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.