Roderigo sympathizes with Iago since he feels his own pains of jealousy from Othello stealing the girl of his dreams. It represents honour, which explains Othello’s anger when his wife loses it. Write something about yourself. Only Desdemona and Cassio, the true innocents of the story, seem beyond its clutches. Despite Desdemona 's reassurances to Emilia that Othello is “made of no such baseness As jealous creatures are”, Othello accepts the circumstantial evidence of the handkerchief as "ocular proof." Since she does not know, Othello is even more convinced that his wife has been unfaithful. Log in or sign up to add this lesson to a Custom Course. As long as Othello's mother kept it, she would keep the love of her husband, but that "if she lost it / Or made gift of it, my father's eye / Should hold her loathed" (3.4.60-62). The play is creating a contrast to emphasize the racial symbolism of the handkerchief through its physical attributes. Trace the path of the handkerchief over the course of the novel. Othello Navigator: Themes: The Handkerchief. In the play, we see that Othello has an uncanny obsession with this piece of cloth, and comes to associate this object with fidelity, or infidelity, in his marriage. The handkerchief symbolizes different things to different characters. Othello believes Iago speaks of Michael Cassio of not being what he seems. At the climax of the play, Othello stabs his wife and kills her because he believes she slept with Cassio. Romeo And Juliet To Blame 959 Words | 4 Pages. When Othello tosses the handkerchief on the ground, he is doing the same thing with his trust in his wife. Steals Desdemona's handkerchief and argues that women have the same desires that men do. He is honest. In this instance, the handkerchief represents Desdemona's life and Othello's sanity, both of which are in peril in Iago's hands. It was originally a gift from Othello’s father to his mother, and was subsequently presented to Desdemona as a token of their love and fidelity. The audience knows the path the handkerchief, took before it got to Cassio. Examples Of Sociopathy In Othello 1128 Words | 5 Pages. It is odd that such an insignificant object becomes so important to the play, but that is one of the great things about Shakespeare. Did it hold black magic? Where the play starts off. It can be a little comfusing to just read in a book the path of the handkerchief. Just a few lines after hearing this news, Othello cries, ''O, blood, blood, blood'' and vows revenge. It is now that the jealousy sinks deep into Othello’s soul and starts to vividly destroy his psyche.Jealousy 7: Bianca, Cassio’s common lover, also becomes sick with jealousy. Othello even explains to Desdemona that the handkerchief allowed his mother to make her husband faithful in their marriage. The truth of the handkerchief comes out too late. If we take a deeper look, however, we can see that the handkerchief also has a deeper meaning. His play gives meaning to something usually not associated with so much importance, and it can be quite entertaining to see it play out. Othello’s personality and language transforms from being gentle and sophisticated to crude impulsive through the influence of Iago 8.3 Nobleman- His conduct: Given chance to defend himself, then allows Desdemona to defend herself as well.Fairly-treated Man in charge. Blinded by Iago’s deceit Othello murders his wife. Othello continues to lay blame on Desdemona's foulness, and Iago keeps trying to silence the lamenting Emilia. The handkerchief has been blackened just like Desdemona has through her marriage. Sociology 110: Cultural Studies & Diversity in the U.S. Overview of Blood & the Cardiovascular System, Electrolyte, Water & pH Balance in the Body, Sexual Reproduction & the Reproductive System, Accessory Organs of the Gastrointestinal System. We see the handkerchief before we hear about it. As the plot of the play develops, those who have the handkerchief lose all truth, respect, and for some, their lives. All rights reserved. {{courseNav.course.mDynamicIntFields.lessonCount}} lessons Brabantio in Othello: Character Analysis & Quotes, Bianca in Othello: Character Analysis & Quotes, Iago from Othello: Character Analysis & Overview, Cassio in Othello: Character Analysis & Quotes, Emilia in Othello: Character Analysis & Quotes, Desdemona from Othello: Character Analysis & Overview, Praxis English Language Arts - Content & Analysis (5039): Practice & Study Guide, College English Composition: Help and Review, 12th Grade English: Homework Help Resource, 10th Grade English Curriculum Resource & Lesson Plans, Holt McDougal Literature Grade 9 Common Core Edition: Online Textbook Help, Test for Admission into Catholic High Schools (TACHS): Practice & Study Guide, The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn Study Guide, Create an account to start this course today. Of trust by Iago ’ s significance, she 'll fall in love path of the handkerchief in othello! 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