Emilia (Othello character)

E42487

Emilia is a sharp-tongued, perceptive, and ultimately heroic lady-in-waiting to Desdemona in Shakespeare’s *Othello*, whose exposure of Iago’s treachery drives the tragedy’s climax.

Aliases (1)

Statements (48)
Predicate Object
instanceOf Shakespearean character
female character
fictional character
supporting character
appearsIn Othello
characterTrait courageous
outspoken
perceptive
pragmatic
sharp-tongued
creator William Shakespeare
deathCause stabbed by Iago
deathPlace Cyprus
dramaticFunction catalyst of the climax
foil to Iago
truth-teller
employer Desdemona
famousLine “I will not charm my tongue; I am bound to speak”
“Let husbands know / Their wives have sense like them”
fate killed by Iago
gender female
languageOfWorkOrName English
literaryAnalysisAspect often discussed as an early feminist voice in Shakespeare
moralStance condemns double standards for men and women
values truth over obedience
notableFor defending Desdemona’s honor
exposing Iago’s treachery
occupation attendant
partOf tragedy Othello
plotAction exposes Iago’s role in Desdemona’s death
gives Desdemona’s handkerchief to Iago
publicly denounces Iago
reveals the truth about the handkerchief to Othello
steals Desdemona’s handkerchief at Iago’s request
relationship acquaintance of Cassio
acquaintance of Othello
servant and confidante of Desdemona
wife of Iago
role lady-in-waiting to Desdemona
spouse Iago
themeInvolved gender roles
honesty and deception
jealousy
loyalty and betrayal
marriage
timePeriodOfFiction Renaissance
workLocation Cyprus
Venice

Referenced by (6)
Subject (surface form when different) Predicate
Desdemona ("Emilia")
associatedWith
Othello (1965 film) ("Emilia")
characterPortrayed
Desdemona ("Emilia")
friend
Emilia Clarke ("Emilia")
givenName
Emma ("Emilia")
hasRelatedName
Iago (Shakespeare character)
hasSpouse

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