The Relationship Between Iago and Women

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There is a tension between Emilia and Iago in that Iago always appears to be disappointed in Emilia.  This is shown through his repeatedly open comments on her being a bad wife.  Even when Emilia does an obedient deed for Iago by giving the handkerchief, she is stilled called a wench and is sent away.  There is no change in the tone that Iago uses when he speaks with Emilia even after she gives him to handkerchief.  This indicates how Iago believes that
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marriage is a duty, that his wife is a nuisance, and that having a wife is a burden.  By giving Iago the handkerchief, Emilia contributes to the downfall of Othello.  With the handkerchief, Iago can make it appear as if Desdemona gave one of Othello’s cherished gifts away to Cassio.  Because of this, the seed of jealously that was previously planted in Othello’s mind would be allowed to grow even further.  Emilia’s giving of the handkerchief to Iago was intentional, yet she did not give it to him with the purpose of doing Desdemona harm.  In Act 3 Scene 3, ...

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