Therefore, by depicting Othello using animal attributes, Iago describes Othello as subjugated, beneath him, and less than human, just as much of European society did towards people of African descent. Shakespeare often uses different locations to represent mindsets. Othello Symbols New! Since the handkerchief was the first gift Desdemona The creation of the handkerchief itself and the way in which Othello woos Desdemona alludes to another motif that Shakespeare uses, which is mysticism and magic. Anonymous. She taught the song from her mother’s maid who has experienced the similar misfortune to the woman in the song. Not only that, but Iago describes the event in heavily symbolic language: Even now, now, very now, an old black ram Is tupping your white ewe. action, thought and feeling rigidly circumscribed by my inescapable feminity.” – Sylvia Plath From Elizabethan society in Othello to mid-20th century in the Bell Jar, just as stated from Plath, patriarchy in the form of social convention and expectation defines the life of women with feminity. The Handkerchief. Symbolism and Similarities in Sir Gawain the Green Knight Othello and The Flea The definition of symbolism is an artistic poetic movement or style using symbolic images and indirect suggestion to express mystical ideas, emotions, and states of mind. As the play begins, Othello unquestioningly accepts Desdemona's love and fidelity. The handkerchief serves a very important role in shaping the story to the way it is, it ultimately becomes the reason for Othello’s brutal murder of his wife, Desdemona. According to Iago, Cassio talked in his sleep while dreaming about Desdemona. received from Othello, she keeps it about her constantly as a symbol For instance, there was a particular ritual in which a lady would drop her handkerchief for a… read analysis of The Handkerchief. After Othello finds out about the terrible things Iago had done to him, Othello talks to some of the soldiers and says to them, “I look down towards his feet; but that’s a fable. The song’s lyrics suggest that both men and women are unfaithful Symbolism in Othello Essay Sample “Othello” is the story of a Moorish general living in Cyprus, and the personal struggles he faces as he tries to decide which of the people closest to him is telling the truth – his wife, or his servant. Handkerchief has different symbol to different characters. Feeling how cold and rude Othello has become, she decides to provoke the old emotions. To Othello, the handkerchief symbolizes fidelity and his giving it to Desdemona represents a promise that he will be true to her, and a request that she stay true to him. from the hearts of mummified virgins. Shakespeare also makes use of the color green to symbolize the jealousy that grows in Othello as Iago’s schemes unfold. Iago manipulates the handkerchief so that Othello The Handkerchief. Desdemona is in a strange emotional state which she describes by saying, "I cannot weep; nor answer have I none, / But what should go by water" (4.2.103-105). Othello is rife with animal metaphors. They can be either objects or gestures from the characters that have underlying messages that the author wants to express in his or her work. 2305 Words 10 Pages. suggests a guarantee of virginity as well as fidelity. The play “Othello” is one of Shakespeare’s greatest tragedies, considering that tragedies were his most appealing attribute as a playwright (although many enjoyed his other work). By Yet due to Iago's manipulations, Othello loses trust in Desdemona. It is a gift from Othello to his wife, Desdemona to show his love and is a symbol of a fidelity (faithfulness to your spouse). 3 Prominent Themes Found in William Shakespeare's 'Othello' represents marital fidelity. On one level, this serves as an exaggerated metaphor for Othello’s anger; on another, the symbolism of hair is important.