Othello: Jealously Is The Green-Eyed Monster

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. Jealously is The Green-Eyed Monster Debbie Leung 301222961 Friday, October 17, 2014 A gift holds a sentimental value when it is given by someone who you love dearly; it is the symbolism of value and affection. The handkerchief in “Othello” by William Shakespeare embodies several significances, in which it is a symbolization of faithfulness and affection—but can also be perceived as a sign of destruction. The handkerchief does not only symbolize the love between Othello and Desdemona, but it also plays a crucial role in plot developing and setting the atmosphere. We will see throughout the play that the handkerchief expresses the different sides the characters, allowing the audience to understand them a bit more. Although the…show more content…
It is undoubtedly significant; therefore, should not be lost. Iago, knowing the handkerchief was given by Othello to Desdemona, decides to steal it away as a stepping stone to his deceitful plan. Unfortunately, Desdemona happen to drop her handkerchief in which Emilia happens to get ahold of. She takes it away from Desdemona as Iago has urged her for “a hundred times” to steal it, even though she does not know why nor questions him. In the following quote, it clearly shows Emilia’s innocence and that she is completely oblivious to Iago’s deceptive…show more content…
I’ll have the work ta’en out, And give’t Iago. What he will do with it, Heaven knows, not I; I nothing, but to please his fantasy. (3.3.306-315) Although Emilia is uncertain why Iago badly wants to have the handkerchief, she decides to take it anyway because she knows it will make him happy. This scene advances the character Emilia as the “innocent one” as she does not know the plan of Iago’s. It also advances the plot development as Emilia announces the beginning of the handkerchief plot, letting the audience know that Iago is up to no good. This is also known as dramatic irony, where the audience knows something about the character that the character itself does not know. Heirloom is a valuable object that has been passed on from generations to generations; the handkerchief is a family treasure that once belonged to Othello’s mother. The handkerchief was given by Othello’s dying mother in hopes to pass it onto her son’s future wife. In the following quote, Othello explains the story behind the handkerchief after he was suspicious of Desdemona’s fidelity: “That handkerchief did an Egyptian to my mother give, She was a charmer, and could almost read the thoughts of people. She told her, while she kept
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