In Shakespeare's play "Othello," a handkerchief is used to symbolize many ideas. Shakespeare is brilliant in his ways of stringing along minor details to create strong symbolism. One of the things that the handkerchief symbolizes is the control that Iago has over those who possess the handkerchief. It is clear that anyone who has played a part with Iago’s revenge against Othello has dealt with the handkerchief as well, and as the play progresses, Iago’s control grows stronger and stronger.
The handkerchief is passed around between Othello, Desdemona, Emilia, Cassio, and Bianca, all of whom Iago has had some type of communication with. The handkerchief is first introduced in Act 3; “Your napkin is too little [He puts the handkerchief from him, and it drops.]”/ “Let it alone. Come, I'll go in with you.”(3.3.287-288). The handkerchief dropping symbolizes the climax of Iago's plot to seek revenge on Othello. The handkerchief was something special to Othello. As it drops, the once clean handkerchief becomes a little tarnished after hitting the floor, just as Othello and Desdemona's relationship was clean and happy before being ruined by Iago having possession of the handkerchief. This is the start of the most vital point in Iago’s plot of revenge against Othello.
After the handkerchief hits the floor, Emilia picks it up, and gives it to her husband Iago. When Iago receives the handkerchief, he asks, "Where should I lose that handkerchief, Emilia?" (3.4.23). After turning over the handkerchief to Iago, Iago now has control over Othello, Desdemona, and Emilia. Iago now can manipulate Othello`s feelings towards Desdemona, as well as Desdemona’s future with Othello, and Emilia’s friendship with Desdemona. Next, Iago gains control over Cassio by leading him to the handkerchief. Later in Act 3, Iago reveals a part of his plan by saying “I will in Cassio's lodging lose this napkin, And let him find it. / Trifles light as air Are to the jealous confirmations strong / As proofs of holy writ: this may do something. / The Moor already changes with my poison: / Dangerous conceits are, in their natures, poisons. / Which at the first are scarce found to distaste, / But with a little act upon the blood / Burn like the mines of sulphur.” (3.3.321-329). In this quote, losing the handkerchief represents the beginning of Iago’s control over Cassio. By placing the handkerchief in Cassio’s home, he furthers his hopes of revenge against Othello. When Cassio finds the handkerchief (which belongs to Desdemona), Iago will continue to manipulate Othello, Desdemona, Emilia, and now Cassio by using this handkerchief to deceive those around him to get Othello to believe that Desdemona is sleeping with Cassio.
As the play progresses, Iago’s control over Cassio and Othello convinces Othello to believe that Cassio has been sleeping with Desdemona. This was easy to do, because Iago already has control over both of them. His control over Cassio leads Cassio to say the right things to make it seem as though he slept with Desdemona. He manipulates Othello by deceiving him into thinking that Desdemona has been unfaithful, and in the process gets Othello to hate Cassio even more. Othello can not bare to hear Cassio’s name, especially when Desdemona mentions it. Since Iago has lead Othello into thinking that Desdemona has been unfaithful, the only thing that can disprove Iago is the handkerchief, which is now in the hands of Cassio. Iago`s control over their relationship deepens, as it tarnishes more and more. When Cassio has the handkerchief, he becomes a part of Iago’s plan by being used to gain further control over Othello, who under Iago’s control, is driven crazy to the point that he kills Desdemona and commits suicide.
The handkerchief in Othello symbolizes the control that Iago has over those who possess it. Iago controls whoever has the handkerchief by making them a part of his revenge scheme. As the plot of the play develops, those who have the handkerchief lose all truth, respect, and for some, their lives.
