Role Of The Tragic Handkerchief In Shakespeare's Othello *THE HANDKERCHIEF IN SHAKESPEARE'S 'OTHELLO' THE STATS 720 The number of people worldwide who Google the phrase, "Othello handkerchief" each month. This is demonstrated through Shakespeares use of stichomythia, as Desdemona begs I pray talk to me of Cassio following Os questions about the handkerchief. Othello's jealousy is reaching a fever pitch thanks to Iago's plot, and the audience can do little but watch as everything falls apart. The second major event occurs when Cassio asks Bianca to copy the embroidery of the handkerchief, revealing that Iago had planted it in Cassio's room. Bianca then enters, asking after Cassio. Therefore, the handkerchief displays an important symbol in the play through its show of the power of the kerchief in love that appeared inseparable. This done, she talks with Emilia and wonders what has happened to her handkerchief. Who wrote the My Big Fat Greek Murder Mystery play? As stated by Andrew Sofer, author of Felt Absences: The Stage Properties of Othellos Handkerchief, As if to fulfill the sibyls prophecy of doom, by the plays end the first three characters are dead, the fourth faces torture and death, the fifth is wounded, and the sixth is in prison, where (as a prostitute jailed under military law for the suspected murder of a high-ranking officer) her prospects for survival are dim. (Sofer) The handkerchief is nothing but bad luck. Jon Floyd August 25, 2022 At its most sensual, the handkerchief was a symbol of either marital fidelity - handkerchiefs are still given at weddings for luck - or courtship, with embroidered messages and imagery being added to handkerchiefs between men and women in a sort of antediluvian form of sexting. That handkerchief did and Egyptian sorceress to my mother give To lose't or give't away were such perdition as nothing else could match,'' (lines 52-65). She cannot produce it, so Othello shares the handkerchief's history. The villain, Iago, has promised, and been compensated, Rodrigo that he will get Desdemona to fall in love with him. Or made gift of it, my fathers eye Earlier in the play Othello tells the Duke to keep watch of Desdemona, But I humbly ask you to make appropriate arrangements for my wife giving her a place to live and people to keep her company that suit her high rank (I. i. However in hindsight, after learning the importance and history of the handkerchief, it is not only wise of Desdemona to keep it on her because of its sentimental value, but also because of the magic that exists within it. Othello is a play of tragedy. The strength of their love enhances the tragic ending. Who made the handkerchief in Othello? eNotes Editorial, 20 Oct. 2010, https://www.enotes.com/homework-help/who-finds-handkerchief-when-desdemona-loses-210111. Studies in English Literature, 1500-1900 (SEL) focuses on four fields of British Literature which rotate quarterly as follows: Winter-English Renaissance, Spring - Tudor and Stuart Drama, Summer-Restoration and Eighteenth Century, and Autumn - Nineteenth Century. Othello expresses his joy of seeing her by saying that there is not another comfort like to this (Othello 2.1.184-187). 2235; Othello. Be not acknown on 't I have use for it. The way the content is organized and presented is seamlessly smooth, innovative, and comprehensive." Get LitCharts A + At this point in the play, Othellos feelings and emotions are far gone past his head. Iago supports the general in everything he says and suggests that Othello not poison her. i. Lauren has taught English at the university level and has a master's degree in literature. Lago comes out of hiding and cuts the back of Cassios leg, wounding him. I would definitely recommend Study.com to my colleagues. (LogOut/ Almost immediately, Desdemona and Othello exit, and Emilia, alone onstage, picks it up. i. She again states that she does not have it with her, and instead tries to change the subject to Cassio. The exchange of gifts cements. Press, and may be accessed electronically through Project Muse. Another, Shakespeare creates the tragedy, Othello, to show the true love between Othello and Desdemona. He asks Othello about the napkin: Tell me but this,Have you not sometimes seen a handkerchiefSpotted with strawberries in your wife's hand? hand,/ It was a handkerchief; an antique token/ My father gave my mother" (V.ii.215-218).4 Although critics have offered ingenious interpretations whereby the substitution of Othello's father for the "Egyptian" and the omission of any mention of the magical properties of the handkerchief become fraught with significance, it seems to 79 lessons The Clown famously sees a double meaning in the word ''lie'' in Act 3, Scene 4. Shakespeares use of the handkerchief as a symbol allows Iago to enact villainous deeds, and lead an array of, The cloth is a prominent symbol used throughout the short story. what is the symbolic nature of the handkerchief? Entire Document, See Our experts can answer your tough homework and study questions. He hath, and is again to cope your wife. board with our, See How might Othello end without the handkerchief scene? What is the meaning and symbolism of the handkerchief scene? He then says that if it should be the handkerchief, it would further confirm her guilt. By getting the handkerchief from his wife, Lago has the evidence he needs to bring his plot into full swing. Who is considered the author of The Iliad and The Odyssey? I have a salt and sorry rheum offends me; Lend me thy handkerchief. As told