Homework: Weeks 4/5
Second body and conclusion
A hero, as defined by the Oxford dictionary, is a "person, typically a man, who is admired for their courage, outstanding achievements, or noble qualities." In Othello there are no characters which have successfully completely filled this criteria and have therefore rightly deserved the title of 'hero.' Othello, in his public life could be seen as a hero, based on his military prowess, though he is the opposite in his private life. Emelia, however, does show the characteristics of a hero in her private life but not in her public appearance. Emelia's actions in the last scene of the play would put her closer to the title of 'hero' than any other character in Othello, it is her actions in the first part of the play, however, that tarnishes Emelias image. Being the wife of the villain, Iago, gives the assumption she too is evil, Emelia is also accused of being a cuckold in Iago first soliloquy, and then steals her mistress', Desdemona's, handkerchief. The significant events in the beginning of the play that position the reader to see Emelia as evil far outweigh the risk she took in the final scene.
Emelia is portrayed in Othello as an evil yet unimportant character, her actions in the first four acts are either unimportant or malicious. The stealing of Desdemona's handkerchief was one of the key points in the play that was the only reason Iago's plan worked, it was also done as an evil act by Emelia. Desdemona and Emelia had a very close relationship, Desdemona treated Emelia with respect and Emelia trusted Desdemona. When Emelia stole Desdemona's handkerchief and then continued to deny that she did so, the trust was broken. Emelia intentionally caused trauma to Desdemona, this is something that a hero would definitely not do, therefore Emelia is not a hero.
In the final scene of Othello the only evidence that Emelia is a hero is seen. During this scene, she risks her life to let everyone know that Othello murdered Desdemona, she then sacrifices her self to tell the people that Iago made her steal the handkerchief and he is the actual one behind it all. In no doubt is this a brave and noble thing to do, two characteristics of a hero, but it does not outweigh her actions in the first four scenes. Emelia's actions in this scene could also be dismissed a guilt and a heavy conscience.
Emelia's actions throughout the play, both good and bad, are not significant enough to be considered actions of a hero or a of a villian, but that of a normal human being. Emelia made both wrong and noble decisions, and it is for the wrong decisions that she can not be considered a Hero.
