"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.