What is the symbolism of handkerchief?
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| handkaerchief in the play Othello |
In William Shakespeare's play Othello, the handkerchief serves as a symbol that has many meanings and is important to the plot and theme of the play. A handkerchief, a white square of thin linen with strawberries embroidered on it, is given by Othello to his wife Desdemona as a symbol of their love and fidelity.
Initially, the scarf symbolizes love, trust and loyalty between Othello and Desdemona. Othello presents the handkerchief to Desdemona as a token of their love and tells her that it is a family heirloom given to his mother by an Egyptian spellcaster. Othello believes that a handkerchief is able to keep a husband faithful to his wife and therefore is a symbol of their love and fidelity.
However, the meaning of the handkerchief changes as the play progresses. When the handkerchief is lost, it becomes a symbol of betrayal and deceit. Iago, Othello's ensign, steals the handkerchief and plants it in Cassio's room, making Othello believe that Cassio and Desdemona are having an affair. Thus, the handkerchief becomes a tool of manipulation and deceit, and its loss leads to the tragic fall of Othello.
Moreover, the headscarf symbolizes cultural differences and class differences. Othello emphasizes the exotic origin of the handkerchief and its significance in his cultural background when he gives it to Desdemona. The handkerchief represents Othello's cultural identity and heritage, and its loss highlights the cultural and class differences between Othello and Desdemona, who comes from a wealthy Venetian family.
In general, the handkerchief in Othello is a complex symbol that carries many meanings. Initially, he represents the love, trust and loyalty between Othello and Desdemona. However, his loss and Iago's subsequent use as a tool of manipulation and deception leads to Othello's tragic downfall. In addition, the headscarf symbolizes the cultural and class differences between Othello and Desdemona, highlighting the themes of race and cultural identity in the play.
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Critically discuss the role of the handkerchief in the play "Othello"?
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| handkaerchief in the play Othello |
In William Shakespeare's play Othello, the handkerchief is a symbol that plays a significant role in the plot and serves as a catalyst for the unfolding tragic events. This essay will critically discuss the role of the handkerchief in the play, exploring its meaning as a symbol of love, loyalty, betrayal, and ultimately tragedy.
The handkerchief first appears in Act III, Scene 3, when Othello's wife Desdemona drops it and her husband picks it up. This handkerchief, embroidered with strawberries, is a token of Othello's love for Desdemona, given to her as a symbol of their love and fidelity. Othello tells Desdemona that his mother received the handkerchief from an Egyptian charmer who claimed that the handkerchief could keep a husband faithful to his wife. Thus, the handkerchief represents Othello's trust in Desdemona's fidelity and his faith in the power of their love.
However, the meaning of the handkerchief goes beyond being a symbol of love. The loss of the handkerchief becomes a decisive turning point in the play, leading to the tragic downfall of Othello. The handkerchief is later stolen by Iago, Othello's ensign, who uses it to manipulate Othello into furthering his own plans. Iago throws a handkerchief into Cassio's room, making Othello believe that Cassio and Desdemona are having an affair.
Thus, the scarf turns from a symbol of love into a symbol of betrayal and deceit. Othello's obsession with the handkerchief and its supposed meaning causes him to question Desdemona's loyalty and ultimately causes him to kill her in a fit of jealousy. The handkerchief becomes the ultimate symbol of Othello's tragic flaw - his inability to trust his wife and his irrational jealousy that ultimately leads to his downfall.
Moreover, the headscarf serves as a symbol of class and cultural differences. When Othello first gives Desdemona a handkerchief, he highlights his exotic origins, emphasizing his own heritage and culture. The significance of the handkerchief as a cultural symbol becomes more apparent when Othello accuses Desdemona of infidelity and contrasts the handkerchief with her behaviour. He believes that the scarf is a symbol of his love and fidelity, which Desdemona, as a Venetian, does not understand.
In conclusion, the handkerchief in Othello serves as a powerful symbol that defines the plot and themes of the play. It represents love, loyalty, betrayal and, ultimately, tragedy. His loss and Iago's subsequent use as a manipulation tool led to Othello's downfall, highlighting his tragic flaw and his inability to trust his wife. Moreover, the significance of the headscarf as a symbol of class and cultural differences emphasizes the game.
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What does Desdemona's handkerchief mean to Iago?
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| handkaerchief in the play Othello |
In William Shakespeare's play Othello, Desdemona's handkerchief is important to Iago because he uses it as a tool to manipulate Othello into furthering his own plans. Iago is jealous of Cassio, who was promoted, and wants to take revenge on Othello for not promoting him. Iago's plan to manipulate Othello centers on convincing him that his wife Desdemona is having an affair with Cassio.
Iago sees an opportunity to carry out his plan when Desdemona drops her handkerchief and Emilia, Iago's wife, picks it up. Iago then persuades Emilia to give him a handkerchief, and he uses it to plant false evidence that Cassio and Desdemona are having an affair. Iago puts the handkerchief in Cassio's room, and when Othello sees it at Cassio's, he is convinced of Desdemona's infidelity.
The handkerchief is important to Iago because it serves as important evidence in his plan to convince Othello of Desdemona's infidelity. Iago is a master of manipulation, and he uses a handkerchief to plant false evidence, plant seeds of doubt in Othello's mind, and drive him insane.
Moreover, the scarf represents Desdemona's love and loyalty to Othello, which Iago sees as a threat to his own plans. Iago wants to destroy Othello's belief in Desdemona's love, and the handkerchief serves as a symbol of this love. Taking the handkerchief and using it to deceive Othello, Iago attacks the very basis of Othello's relationship with Desdemona.
In conclusion, the handkerchief is important to Iago because he uses it as a tool to manipulate Othello and further his own plans. The handkerchief represents Desdemona's love and loyalty to Othello, whom Iago wants to destroy. Using a handkerchief to sow false evidence and seeds of doubt in Othello's mind, Iago ultimately leads Othello to his tragic downfall.
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