How does Iago use the handkerchief to prove Othello’s jealousy?
Othello is a notable literary work by William Shakespeare. A complete discussion of this literary work is given, which will help you enhance your literary skills and prepare for the exam. Read the Main texts, Key info, Summary, Themes, Characters, Literary devices, Quotations, Notes, and various study materials of Othello.
Answer
How does Iago use the handkerchief to prove Othello’s jealousy? (2021, 2017) ✪✪✪
The handkerchief is a love sign in William Shakespeare’s (1564-1616) play “Othello” (1622). It is Othello’s first gift. He says it has magical power. Desdemona keeps it always. Iago knows its value. He turns it into a trap. That trap feeds Othello’s jealousy.
Sacred Token and Loss: Othello tells its story. He calls it rare and holy. Desdemona then mislays it sadly. Emilia finds the cloth by chance. Its loss worries Desdemona at once. Othello later demands that very token. Not finding it alarms him deeply.
Theft and Planting: Emilia gives it to Iago. She thinks he will copy it. Iago steals it for plotting. His creed is clear:
“I am not what I am.”
He plants it in Cassio’s room. Now the cloth can mislead Othello. The trap is ready and hidden.
False Proof and Suggestion: Iago hints with slow poison. He whispers,
“Look to your wife; observe her well with Cassio.”
Othello asks for hard proof. Iago fabricates a dream story. He adds the handkerchief detail. He says Cassio used that cloth. Othello links cloth and adultery.
Public Display and Collapse: Bianca returns the same clothes. She throws it at Cassio. Othello watches the scene nearby. He thinks Desdemona gave it. Iago points and smiles softly. Othello’s mind breaks in rage. He plans death for both. Iago also strikes Othello’s pride. Othello sighs,
“Haply, for I am black.”
That doubt joins the “proof.” The cloth now “shows” betrayal. Jealousy replaces judgment and love. The handkerchief turns into a weapon.
Thus, Iago weaponizes a love gift. He steals it, plants it, and frames it. The cloth becomes “proof.” Othello believes the lie. Jealousy wins, and tragedy follows.