Emilia: The Woman Who Finally Speaks

Emilia picks up Desdemona's handkerchief in Act 3, Scene 3 because Iago has been pestering her for it for reasons he will not explain. She gives it to him without knowing what he plans to do with it. She is not a villain. She is a woman who has learned to manage a difficult husband by not asking too many questions.

That pragmatism collapses in Act 5, Scene 2. When Othello reveals that Iago gave him 'evidence' of Desdemona's infidelity, Emilia realises what the handkerchief was for. She says so, loudly, in front of everyone, even as Iago orders her to stop and then draws his sword. She will not stop. 'I will not charm my tongue; I am bound to speak.' He kills her for it.

Her death and Desdemona's are the play's two clearest instances of female courage. Desdemona's is passive: she refuses to name her killer. Emilia's is active: she names hers while knowing what it will cost.