by Michael C. Andrews, author of Honest Othello: The Handkerchief Once More that, Othello tells Desdemona that the handkerchief is a love-controlling talisman his mother received from an Egyptian charmer. (Andrews) He goes on to say that his mother told him that the handkerchief was used to subdue her husband, but if she ever lost it or gave it away to another man, then she would lose the love of her husband. With her lack of care it leads Othello into suspicion if Desdemona is having an affair with another man, Im trembling with rage. Learn about Act 3 Scene 4 of "Othello" by William Shakespeare with a summary and quotes. OTHELLO : That is a fault. This banter between the two characters serves as a moment of comic relief in the play. Othello's most tortured speeches (3.4.57-77, 4.2.49-66) reveal the extent to which he equates the seemingly betraying woman he has so depended on for happiness with his own mother, who gave Othello's father a handkerchief and threatened him with loss of her love if he should lose it. Lago manipulates Othello using Cassio and Desdemona to tear Othellos mind apart. Iago manipulates the handkerchief so that Othello comes to see it as a symbol of Desdemona herselfher faith and chastity. Othello first explains that he has a sentimental attachment to Desdemona's handkerchief because it was the first gift he ever gave to Desdemona: "I gave her such a one; 'twas my first gift" (3.3). 1 Oct. 2013. When Othello begins to act like a judge during the second trial when Desdemona is under interrogation for infidelity, it becomes quite clear that Othello has too much of a connection to the case and is unable to think logically. The sun to course two hundred compasses, In her prophetic fury sewed the work. What is the role of the handkerchief in Shakespeare's Othello 227-229) this was the representation of love of him putting his wife before himself which was done under no influence. Why does Othello strike Desdemona in front of other people in Act IV? Studies in English Literature, 1500-1900 That is a very tough decision for Othello to make. Since Desdemona has given it away according to Othello, it is a symbolic act of unfaithfulness and betrayal. After Othello sees he has it, Othello wants to murder Cassio. Making the decision to end the life of a loved one because of evil manipulations and cruel lies, but to himself, he does not have any choice. Although there is really nothing about the handkerchief that made it so special to us, unlike a wedding ring, it is very special to them. If to preserve this vessel for my lord/ From any other foul unlawful touch/ Be not to be a strumpet, I am none (4.2.82-86)., [Picking up the handkerchief] I am glad I have found this napkin. That handkerchief Did an Egyptian to my mother give; She was a charmer, and could almost read 2230; Desdemona. Othello tells the story of the handkerchief: it is an heirloom in his family, given by an Egyptian witch to his mother as a charm to keep her husbands love. Lastly, the kerchief represents as a source of manipulation; Iago manipulated Cassio and Othello with the kerchief. The Handkerchief Symbol in Othello He is about to end the life of the one in whom he implanted all of his love and trust. For I will make him tell the tale anew. This set the scene for Iago to develop his pernicious plot, for when he and Othello saw them together, he suggested that their liaisonwas unbecoming. Who wrote the book Murder on the Orient Express? Give it to me. EMILIA. He then gives the handkerchief to Desdemona. Through the interactions of the characters, love decides their fate., utilized in the story Othello. She mentioned Cassio. There is no indication that Othello is lying, nor is he elsewhere characterized as an able dissembler. Our summaries and analyses are written by experts, and your questions are answered by real teachers. Othello Act 3, Scene 4 Summary - Shmoop Othello - Act 5, scene 2 | Folger Shakespeare Library Desdemona is a resident of Venice and Othello is a black man who originates from North Africa. The main characters of the play are as follows: In Act 3, Scene 4, Desdemona is speaking to a Clown, which serves as the comic relief of the play. As Desdemona hands him a normal handkerchief, Othello asks her where her special handkerchief is. 169) Othello has no love for Cassio for he has been tricked into believing that his wife has been sleeping with another man. Why does Iago think that Emilia has slept with both Othello and Cassio, and where in the play does he voice these suspicions? As the clown departs, Desdemona wonders to Emilia where her handkerchief might be. He continues on to explain how his mother warned him to be wise in which woman he chooses to regift the handkerchief too. She is glad about finding it and states: I'll have the work ta'en out,And give't Iago: what he will do with itHeaven knows, not I;I nothing but to please his fantasy. Who is Olivia's allowed fool in "Twelfth Night"? What is Iago's plan and purpose in act 1, scene 3 of Othello? Since the handkerchief was the first gift Desdemona received from Othello, she keeps it about her constantly as a symbol of Othello's love. Othello asks after the handkerchief that he had given Desdemona, but she does not have it. Emilia believes that Othello is the jealous type, and that while he may have been kind and loving before, it is not the true nature of men. It is probably the most crucial evidence to prove Iago's claim that Desdemona and Cassio, Othello's lieutenant, are having an affair. Who first published ''Romeo and Juliet''? She is both loyal and dedicated to her new husband but it is revealed that Othello is not. Who wrote a romance called Le Morte d'Arthur? 