In Shakespeare's Othello, the character Emilia is essential to exploring the theme of gender and the expectations placed on women. The anonymous writer of “From Advice to the Husband: Instructions to the Wife” believes that the answer to maintaining a happy marriage is for both men and women to know and respect their God-given roles (279). Through the character of Emilia, Shakespeare challenges the idea that if a woman is ideal in the role she has been assigned, and is an obedient wife, then she will be able to maintain a happy and successful marriage. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an original essay The anonymous writer states that “the highest degree of society is between husband and wife” (278). In Othello Emilia is married to Iago, which means her greatest loyalty is to him, and we see this when it comes to the handkerchief. Emilia is Desdemona's servant, but also, as readers see, her friend and confidant. However, when Desdemona drops the handkerchief given to her by her husband, Emilia picks it up and gives it to her husband Iago. Although he has no idea why Iago asked or what he intended to do with it, he states, "I do nothing but satisfy his fancy." (3.3.343.) She does what is expected of a wife and maintains the “highest rank of society.” The anonymous writer also mentions that in terms of the body, the husband is the head while the wife is made the body (279). This can be interpreted as the husband being the brains and in control, while the wife is physically carrying out the movements she is told to do, a situation which can be compared to the handkerchief scene and Shakespeare's portrayal of the obedient Emilia and the controlling and manipulating Iago. The idea that maintaining a relationship and being loyal to your husband is important for a happy marriage is challenged by Shakespeare. Emilia's action of giving the handkerchief to Iago unknowingly sets in motion the final end of their marriage. When Emilia discovers that her loyalty and obedience to her husband has landed her in a horrible situation, she recognizes that "it is right that I obey him, but not now." (5.2.233). Shakespeare makes Emilia realize that being loyal and obedient to her husband, what a good wife should do, has gotten her into trouble. Ultimately, this challenges the anonymous writer's idea that being loyal and obedient to their husbands before others will guarantee them a happy marriage. The anonymous writer also comments that to maintain a happy marriage, man and woman should obey the roles God has given them, "they must look to the wisdom and order of God... [and] each keep his own place , its own order and celestial politics,” (279). A woman's role as a wife was to be loyal, obedient, and helpful to her husband. Wives, especially by God, were expected to be monogamous and not commit adultery. Shakespeare challenges this expectation of God and the anonymous writer through Emilia. When Desdemona asks Emilia if she would ever cheat on her husband, Iago, Emilia obviously answers yes. He states: "I would not do such a thing for a ring in common, nor for a measure of lawn... But for the whole world: who would not make her husband a cuckold to make him a monarch? For this I would venture into purgatory"( 4.3.82-87). Should she raise Iago in the social world, especially to the rank of nobility, obviously Emilia would betray him. Isn't this the role expected of a wife, that of helping their husbands maintain a good social standard? She's doing it for him, in a way being faithful to him in helping him achieve greatness. Keep in mind:”