Thematically, Emilia and Bianca are important to the play
because they act as foils for Desdemona and her relationship with Othello. Emilia
is the worldly, cynical wife of Iago who thinks "Men are stomachs" who belch women when
they are through with them. Her ethics are relative, and she would cheat on her husband
if the price were right. Desdemona, however, is unconditional in her love for Othello;
and quickly excuses his bad temper as a result of his work. She would not cheat on her
husband "for the whole world."
Bianca is Cassio's
courtesan. Even though Bianca and Cassio are obviously fond of each other, their
relationship will never lead to marriage. They are of two different classes. Cassio's
laughter at Iago's teasing him about Bianca does much to show the disrespect that
courtiers can have for women of that type.
Men's views of
women form the heart of the play. Cassio uses Bianca for sex and jokes about their
relationship. Iago uses his wife as a subserviant who should obey him when he tells her
to be quiet or to steal a handkerchief. Othello tends to put Desdemona on a pedestal.
But when he thinks she is unfaithful, he treats her like a whore, with contempt and
rage.
In exploring these relationships, Shakespeare shows
how fragile and complicated the ties are between men and women.
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