Emilia (Othello) drops the handkerchief in Cassio's chamber. (III.iii.321–322). Later Emilia even lies to Desdemona, saying she doesn't know where it is; it is clear she feels a "divided duty" in this matter between her friend and her husband. She is, however, entirely ignorant of Iago's plans until the very end of the play. Iago states on two separate occasions during the play that he suspects Emilia of infidelity with both Othello and Cassio, and this is sometimes suggested as a possible motive for his actions; however, there is little if any evidence within the play to suggest that his suspicions have
The Maidservant The Maidservant The Maidservant (formerly Gentleman and Lady in a Bedroom) (ca.1667-1670) is an oil on panel painting by the Dutch painter Pieter de Hooch; it is an example of Dutch Golden Age painting and is now in the Metropolitan Museum of Art. This painting by Hooch was documented by Hofstede de Groot in 1908, who wrote; "80. Gentleman and Lady in a Bedroom. To the right a lady in bed converses with her husband who is sitting in his night-gown on a chair, pulling on his stockings. A fur-trimmed cape and a hat lie near him on a table