Othello Shakespeare
Symbols and Motifs
Handkerchief
Symbol of Love and Fidelity
- Initially, the handkerchief is a symbol of Othello's love and commitment to Desdemona.
Othello describes it as a token of his affection, given to Desdemona as a symbol of their
bond. In Act 3, Scene 4, Othello explains its significance:
- "There's magic in the web of it: a sibyl That had lived in her time, which adored it, And
made a gift of it."
- The handkerchief is imbued with personal and emotional significance, representing the
genuine and sacred nature of their relationship.
Symbol of Othello’s Trust
The handkerchief also embodies Othello’s trust in Desdemona. Othello’s belief in the
handkerchief’s significance is so strong that he sees it as a testament to Desdemona's
faithfulness. When he finds out that Desdemona has lost it, his trust in her begins to waver,
and he becomes more susceptible to Iago’s manipulations.
Symbol of Betrayal and Jealousy
As the play progresses, the handkerchief becomes a symbol of betrayal. Iago uses the
handkerchief to manipulate Othello into believing that Desdemona has been unfaithful. In Act
3, Scene 3, Iago cunningly plants the handkerchief in Cassio’s possession, leading Othello to
think that Desdemona has given it to Cassio, which fuels Othello’s jealousy and drives him to
drastic actions.
Symbol of Iago’s Manipulation
Iago's manipulation of the handkerchief highlights his deceitfulness and cunning. By
orchestrating the handkerchief's transfer to Cassio and using it as false evidence of
Desdemona’s infidelity, Iago showcases his skill in exploiting symbols and emotions to achieve
his ends. The handkerchief becomes a key piece in Iago’s scheme to destroy Othello’s life.
Symbol of Miscommunication and Tragic Flaws
The handkerchief also symbolizes the tragic flaws in Othello’s character, particularly his
tendency to misinterpret and act on incomplete information. Othello’s inability to
communicate openly and his readiness to believe Iago's lies lead him to make tragic decisions
based on the false evidence represented by the handkerchief.
The colour white
Purity and Innocence
Desdemona’s Virtue: Desdemona, Othello’s wife, is often associated with the color white. Her
clothing and appearance frequently emphasize purity and innocence, such as in Act 4, Scene 3,
where she wears a white handkerchief. This symbolizes her perceived purity and moral
integrity. Othello's jealousy and eventual belief in her infidelity starkly contrast with this
symbolism, as he misinterprets her purity as deceit.
Jealousy and Deception
Iago's Manipulation: The color white also comes to symbolize the deceit and corruption that
undermine its own associations with purity. Iago, who manipulates Othello into believing
Desdemona is unfaithful, uses the color white in a duplicitous manner. For example, the white
, handkerchief that Othello gives Desdemona becomes a symbol of betrayal when Iago uses it to
convince Othello of her infidelity.
Racial and Social Implications
Othello’s Outsider Status: As a Moor, Othello is often viewed as an outsider in Venetian society.
The color white, symbolizing the dominant culture's values and purity, contrasts sharply with
Othello's racial and cultural identity. This contrast underscores Othello's isolation and the
societal prejudices he faces. His status as an outsider is highlighted by the way he perceives
and reacts to symbols of whiteness, such as when he sees Desdemona’s white handkerchief and
believes it signifies her betrayal.
Transformation of Meaning
Desdemona's Death: The final use of white in the play is tragic. Desdemona’s death is marked
by her white bedclothes, which symbolize her innocence. Othello’s final act of violence against
her ironically emphasizes the tragic misinterpretation of white as a symbol of her betrayal
rather than her actual innocence.
Moor's skin color
Symbol of Otherness and Alienation
Othello, the protagonist, is a Moor, which in the context of Elizabethan England, signifies his
African heritage and exoticism. His skin color sets him apart from the Venetian society in
which he lives and serves. This otherness makes Othello a target for prejudice and
manipulation, and his racial identity becomes a tool for Iago's schemes. Iago exploits the
racial prejudices of others to undermine Othello’s confidence and to fuel the destructive
jealousy that drives the plot.
Contrasting Othello’s Noble Qualities
Othello’s skin color also serves to contrast with his noble character. Despite being a respected
general and a man of high moral standing, his racial identity is used against him. The play
highlights how his qualities—bravery, honor, and leadership are overshadowed by his race in
the eyes of others, especially Iago and Roderigo. This contrast emphasizes the tragic irony of
Othello’s situation: his virtues are overshadowed by societal prejudice.
Symbol of Insecurity and Vulnerability
Othello’s awareness of his racial difference fuels his insecurities. His internalization of the
racial stereotypes and societal views contributes to his vulnerability. Iago’s manipulation
preys on these insecurities, convincing Othello that Desdemona, his wife, could not truly love
him and must be unfaithful. Othello’s racial identity becomes a source of his tragic downfall,
illustrating how internalized racism can erode self-worth and lead to self-destructive
behavior.
The “Monster” Within
Iago’s use of Othello’s race to incite jealousy and rage highlights how racial prejudice can
dehumanize individuals. Othello’s transformation from a dignified leader to a “jealous
monster” reflects how societal attitudes towards race can corrupt and distort an individual’s
self-perception and behavior. The play portrays how racial discrimination can foster self-
hatred and exacerbate personal vulnerabilities.
Symbol of Exclusion and Integration
Othello’s role as a military leader in Venetian society contrasts with his exclusion from the
full social and cultural integration. His achievements and status are always viewed through
the lens of his race, preventing him from being fully accepted. This duality underscores the
tension between his public success and private alienation.
