Emilia's diary

Day 6 of August, 1522-

I just left my lady's chamber...and to be frank, I am very upset with myself. I allowed my demanding husband to take what I cherished most-Desdemona's handkerchief! For once I felt as if the gods where smiling upon me. I could almost feel there presence when I found my lady's cloth laying on the ground. Upon til today the idea of stealing it from her crossed my mind on many occasions but I never dared go through with it. My love for Desdemona eclipse any selfish desire I may harbor in my heart. And even when Iago tried to get me to still it, I refused him time and time again. Oh, why couldn't I had hidden it from anyone to see. I wasn't going to keep it. I wonder if the gods might have thought that. Could that be why it's been taking out of my possession. If I have transgressed in my heart without realizing it, I pray the gods will forgive me.

Day 7 of August, 1522-

How I wished I knew what to do now. My lord seemed very perplexed at the sight of my lady's handkerchief. What must he think is going on with the gift he once gave Desdemona? I must ask my lord Iago why has Cassio now possessed what he took from me? Perhaps Othello thinks that my lady gave it to the Leutenaunt...oh that can't be! Why would she give Cassio what the moor has given her. My women would love to have in their possession that token of love, gift from the heart, a piece from heaven. I will speak with my lord to see why the leutenaunt had the lady's cloth in his hand. I can't tell anyone of this or else I will be under suspecion. I pray gods would strip me bare and expose my deeds. To the gods I shall pray for forgiveness.

At this point in the play, starting with the first journal entry, I believe Emilia is trying to forfill her duty as a wife, which is to be obedient to her husband. Iago asked for Desdemona's handkerchief and she let him take from her. In regards to her loyality towards Desdemona-there wasn't any. As much as she may have wanted her handkerchief, and as difficult as it may seem to not keep it (once found on the ground), she should have done right by her lady. When you look at the bigger picture, it's a piece of cloth versus her relationship with Desdemona...what's more important? Towards the end of the play Emilia redeems herself by standing up for Desdemona but by then she had already been killed.

Iago's Sexist Language

Through out scene 3 of act 1 in "Othello," Iago uses sexist terms to describe women, or label them. Before I begin explaining what his terms tell me about him, his attitude towards women, and feelings men direct towards women (lust, reverence, and love), I wanted to define his name because a lot can be learned from what it means.

Iago is of Spanish and welsh origin. It's a variant of James which means "he who supplants" or in other words: he who takes the place of another, as through force, scheming, strategy, or the like.

Why am I bringing up this point? I think that one of the biggest reasons why Iago is not fond of women or of other men being with one is simply because he is threatened with being overshadowed by one. If he does have a wife (which he does), it's only because he sees her as someone he can use to help him attain something (whatever that may be).

Towards the end of scene 3 of act 1 in "Othello," when Iago and Roderigo are alone having a discussion about being in love, Iago tells Rod, "I would change places with a baboon before I would drown myself for the love of a female bird" 1.3.330. Since Rod mentioned killing himself over Desdemona, Iago thought of him as being foolish if he dared kill himself because to him a woman is not worth giving your life up for. Later on he explains to Rod that Desdemona "is young and will change her mind" regarding her love for Othello. He also says that "when she is done with his body, she will see the mistake that she made. She must have variety..." implying that Desdemona is a whore and is only with Othello for sex and not love. In fact, Iago doesn't even believe that love exists, he tells Rod that whatever feelings he may have for Des "is a mere offshoot of lust."

Iago is a sexist in every aspect of the word. He believes women are lustful creatures that shouldn't be loved nor trusted. As for men, anyone giving his heart (or life, as in Rod's case) to a woman is a fool. Sure enough Iago doesn't want any woman getting in his way and warns other men to avoid them. If this is his stand against women, it makes me wonder if he's gay? You can never be too sure. M

Sonnet #7

Thou love me yes or no?...
Thou love me right or wrong?...
My love thee ought to know
like a singer knows a song.
My heart sings with joy.
Joy which overflows and never ceases.
Even if man threaten to destroy (my flesh)...
Love still increases!