The Significance of the Handkerchief in Othello by...

The handkerchief is significant to the plot, mainly to Iagos manipulation of Othello and his convincing the latter of Desdemonas infidelity. Moreover, it sheds light over Iago, Desdemona, Othello and Emilias characters, and is thus important to characterisation. The symbolic significance attached to the handkerchief reveals Othellos social background, his treatment of Desdemona and the latters feelings towards her husband. Interestingly, Othello provides two sides of the story of how he got the handkerchief. In his second account he says that his father gave the handkerchief to his mother as a sign of love when beforehand he states that it was actually an Egyptian woman who provided it to his mother. This interpretation reveals†¦show more content†¦The red strawberries , which Othello states were hand stitched, symbolises the blood of loss of virginity, so Othello perceives that Desdemona is chaste if she is in possession of the handkerchief. Once she loses it, she loses her chastity. With regards to plot, the handkerchief provides the sole ocular proof of Desdemonas unfaithfulnes, which infact triggers Othellos madness. The fact that Othello insists on gathering proof suggests that he is somewhat hopeful, Ill have some proof. It is worth noticing Desdemonas mistake in Act 3 Scene 4 when Othello demands to see the handkerchief, as she lies and says, It is not lost. This further convinces Othello of her infidelity. Moreover, it makes Emilia aware of Othellos jealous nature and she tries, unsuccessfully to warn Desdmona about her husbands insecurity, They are never jealous for the cause,/ But jealous for theyre jealous.; Iago further drives Othello into his raging madness by continously mentioning the handkerchief. The impact this leaves on him is evident in his repition of handkercief when Othello falls in a trance, Handkerchief-confessions-handkerchief? When Bianca walks in on Cassio and Iagos conversation, which Othello is spying on, she is holding t he handkerchief, which thus causes Othellos ravenous thirst for revenge. Thus, it plays an important part in leading to the tragedy of the Moor and to Desdemona;s death. In Act 5 Emilia revelas that she stole theShow MoreRelatedThe Symbolism Of Othello By William Shakespeare958 Words   |  4 Pagestreasure it as long as I live. In William Shakespeare’s play, Othello, the symbolism of Desdemona’s handkerchief is central to the play’s tragic dà ©nouement. The handkerchief serves a very important role in shaping the story to the way it is, it ultimately becomes the reason for Othello’s brutal murder of his wife, Desdemona. In addition, the handkerchief is shown as a symbol of â€Å"different things from various events in this play† (Othello). 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