In III, iv, 4998, Emilia knows of Desdemonas distress over the ...

[ssal]

In III, iv, 4998, Emilia knows of Desdemonas distress over the lost handkerchief. At this moment, how do you explain her failure to relieve Desdemonas mind? Is Emilia aware of her husbands villainy?
 
  What will be an ideal response?

Question 2

How do you account for Brabantios dismay on learning of his daughtersmarriage, despite the fact that Desdemona has married a man so generally honored and admired?
 
  What will be an ideal response?

[Dunkey]

Answer to Question 1

• She is unaware of Iagos real villainy, as is shown, once again, by her shock and horror when she learns that he has been the agent of Desdemonas ruin. While she may be bold enough to exchange insulting banter with him, she is probably hesitant to go against him over something that is obviously very important to him. She has no idea why he wants the handkerchief, but it certainly never occurs to her that he intends to use it to destroy Othello and Desdemona.

Answer to Question 2

• Given that Brabantio admires Othello both professionally and personally, his disinclination to have him for a son-in-law is directly attributable to Othellos race; its no coincidence that Iago emphasizes this point in breaking the news to him: an old black ram / Is tupping your white ewe (I, i, 9091).