Introduction
Shakespeare has put much effort into his wordplay, the depth of his themes, and the symbolism of objects and character actions. Othello, a tragedy about love and jealousy, is no exception. Shakespeare introduces tangible items, such as Desdemona’s handkerchief, and ideas to signify emotions between different characters. The playwright uses a variety of symbols, ranging from a handkerchief to animal descriptions and songs, to reinforce the message about jealousy and violence.
Symbols in Othello
The first and most recognizable symbol in the play is a handkerchief. Othello gives it to Desdemona as a physical manifestation of their love (Meskill 7). However, when Desdemona loses it, and Iago brings Othello the handkerchief, the item’s meaning changes from purity and innocence to betrayal (Meskill 10). A small object embodies trust between lovers, and its presence in another’s hands turns it into a source of rage.
Othello is classified as different from the other characters using animal imagery. Notably, the characters separate themselves from Othello as if to cast him out and use emotions against him. For example, Iago describes Othello as an “old black ram” to signify his impure nature (Huang 3). Using animal descriptions creates a divide between seemingly civilized characters and Othello, decreasing the latter’s status in society.
Finally, Shakespeare also uses a song as a symbol, repeating elements of it throughout the play. The Willow Song tells a story of love and betrayal, and Desdemona sings it when feeling that Othello’s view of her has changed (Hamamra 114). This song is used as a foreshadowing device, showing the play’s inevitable outcome to the reader. It also connects Emilia and Desdemona and demonstrates the tragedy of love.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Shakespeare’s Othello uses various symbols to show the characters’ inner thoughts, foreshadow future events, and demonstrate their views on one another. The handkerchief is necessary to showcase how small objects can become a source of great tragedy. Using animal imagery reinforces the divide between Othello and other characters in society. Lastly, Shakespeare utilizes the Willow Song to support the certainty of the ending.
Works Cited
Hamamra, Bilal Tawfiq. “‘Speak of me as I am’: Othello’s and Desdemona’s Farewell Words.” ANQ: A Quarterly Journal of Short Articles, Notes and Reviews, vol. 35, no. 2, 2022, pp. 113–115.
Huang, Min. “The Establishment of the Theme of Evil Through Imagery in Othello.” English Language and Literature Studies, vol. 12, no. 3, 2022, pp. 1–6.
Meskill, Lynn S. “Fortune Unbound in Othello.” Actes Des Congrès De La Société Française Shakespeare, vol. 37, 2019, pp. 1–13.