Home > Q&A by Experts > Literature >
Q

What is the significance of the handkerchief in Othello?

A

The handkerchief in Shakespeare’s Othello belongs to Desdemona, Othello’s wife. This accessory is an example of rich symbolism in Shakespeare’s writings. It has a lot of various meanings that change throughout the play. From a symbol of loyalty, it became a symbol of betrayal, utter confusion, conspiracy, and death.

Detailed answer:

The quivering and innocent Desdemona is impressed by the exploits of the Moor. Behind external unattractiveness, the woman discerned Othello’s strong will and fearlessness. Desdemona herself takes the first step and confesses her feelings to the general. Lovers secretly get married. The Moor gives his young wife a present: a handkerchief that Othello got from his mother. According to legend, a beautiful thing will keep love and happiness in the family hearth. In act 3, scene 4, Othello says:

“…she, dying, gave it me;
And bid me, when my fate would have me wive,
To give it her. I did so: and take heed on’t;
Make it a darling like your precious eye;
To lose’t or give’t away were such perdition
As nothing else could match”.

The first cracks in the relationship of the newlyweds appear after an innocent conversation. Desdemona asks her husband to take pity on Cassio (the general’s subordinate). The girl does not suspect that the enemies have already built an insidious plan and easily falls into a trap.

Desdemona sees that her husband is anxious. She tries to show her love and relieve Othello from his worries. She is trying to wipe the sweat from Othello’s forehead with the handkerchief. The man rejects the concern and throws it away.

This scene depicts Othello’s jealousy and hesitations. He is still trying to shake away the suspicion as he throws away the handkerchief. Desdemona tries to keep balance by using this handkerchief to show his care for his husband. However, Othello is already too blind to the truth, meaning her love and care for him.

Handkerchief as a symbol of manipulated lives

Being influenced by Iago’s rumors, Othello believes in Desdemona’s betrayal. When Desdemona attempts to refresh his forehead with her handkerchief, his gift, he throws it away in anger. Iago’s wife, Emilia, picks up the handkerchief. The loss of the gift was a crucial moment in the fate of Desdemona. Realizing its loss, she exclaims:

“Sure, there’s some wonder in this handkerchief:
I am most unhappy in the loss of it.”
(Act 3, scene 4)

Here the handkerchief represents how many lives have fallen into Iago’s manipulation. With this handkerchief, Emilia passes Othello and Desdemona’s lives into Iago’s hands.

Handkerchief as a symbol of betrayal and death

The handkerchief falls into Iago’s hands. Then the villain plots an evil plan on how to plant it to Cassio:

“I will in Cassio’s lodging lose this napkin,
And let him find it. Trifles light as air
Are to the jealous confirmations strong
As proofs of holy writ: this may do something.
The Moor already changes with my poison:
Dangerous conceits are, in their natures, poisons.
Which at the first are scarce found to distaste,
But with a little act upon the blood.
Burn like the mines of Sulphur.”
(Act 3, scene 3)

Cassio does not know whose handkerchief it is and takes it for himself. Othello can barely curb his jealousy, but demands from Iago proof of Desdemona’s adultery. Iago claims to have heard Cassio whispering Desdemona’s name in his sleep. He also noticed Desdemona’s handkerchief at Cassio’s. So, Iago manages to drive Othello to frenzy.

When Desdemona tries to put in a good word for Cassio, Othello demands to show the handkerchief. As she cannot do this, Othello bursts into grievous insults and abuse. Now, the Moor is sure – Desdemona is cheating on him. In a furious rage, he strangles Desdemona. Then, upon learning of his mistake, he stabs himself.

Answer's rating:
Updated:
Ask your Question
(We won’t publish it)
Cite This page
You're welcome to use this expert's answer in your assignment. Be sure to cite it correctly

Reference

IvyPanda. (2024, August 21). What is the significance of the handkerchief in Othello? https://ivypanda.com/q/what-is-the-significance-of-the-handkerchief-in-othello/

Work Cited

"What is the significance of the handkerchief in Othello?" IvyPanda, 21 Aug. 2024, ivypanda.com/q/what-is-the-significance-of-the-handkerchief-in-othello/.

References

IvyPanda. (2024) 'What is the significance of the handkerchief in Othello'. 21 August.

References

IvyPanda. 2024. "What is the significance of the handkerchief in Othello?" August 21, 2024. https://ivypanda.com/q/what-is-the-significance-of-the-handkerchief-in-othello/.

1. IvyPanda. "What is the significance of the handkerchief in Othello?" August 21, 2024. https://ivypanda.com/q/what-is-the-significance-of-the-handkerchief-in-othello/.


Bibliography


IvyPanda. "What is the significance of the handkerchief in Othello?" August 21, 2024. https://ivypanda.com/q/what-is-the-significance-of-the-handkerchief-in-othello/.

Privacy Settings

IvyPanda uses cookies and similar technologies to enhance your experience, enabling functionalities such as:

  • Basic site functions
  • Ensuring secure, safe transactions
  • Secure account login
  • Remembering account, browser, and regional preferences
  • Remembering privacy and security settings
  • Analyzing site traffic and usage
  • Personalized search, content, and recommendations
  • Displaying relevant, targeted ads on and off IvyPanda

Please refer to IvyPanda's Cookies Policy and Privacy Policy for detailed information.

Required Cookies & Technologies
Always active

Certain technologies we use are essential for critical functions such as security and site integrity, account authentication, security and privacy preferences, internal site usage and maintenance data, and ensuring the site operates correctly for browsing and transactions.

Site Customization

Cookies and similar technologies are used to enhance your experience by:

  • Remembering general and regional preferences
  • Personalizing content, search, recommendations, and offers

Some functions, such as personalized recommendations, account preferences, or localization, may not work correctly without these technologies. For more details, please refer to IvyPanda's Cookies Policy.

Personalized Advertising

To enable personalized advertising (such as interest-based ads), we may share your data with our marketing and advertising partners using cookies and other technologies. These partners may have their own information collected about you. Turning off the personalized advertising setting won't stop you from seeing IvyPanda ads, but it may make the ads you see less relevant or more repetitive.

Personalized advertising may be considered a "sale" or "sharing" of the information under California and other state privacy laws, and you may have the right to opt out. Turning off personalized advertising allows you to exercise your right to opt out. Learn more in IvyPanda's Cookies Policy and Privacy Policy.