Emilia's contrasting opinions

    Most female characters of Shakespeare, or at least women of the time period were expected to serve as property of their husbands or fathers. At the end of act four, Emlia takes control of female sexuality and suggests that women are not to blame for their infidelity because it is the fault of their husbands: "I do think it is their husbands' fault if wives do fall" (IV.iii).  She believes that women who cheat do it for the same reasons as their husbands, they do not feel appreciated, are being cheated on, or are plagued by jealousy. Since men are considered the head of the relationship, they are the ones to punish the women even though women are perfectly capable of vengeance as well: "Let husbands know, their wives have sense like them" (IV.iii). Emilia's declaration Is contrast to Desdemona's conservative outlook. Desdemona is coveted for being virtuous and obedient while Emilia has proven herself to be defiant and astute. Both wives are also contrasting to each other's husbands. Desdemona's husband Othello is a moor who has a respectable authoritative position; a progressive anomaly for the time. Emilia's husband on the other end of the spectrum has opposite views as his outspoken wife and considers women pawns of his plan: "And nothing can or shall content my soul till I am even'd with him, wife for wife" (II.i).