Manipulation In Othello

Often times people act out of character in order to gain the acceptance from those they admire or love, especially in cases where manipulation is involved. In the play Othello by William Shakespeare, this idea is exemplified throughout the relationship between Emilia and her husband, Iago. Emilia’s decisions come from the abuse and control of her husband, who has manipulated her for so long she had become blind to the consequences of her actions. This is shown through her relationship with Desdemona and her realization of Iago’s true character at the end of the play. It is clear throughout the play that Emilia is lacking confidence in herself and therefore needs constant validation from her abusive husband Iago. This is shown especially in

When Desdemona ignorantly questions why anyone would cheat on their husband, she refers to Iago’s abusive personality saying, “I do think it is their husbands' faults / If wives do fall. / Say that they slack their duties, / And pour our treasures into foreign laps; / Or else break out in peevish jealousies, / Throwing restraint upon us; or say they strike us” (4.3.97-101). This begins Emilia’s recognition of the true depth of Iago’s deceit and manipulation along with speaking as a powerful statement for women. It shows an understanding that just because she is a woman, it does not give her husband the right to treat her as less than he would anyone else. Emilia’s full break from Iago’s control occurs after Othello reveals his reasoning behind believing that Desdemona was unfaithful, claiming, “...may his pernicious soul / Rot half a grain a day” (5.2.155-156 ). This is the first time she truly says something that is inherently negative towards him. She then completely disobeys Iago when she reveals “You told a lie, an odious, damned lie; / Upon my soul, a lie, a wicked lie” (5.2.180-181), despite his consistent threats against her. At this point, Emilia has made the choice based on Iago’s manipulation to right her wrongs and redeem herself for