Another key point made from the article is that "being on the receiving end of other people's stress or distress," (Overcoming Low Self-Esteem) can play as a significant factor in further lowering self-esteem. This happens often to Emilia, as Iago is constantly putting her in the position to prove her loyalty and worth as a wife by involving her in his selfish schemes to achieve his desires. By asking Emilia to steal Desdemona's handkerchief for his personal benefit, it places a great deal of distress and discomfort on Emilia, further triggering a factor which may aids in developing low self-esteem. Although low self-esteem may not appear to be a significant factor in the tragedy of Othello, it indeed will result in a domino effect of Emilia's actions against Desdemona and Othello, involving the need for love, affection, and acceptance.
One of the major themes in Othello revolves around the concept of love, lust, and hate, a very common theme indeed. Although many characters professed their love for each other constantly, none besides Desdemona did a fair job of showing love through their actions. Desdemona's love for Othello was so strong and pure that when asked who was to blame for her murder she exclaims the fault is "nobody – I myself. Farewell," (V ii line 125). While Desdemona had such strong love for Othello up until the moment of her death Emilia did not possess the same genuine love for her husband, Iago. Emilia was obedient in bringing Desdemona's handkerchief to Iago; however, she did not care for his wellbeing in the same way that Desdemona cared for Othello. In a conversation between Desdemona and Emilia, Desdemona claims that she could never cheat on her husband, as she loves him much too fiercely; however, Emilia justifies cheating by saying "but, for all the whole world – 'Ud's pity! who would not make her husband a cuckold to make him a monarch?" (IV iii lines 71-73).