ipl-logo

Handkerchief In Othello

624 Words3 Pages

In the story of Othello, the handkerchief is of vital importance to the plot. This object was a major piece in the game that Iago played by manipulating Othello and convincing the audience of Desdemona's infidelity. Furthermore, this symbol brings to light unto Iago, Desdemona, Othello and the character of Emilia, and is such of vital importance to the overall characterization. This handkerchief has the symbolic meaning that reveals Othellos social background, his treatment of his wife, and the remaining characters feelings toward her husband.
Fascinatingly, othello consists of two separate stories of how he acquired the handkerchief. He claims in one account that as a sign of love, his father had giften the handkerchief to his mother as a …show more content…

This heroic general admired by many allowed corruption in the form of jealousy to cloud his thoughts and allowed it to consume him. This hatred of Desdemona and Cassio for their accused actions drives the once strong man to insanity. Slowly his men turn on him, ever so slowly realising the unstable nature of his being. “O Spartan dog,
More fell than anguish, hunger, or the sea, Look on the tragic loading of this bed. This is thy work.—The object poisons sight. Let it be hid.—Gratiano, keep the house, And seize upon the fortunes of the Moor, For they succeed on you. To Cassio. To you, lord governor (shakespeare 425).” This quote depicts the betrayal of his men and his forceful removal of his authority. Furthermore, in the end of Othello's life, his men and his only love has left him in person and in death so he takes his own life. Throughout Othello, the handkerchief is of vital importance to the progression of the plot. This handkerchief has the symbolic meaning showing othellos social background, his treatment of his wife, and the opinion that the remaining characters feel toward othello. Through the consummation of his marriage to the destruction of their love, the cloth sewn with strawberries laid the groundwork for it all. This token functions as a symbol for othello's mysterious past which helps the audience further understand this love story that ended

Open Document