169-170) Later Iago claims that Cassio has possession of the kerchief which gets Othello enraged because he is gullible and he jumps to conclusions. When Othello defends himself to the Duke, he states that his wife loves him for the dangers [he] has passed and he loves her for pitying him (Othello 1.3.169-170). It begins by introducing the characters Roderigo and Iago, the former of which has been seeking the hand of Desdemona. Gift Giving Gift giving is one of the most ancient rituals in a courtship. How about getting full access immediately? We are immediately aware that Othello sees the handkerchief as magical, which can be cross referenced to the opening scenes of the play in which Brabantio accuses Othello about witchcraft and sorceryBrabantio: If she in chains of magic were not bound, whether a maid so tender, fair, and handy, so opposite to marriage that she shunned the wealthy.. The handkerchief also has historical significance for Othello. By taking possession of it, he is able to convert it into evidence of her infidelity. Desdemona tries to prove her faithfulness to Othello: No, as I am a Christian. Othello is the unfortunate victim of jealousy he feels that he isnt good enough, he isnt a smooth talker as he says, Theres nothing more. Othello is very sympathetic in this scene of the play. His mother gave him the handkerchief on her deathbed and told him to give it to his wife if he should marry. He had told her that the strawberries were hand stitched with thread that has been dyed with blood by virgin blood. Unwillingness to believe that Shakespeare could have conceived of Othello as genuinely superstitious may reflect the same racial self-consciousness that has on occasion led to a denial of the importance of Othello's racial background. A confession from Desdemona would not have been a prevention from her death, because Othello is overly focused on murdering her, no matter what she says to deny the accusations. For Othello, the handkerchief is an object of concern. With this said this is a reflection of Othellos love towards Desdemona it is described as an incompatibility of military heroism and love. The brief respite the audience feels when they learn that Cassio is courting this woman and, more importantly, is not involved with Desdemona is abolished quickly when he hands Bianca Desdemona's handkerchief. The handkerchief, a gift to Desdemona from Othello, symbolizes so much more than a mere token of affection. The handkerchief is a gift that Othello gave to Desdemona. Iago and Cassio are caught in a conversation in which Othello misinterprets that Cassio admits to having an affair ultimately it was the two talking about Bianca, when Bianca steps in Cassio is truly lost for words for he does not know where the kerchief came from. Who founded the Lorraine Hansberry Theatre? Othello then decides that Desdemona gave him the handkerchief because they were having an affair together (IIII. By continuing well assume you To . Create your account. Shakespeare's Othello Act 3 Scene 4 - The Missing Handkerchief Othello tells the story of the handkerchief: it is an heirloom in his family, given by an Egyptian witch to his mother as a charm to keep her husband's love. They that mean virtuously, and yet do so, 10. After losing it she looks everywhere for it to no avail, since it was taken by Lago for his plot. Why does Othello care about Desdemona's handkerchief How does Iago manipulate Desdemona? The Real Meaning behind Othello's Handkerchief Who wrote the novel Lady Chatterley's Lover? The loss of the handkerchief leads to Cassio being wounded and the death of Roderigo. Powered by WordPress. Cassio has the handkerchief because Iago planted it in his room as a means of proving Desdemona's infidelity and to exacerbate Othello's jealousy. There was a catch though, Othello explains, " but if she lost it / or made gift of it, my father's eye / should hold her loathed and his spirits should hunt / after new fancies." Upon finding the handkerchief on the floor, she went back to her husband Lago and gave it to him after he requested it, giving him the evidence he needed. What handkerchief why, that the Moor first gave to Desdemona, that which so often you did bid me steal. Who wrote the famous biography Life of William Shakespeare? He has spent the last 2 years working as a writer for educational content. Othello: Symbols Act 3, Scene 4 of Othello opens as Desdemona speaks with the Clown, asking him where Cassio lies, attempting to learn where Cassio lives so that she may go speak to him. A good wench! The loss of the handkerchief leads to Emilia dying alongside her mistress. Othello listens to the entire conversation, believing that every reference to Bianca by the two men is about his wife. Othellos transition into becoming an insecure and jealous man takes his ability to think rationally away from him and strengthens his doubts which leads to him shattering his relationship with his wife, Desdemona. Designed by GonThemes. OTHELLO. A compassionate, loving relationship brings happiness, which is why love is such an important mutual feeling to possess between, Othello turns to his wife Desdemona. Who is Morocco in The Merchant of Venice? Eventually Iago then manipulates Cassio to make Othello jealous. Who wrote "Rosencrantz and Guildenstern are Dead"?

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