An Outspoken Woman as Punishment for Dishonesty in OthelloIn William Shakespeare's Othello, a woman's loyalty to a man includes silence and obedience. Emilia clearly follows these directives of silence and obedience until her epiphany in which she learns of Iago's dishonesty. Shakespeare implies that the punishment for a man's dishonesty is a disobedient and outspoken wife. Emilia literally causes Iago's downfall, which is brought about by Iago's overestimation of Emilia's loyalty. "'It is right that I obey him, but not now" (5.2.203). ).Because Emilia remains loyal to Iago throughout the play, Iago relies completely on the belief that Emilia will remain obedient to him. Emilia proves her loyalty to Iago by stealing the handkerchief that Othello gave to Desdemona: My rebellious husband has courted me a hundred times to steal it, but she is so fond of the pledge... I will have the work removed, And give it to Iago... I nothing but to please his fancy. (3.3.308-309, 312-313, 315) by taking ch...