Another way that Shakespeare challenges our first impression of Emilia as the submissive wife and unwitting accomplice is through her fierce loyalty to Desdemona. When Othello’s mood sours and Desdemona loses her assertive spirit, Emilia steps up to defend her friend. She isn’t afraid to defy men - her superiors - to do so, telling Othello, “I durst, my lord, to wager she is honest, / Lay down my soul at stake,” (Act 4 Scene 2) when all he wants to hear is that his wife is guilty of adultery. Similarly, she challenges her husband’s dismissal of Desdemona’s tears, saying, “Would it not make one weep?” (Act 4 Scene 2). She is willing to risk her own safety to stand up for her friend, and this is put to the test in the final scene of the play. Alone, confronted with her friend’s murder, and knowing that Othello is dangerous and capable of murdering her, too, she still chooses to raise the alarm: “Help! help! ho, help! / The Moor hath killed my mistress,” (Act 5 Scene 2). She dies so that she can clear Desdemona’s name of guilt; as she dies, she requests, “Lay me by my mistress’ side,” (Act 5 Scene 2), choosing her friendship over her marriage once and for all.