Othello: the Moor of Venice
William Shakespeare
In these scenes of the play, the reader witnesses the aftermath of Othello's accusations against Desdemona's fidelity. Defending her innocent nature, Desdemona asks Emilia if any women could even bring themselves to commit adultery. Emilia's response provides ample situational irony and foresadowing.
Emilia declares that cheating on one's husband would be a small price to pay if much were offered in return: "...-why, who would not make her husband a cuckold to make him a monarch?" (IV.iii.72-73). Although Emilia advocates infidelity, she appears to do so for the benefit of her husband. After this entire play that has falsely called Desdemona's dedication to her husband in question because of Iago's actions, Iago's wife has admitted to having no problem with cheating on one's husband. Because of this ironic shift, it would seem to suggest that Iago will bear the grief of a cuckold.
Regardless, Emilia places the blame of cheating women on the husbands. Because Iago has treated her as an object, her defense of adultery likely suggests that she has taken revenge on Iago by cheating on him. Emilia's speech also seems to suggest that the men treating their wives as objects will soon face the fury of their wives.
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