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How Does Shakespeare Present Desdemona's Loyalty In Othello

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Loyalty of a Wife in Othello A common theme in William Shakespeare's plays is the loyalty of a wife or woman. One of the ways it is depicted is through Desdemona’s loyalty to Othello, and this is one of the major themes in the play. Another way this play includes loyalty is Emilia's toward Iago. Both of their relationships depict loyalty, and they do so in both similar and different ways. Although under different conditions, Emilia and Desdemona's loyalty is put to the test in their relationships. In Desdemona's relationship, she is mistreated, and Emilia is convinced to steal the handkerchief to give to Iago. Overall, a common theme in William Shakespeare's play Othello is the loyalty of a wife or woman. Throughout the play, one of the main ways there is loyalty is in the relationship between Desdemona and Othello. Desdemona was called a “whore” by Othello, which makes her say this to Iago and Emilia: “His unkindness may defeat my …show more content…

At the beginning of Othello, Emilia, who is Iago's wife, remains blindly loyal to her husband. Emilia demonstrates this loyalty when she steals Desdemona's handkerchief for Iago. Desdemona is concerned that she lost the handkerchief and doesn't know where it is, while Emilia knows where it is and proceeds to not tell her. Othello appointed Emilia to be Desdemona's maid. Emilia is being risky to achieve her goal of giving Iago Desdemonas handkerchief. Emilia’s loyalty is tested during the circumstances revolving around the handkerchief. The only reason she gives the handkerchief is that “My wayward husband hath a hundred times Wooed me to steal it…(Othello.3.3.294-295). Since Iago convinced Emilia to take the handkerchief, she felt it was necessary and obligated to make the wrong moral choice. Overall, this is another way that Othello depicts women's loyalty, particularly

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