The Handkerchief of Love and Deception in Othello

Othello and Desdemona started their life together thinking it was to be forever.

The handkerchief symbolizes the start of a new generation, a token of their union and

ultimately determines their fate and the main characters lives being changed by the

events. The films adaption, as in Shakespeare play, he makes the handkerchief significant

to the plot.

Othello’s mother gave him the handkerchief on her dying bed to give to the

women he marries. “She, dying, gave it me, and bid me, when my fate would have me

wive; to give her.” Desdemona and Othello confess their love for one another in hopes of

a blissful life together. Unbeknown to them that the handkerchief would be their down

fall. Desdemona “The heavens forbid but, that our loves and comforts should increase

even as our days do grow.” Othello’s reply was “Amen to that, sweet powers! I cannot

speak enough of this content; it stops me here; it is too much of joy. And this, and this,

the greatest discords be that e’er our hearts shall make.” Othello is saying my sweet

strength! Words cannot say enough; it feels my heart with joy and may our hearts sing as

one with out strife. (2. 1.186-190).

Upon entering the bedroom Desdemona and Emilia find Othello there with a headache. “How now, my dear Othello?” your dinner, and the generous islanders by you invited, do attend your presence.” Desdemona ask Othello are you feeling better my dear husband. Desdemona tells Othello the people you invited have requested your attendance for dinner. “I have pain upon my forehead, here.” Desdemona tells Othello that his head would be better soon, “faith, that with watching; twill away again. Let me bind it hard, within this hour it will be ...

... middle of paper ...

...lls Othello “No, Cassio is not killed.” Now Othello plan is spoiled. Emilia

inquires what has happened to Desdemona. (O, Lord! What cry is that?)This

is when Emilia finds Desdemona dead in the bed. (V.2. 67-68 72. 80) (V.2.114-116).

Emilia spoke these words “you told a lie, odious damned lie! Upon my soul, a

lie! A wicked lie! She false with Cassio? Did you say with Cassio? Iago tells his wife to

be quiet but, Emilia informs Othello that she gave the handkerchief to Iago, and Iago

placed the handkerchief in Cassio’s possession. Iago grabs his wife and kills her. Emilia

stumbles to the bed, laid down next to Desdemona and dies. Othello finds out that Iago

misled him and stabs Iago and himself. Roderigo was wounded, Desdemona, Emilia,

Iago, Othello lay dead in the bed which, ultimately led to their demise. (V.2. 180. 226-

229)