Othello: The Handkerchief

The handkerchief, though a seemingly small and insignificant object, obviously plays an important symbolic role throughout William Shakespeare's Othello. In the beginning of the play, the handkerchief, formerly owned by Othello's mother, serves as a symbol as Othello's love and commitment to Desdemona.  He gives it to her as a token of his love, and says that as long as she keeps this handkerchief, he will love her.  However, the handkerchief has chaotically changed hands many times, mirroring the chaos that is Othello and Desdemona's relationship.  When Bianca shows up with the handkerchief claiming that she found it in Cassio's bedroom, this is the concrete proof that Othello needed of Desdemona's infidelity.  "As he shall smile, Othello shall go mad. And his unbookish jealousy must construe Poor Cassio’s smiles, gestures, and light behavior Quite in the wrong.—How do you now, lieutenant?" (IV.i.125-132). The handkerchief has switched roles, now serving as a symbol of Desdemona's supposed infidelity and Othello's newfound hate.