"Emelia is the real hero of Othello".

Write an introductory paragraph which presents your thesis and at least two main points in support of this, as well as one of the body paragraphs.

Readers may easily be misguided to believe that Emelia is the real hero of Shakespeare’s tragedy, Othello, when only considering her last actions in the play. The truth is that Emelia cannot be the real hero as she purposefully created opportunities for the antagonist, her husband, Iago, for her own benefit and she did not prevent the unfortunate events which she foresaw. To claim that she is the ultimate hero of the play is to ignore all complexities surrounding her character and the consequences of her initial actions.

Although, Emelia died trying to justify Desdemona’s innocence, in essence, it was herself who allowed this chaos to occur. She provided the ‘ocular’ proof for Othello as she stole the handkerchief from Desdemona’s chamber. She gave it to her husband, not questioning the reason why he desired it and what use he would have with Desdemona’s treasured possession. In Act 3 Scene 3 Line 319, she admits that Desdemona will be distressed if she realised that the handkerchief had vanished, "Poor lady, she'll run mad when she shall lack it." Ultimately, she was ompletely aware that it was of high importance and that it would cause trouble if it were to go missing. In Act 3 Scene 3 Line 307 she says to Iago in their chamber, "What will you giveme now for that same handkerchief?" This certainly suggests that she neglected her duties to protect her lady for her own gain, to satisfy her husband's desires and to receive attention from him.Thus she was building a foundation and prospects of misfortune which might be delivered to her mistress. Emelia was conscious of the possible consequences of taking that gift of Othello’s from Desdemona and this denies her of being the real hero of Othello.

The consequences of her initial action were evident, however, Emelia chose to ignore its dire impact on Desdemona and her position. She predicted Othello's growing sense of betrayal and witnessed his anger towards his wife, yet remained detached from the situation, although she had caused it. This directly refers to the consequences of the missing handkerchief for Desdemona. In Act 3 Scene 4 Line 19-20, Desdemona questions, "Where should I lose that handkerchief, Emilia?" and Emilia merely answers, "I know not, madam." This significant lie, which is evident to the audience, is crucial when determining whether Emilia is the real hero of Othello, as it demines her character as an honest person. Furthermore, Emilia was present in the room when Othello had angrily asked to see the handkerchief and Desdemona had been shocked at his rash and jealous behaviour. Even then, she did not reveal what she had done or tried to restore Desdemona's marriage through acquring the handkerchief again to return it. Although, Emilia did not intend to cause trouble, she allowed for more mayhem through being irresponsible of her past irrational behaviour.

Ultimately, Emila cannot be the real hero of Othello when her actions throughout the whole play is explored. She ignited a fire initially, knowing that it is potentially dangerous and she did not quench it when she was given proof that it had become damaging.

Reputation in Othello

Based on what we have read so far, discuss the importance/significance of reputation in relation to the following characters:
DesdemonaCassioIago
Aim for the development of solid, analytical paragraphs. Ensure that your main points are substantiated by relevant, pertinent evidence and that you take the time to synthesise the evidence.

The significance of reputation in relation to Desdemona is that it is what she defies but it is what defines her character. When Desdemona secretly marries Othello, the moor, she deceives her father as well as the social expectations which are imposed on her. Her father, Brabantio has a reputation as a respected senator, and as his young daughter, Desdemona had been expected to carry the same reputation. By betraying her father, she is stripped of this reputation and is almost disowned. Also, Desdemona’s reputation as a cultured young girl is self-destroyed as falling in love with the moor was viewed as socially unacceptable and impossible unless he had used charms on her. When she declares her love for the moor, she is stripped of her original reputation of an innocent and trustworthy young girl. However, although Desdemona disposes this reputation, every action taken after by her is judged and perceived based on her reputation. For example, through the previous experience, Desdemona gains a characteristic trait of a liar, and this reputation encircles her whole character as other characters judge her based on this reputation.

Cassio has a distinctive and high reputation which he is very fond of. As a ‘florentine’, he is seen as a cultured, educated and therefore, a respected figure. The significance of reputation in relation to Cassio is that it is what his character is based upon. After damaging his reputation, Cassio is devastated and claims, “I have lost the immortal part of myself and what is left is bestial.” Thus his character is wrapped by reputation and its high importance in his life determines it as his biggest strength and weakness.

Iago’s reputation in the play differs significantly to what is read by the reader. If to discuss only the reputation that is envisaged with him by other characters in the play, the significance of it is that Iago heavily relies on it. All of Iago’s plans throughout the play, depend on the other characters to trust him through his honest reputation. Constantly, other characters refer to him as ‘Honest Iago’ and he uses this false reputation to his advantage. The reader is aware that it is false as Shakespeare invites readers to glimpse at the truth behind the Iago’s plotting.

Othello: Act 1 Scene 1

Is Iago justified in reporting Desdemona's marriage to Othello to her father? Consider his motives, Brabantio's response and the cultural assumptions about race in the play. Write a paragraph response, clearly identifying your thesis in the topic sentence.

Iago is justified in reporting Desdemona’s marriage to Othello to her father when regarding only the cultural context. However, when his motives in provoking a response filled with jealousy by Branbtio are considered, he cannot be completely justified. The cultural assumptions with encircle the newly formed relationship, are that marriage with a black man is unacceptable and to do so especially in secret, is a form of betrayal towards her family and her race. In those times, it was socially expected for the father to be in control of his young daughter, and through marrying the moor without permission, Desdemona had committed ‘treason against the blood’. Also, a significant discriminatory attitude towards Black people had existed and it was considered culturally undesirable and shocking for a cultured young lady to fall in love with a foreigner. Thus, Iago had sufficient reason to report this secret marriage to Desdemona’s father. Nevertheless, the insights gained in to Iago’s motives suggest that he is not justified. He uses this piece of information to cause chaos and exploit the situation through the response brought by it. He seems to take advantage of Brabantio’s love for Desdemona, so that chaos can be caused without him being blamed for it, and the way in which he confesses his false innocence to Othello afterwards, illustrate his deceitful ways. Iago, then, cannot be justified in reporting the couple’s marriage to her father, as it was purely for his gain, out of his hatred, to cause trouble for Othello.