The Handkerchief

• Sybolism of handling the handkerchief

  the handkerchief is “handled” by almost every character, which reflects a significant problem existing within the marriage. A number of characters are involved in the couple’s relationship, interrupting effective communication between the couple to a fatal extent.
• Meanings of the handkerchief

  It represents Othello’s token of love to his wife, acting as a symbol of fidelity.

  Yet, it also symbolises the restriction that exists within marital relationships. Elizabethan husbands believe there wives were faithful as long as the objects remained in their possessions, placing excessive weight upon seemingly trivial symbols rather than truth and feelings. It emphasises the fragility of relationships as they can be represented by something so dainty.
• Paradox of purity


  Exists within the handkerchief's design
• The spots may represent


  Othello's distorted image of Desdemona's deceitful beauty
• Paradox of perverse purity


  Exists within the handkerchief's design
• The paradox of perverse purity within the handkerchief's design


  Is emblematic of Othello's estimation of Desdemona
• Handkerchief "spotted with strawberries"


  May represent Othello's distorted image of Desdemona's perilously deceitful beauty
• The "red" strawberries


  Emphasise the extreme views Othello holds about Desdemona
• Othello sees Desdemona as

  Either completely pure and innocent, associated with "white", or passionate and lustful, associated with "red"