Othello Act III

Before even beginning to read the play, we were told in class that the object of a handkerchief would be very essential in William Shakespeare’s Othello; considering that this handkerchief first appears in the duration of Act III, I could not help but immediately take notice to its role in the story and its many layers of symbolism. The handkerchief first appears when Desdemona attempts to wipe Othello’s fact in comfort when he expresses anguish. Taken aback by his unusual display of anger and rage, Desdemona distractedly drops the handkerchief, and Emilia sneakily retrieves it after Desdemona has exited. She explains in a brief soliloquy that Iago has wanted her to retrieve this handkerchief for quite some time. She declares that “I am glad I have found this napkin. This was her first remembrance from the Moor” (Shakespeare, Act III,iii, 292-293). With this massive revelation, the audience finally begins to understand the significance of the hankerchief and Iago’s desire to attain possession of it. The handkerchief is an essential symbol of the love and loyalty between Desdemona and Othello considering that it was the initial and heartfelt gift given to her. As a result, Iago wishes to obtain the handkerchief so as to place it in the possession of Cassio. This will serve as circumstantial evidence to prove to Othello that Cassio has had affair with Desdemona. The true genius behind the plan is that, while this evidence will be undeniably in favor or Desdemona’s infidelity, nobody else will understand the horrible evil which Iago has performed in framing Cassio with the handkerchief. Therefore, the handkerchief becomes not only a symbol of the love and loyalty between Othello and Desdemona, but also the trust in their relationship. As the handkerchief begins to change ownership and location, so does Othello’s trust in those characters surrounding him. As the play progresses, understanding the condition and location of the handkerchief will be critical to understanding the state of Othello and Desdemona’s love and relationship.