Othello IV & V

Emilia turns outs to be a dynamic character in "Othello" by William Shakespeare. At the beginning of the novel, Emilia is very soft-spoken. When Iago is around, she never stands up for herself. Especially when Iago is talking badly about her and degrading her, she never defends herself. Actually, Desdemona defends her to Iago and Othello. The men even comment on this by saying, "She puts her tongue a little in her heart" (Shakespeare, II.i.110). By Act V, Emilia has completely changed. She now speaks up for herself. When Othello murders Desdemona, Emilia enters into the bedroom and interrupts the scene. Well first off, at the beginning of the novel, she would have never entered into the room when she heard something. Also, once she figured out what was going on, she began to ask questions as to who killed Desdemona. She even does some investigating past when she gets her first answer to find out the truth. Finally at the end of the novel, she speaks up around Grantiano, Iago, and Montano. Iago tells her to be quiet when she is defending Othello, but she stands up to him. Emilia says, "I will not charm my tongue, I am bound to speak" (Shakespeare, V.ii.182). Emilia transforms from a quiet girl, to a girl that speaks her mind.