Back in the 16th century the culture of Venice was very male-dominant with little to no

regard for female rights and opinions. In this type of society one would not expect to find strong
and empowered woman that display strength and an ability to exert power. But, that is exactly
what is found in William Shakespeares Othello through the characters of Desdemona and
Emilia. Both of these characters exert their strength in different but equally powerful ways.
Desdemonas source of power is her love for Othello. She shows her strength in many
conversations with her father and Othello. Emilia is first shown as a meek character but later on
shows great strength. Her source of power is her resistance to male authority and she uses this to
confront and expose Iago. Through inner strength these women are both able to successfully
resist male authority.
Desdemona is a very strong character and begins to show this strength in her opening
lines. When Brabantio confronts and asks Desdemona Where most you owe obedience (I.iii.
177), Desdemona strongly professes her duty to Othello. She shows a lot of strength in her words
by taking a stand for Othello in front of her father. Desdemona has the courage and inner strength
to stand up in front of everyone and profess her love and devotion to Othello. She realises that
her decision will upset Brabantio but she is not afraid to tell him where her obedience lies. In
addition, the way that she addresses her father shows even more strength. Her first words she
spoke were My noble father (I.iii.178), while ending her speech addressing her father as
my lord (I.iii. 187). Desdemona is respectful towards her father and shows that she is able to be
strong when confronted by male authority. Desdemonas ability to confess her love and
allegiance to Othello in front of her ill-tempered father in a respectful manner. This shows a great
amount of inner strength and power over her words and emotions.

Desdemona also shows strength during her last moments alive with Othello. Even
through Othellos bad treatment, Desdemona upholds her marital vows and is obedient to him.
When Othello demands that Desdemona Get you to bed on thinstant (IV.iii. 7) Desdemona
replies with I will, my lord (IV.iii. 9). This devotion does not stop there as even throughout
Othellos interrogation later in act 5 Desdemona remains respectful and obedient to her husband.
After Othello smothers her and thinks he killed her Desdemona regains consciousness for a brief
moment. When Emilia asks O, who hath done this deed? (V.ii. 126) Desdemona tells her first
and only lie by saying Nobody. I myself. Farewell. / Commend me to my kind lord. O,
farewell (V.ii. 127-128). In these final lines Desdemona shows an immense amount of strength
by not casting any blame upon her guilty husband. This truly shows how much Desdemona loves
Othello and how obedient she is. Even when facing death, Desdemonas strength and devotion to
her husband never falters.
Emilia is first seen as a very meek character. She is married to Iago who has very
demeaning thoughts about woman which is evident when he states Nay, it is true, or else I am a
Turk: / You rise to play and go to bed to work (II.i. 114-115). Later on, when Desdemona drops
the handkerchief that Othello gave her Emilia takes the Handkerchief to give to Iago. She later
on tries to ask Iago why he wanted the Handkerchief but he takes it away from her hands without
giving her an explanation. Although Emilia did not steal the Handkerchief from Desdemona she
still did not do the right thing and return it to her. Instead, Emilia shows a lack of strength as she
gave in to her husbands desires and brought the Handkerchief to him even though she does not
know why he wants it.
Later on Emilia begins to show her strength. In a conversation with Desdemona, she
expresses her belief that women are equal to men in regards to sex and infidelity by saying And

have not we affections, / Desires for sport, and frailty, as men have (V.i. 99-100). This way of
thinking is ahead of her time and which shows her true strength as a women. This beginning of
Emilia showing her power and beliefs foreshadows her greatest moment of strength in act 5.
After Emilia discovers Desdemona is dead she talks with Othello and realises that her
husband has been spreading lies. She then quickly reveals to everyone the true nature of Iago.
Iago tries to silence her but Emilia replies by saying I will not charm my tongue; I am bound to
speak (V.ii. 188). Even later on when Iago threatens Emilia with his sword to go home she stays
and continues to expose Iago; a decision which ends up costing Emilia her life. Unlike with the
Handkerchief, Emilia stays strong and does what was right which showcases her true strength
and great power.
As strong as both of these women were they could not escape death. Both were killed by
their husbands but, death does not equal defeat. Desdemona and Emilia were ultimately
successful in resisting male authority because of their ability to stand for themselves and what
they believe is right. They did not cave under pressure but rather, they took a firm stand for what
they believe in.
Desdemona and Emilia are both able to successfully resist male authority in Othello.
Desdemona shows her strength when talking with her father at the beginning and at many
instances talking with Othello. Emilia may begin the play possessing meek qualities but, later on
she reveals a more modern way of thinking and shows her strength in the way she stands up to
Iago. Both of these women show strength and courage by staying true to what they believe in and
not backing down, even when faced with death.