I do not, gentlemen" (4.2.43) when asked if she has been unfaithful. Her persistent denial and unwavering loyalty to her husband demonstrate her virtue and commitment to their marriage.
2. Emilia:
Emilia, on the other hand, has a more complex relationship with her husband, Iago. While she initially appears obedient and submissive, she gradually becomes more independent-minded as the play progresses. In Act 3, Scene 3, Emilia defends Desdemona's innocence, going against her own husband's manipulative schemes. She says, "If any wretch had put this in your head / Let heaven requite it with the serpent's curse!" (3.3.336-337), showing her loyalty to Desdemona and her disdain for Iago's treachery.
In Act 5, Scene 2, when Emilia discovers Iago's villainous plot, she exposes him for the manipulative liar he is. Despite her realization of Iago's evil deeds, Emilia risks her own life to reveal the truth and restore justice. Her courageous act displays her virtuous character, as she prioritizes honesty and justice over her loyalty to her husband.
Ultimately, while both Desdemona and Emilia demonstrate virtues in different ways, Desdemona's unwavering love, loyalty, and trust towards Othello may be considered more profound within the context of the play.