Symbols and Motifs
Handkerchief
Symbol of Love and Fidelity
- Initially, the handkerchief is a symbol of Othello's love and commitment to Desdemona.
Othello describes it as a token of his affection, given to Desdemona as a symbol of their
bond. In Act 3, Scene 4, Othello explains its significance:
- "There's magic in the web of it: a sibyl That had lived in her time, which adored it, And
made a gift of it."
- The handkerchief is imbued with personal and emotional significance, representing the
genuine and sacred nature of their relationship.
Symbol of Othello’s Trust
The handkerchief also embodies Othello’s trust in Desdemona. Othello’s belief in the
handkerchief’s significance is so strong that he sees it as a testament to Desdemona's
faithfulness. When he finds out that Desdemona has lost it, his trust in her begins to waver,
and he becomes more susceptible to Iago’s manipulations.
Symbol of Betrayal and Jealousy
As the play progresses, the handkerchief becomes a symbol of betrayal. Iago uses the
handkerchief to manipulate Othello into believing that Desdemona has been unfaithful. In Act
3, Scene 3, Iago cunningly plants the handkerchief in Cassio’s possession, leading Othello to
think that Desdemona has given it to Cassio, which fuels Othello’s jealousy and drives him to
drastic actions.
Symbol of Iago’s Manipulation
Iago's manipulation of the handkerchief highlights his deceitfulness and cunning. By
orchestrating the handkerchief's transfer to Cassio and using it as false evidence of
Desdemona’s infidelity, Iago showcases his skill in exploiting symbols and emotions to achieve
his ends. The handkerchief becomes a key piece in Iago’s scheme to destroy Othello’s life.
Symbol of Miscommunication and Tragic Flaws
The handkerchief also symbolizes the tragic flaws in Othello’s character, particularly his
tendency to misinterpret and act on incomplete information. Othello’s inability to
communicate openly and his readiness to believe Iago's lies lead him to make tragic decisions
based on the false evidence represented by the handkerchief.
The colour white
Purity and Innocence
Desdemona’s Virtue: Desdemona, Othello’s wife, is often associated with the color white. Her
clothing and appearance frequently emphasize purity and innocence, such as in Act 4, Scene 3,
where she wears a white handkerchief. This symbolizes her perceived purity and moral
integrity. Othello's jealousy and eventual belief in her infidelity starkly contrast with this
symbolism, as he misinterprets her purity as deceit.
Jealousy and Deception
Iago's Manipulation: The color white also comes to symbolize the deceit and corruption that
undermine its own associations with purity. Iago, who manipulates Othello into believing
Desdemona is unfaithful, uses the color white in a duplicitous manner. For example, the white
, handkerchief that Othello gives Desdemona becomes a symbol of betrayal when Iago uses it to
convince Othello of her infidelity.
Racial and Social Implications
Othello’s Outsider Status: As a Moor, Othello is often viewed as an outsider in Venetian society.
The color white, symbolizing the dominant culture's values and purity, contrasts sharply with
Othello's racial and cultural identity. This contrast underscores Othello's isolation and the
societal prejudices he faces. His status as an outsider is highlighted by the way he perceives
and reacts to symbols of whiteness, such as when he sees Desdemona’s white handkerchief and
believes it signifies her betrayal.
Transformation of Meaning
Desdemona's Death: The final use of white in the play is tragic. Desdemona’s death is marked
by her white bedclothes, which symbolize her innocence. Othello’s final act of violence against
her ironically emphasizes the tragic misinterpretation of white as a symbol of her betrayal
rather than her actual innocence.
Moor's skin color
Symbol of Otherness and Alienation
Othello, the protagonist, is a Moor, which in the context of Elizabethan England, signifies his
African heritage and exoticism. His skin color sets him apart from the Venetian society in
which he lives and serves. This otherness makes Othello a target for prejudice and
manipulation, and his racial identity becomes a tool for Iago's schemes. Iago exploits the
racial prejudices of others to undermine Othello’s confidence and to fuel the destructive
jealousy that drives the plot.
Contrasting Othello’s Noble Qualities
Othello’s skin color also serves to contrast with his noble character. Despite being a respected
general and a man of high moral standing, his racial identity is used against him. The play
highlights how his qualities—bravery, honor, and leadership are overshadowed by his race in
the eyes of others, especially Iago and Roderigo. This contrast emphasizes the tragic irony of
Othello’s situation: his virtues are overshadowed by societal prejudice.
Symbol of Insecurity and Vulnerability
Othello’s awareness of his racial difference fuels his insecurities. His internalization of the
racial stereotypes and societal views contributes to his vulnerability. Iago’s manipulation
preys on these insecurities, convincing Othello that Desdemona, his wife, could not truly love
him and must be unfaithful. Othello’s racial identity becomes a source of his tragic downfall,
illustrating how internalized racism can erode self-worth and lead to self-destructive
behavior.
The “Monster” Within
Iago’s use of Othello’s race to incite jealousy and rage highlights how racial prejudice can
dehumanize individuals. Othello’s transformation from a dignified leader to a “jealous
monster” reflects how societal attitudes towards race can corrupt and distort an individual’s
self-perception and behavior. The play portrays how racial discrimination can foster self-
hatred and exacerbate personal vulnerabilities.
Symbol of Exclusion and Integration
Othello’s role as a military leader in Venetian society contrasts with his exclusion from the
full social and cultural integration. His achievements and status are always viewed through
the lens of his race, preventing him from being fully accepted. This duality underscores the
tension between his public success and private alienation.
