What is the meaning of the handkerchief in Othello?

Othello is a tragedy written by William Shakespeare. In the play, Othello's handkerchief is a recurring device that is directly linked to the series of tragic events that occur to several characters.

Origin of the Handkerchief

Othello tells his wife Desdemona that the handkerchief was given to his mother by an Egyptian charmer. The charmer told his mother that, so long as she kept the handkerchief, it would make Othello's father love her deeply. But, should she lose it or make a gift of it, he would be unfaithful to her.

Othello and Desdemona

Othello reveals to Desdemona that his mother, dying, gave him the handkerchief for the purpose of giving it to his future wife. This he has done, with the implication that the same blessing and curse has been wrought upon Desdemona.

Othello's Insecurities

Othello is already insecure about the fact that he, a dark Moor, should have the fair and lovely Desdemona in love with him. Iago tries to take advantage of this by casting suspicion of Desdemona's relationship with Cassio, but Othello initially does not believe him.

Desdemona's Loss

As soon as she hears of its origin, Desdemona begins to fret. This is because Iago has gotten Desdemona to steal it from her. Seeing her fretting, Othello remembers what Iago has said about her and Cassio, and he begins to suspect her.

Irony

The theft of the handkerchief causes Othello to think that Desdemona has been unfaithful with Cassio, which would have nothing to do with the handkerchief's supposed magical charm. In contrast, the charm it is supposed to have--that it will cause Desdemona's love to go after "new fancies"--actually does come true, though Othello does not realize it. Those new fancies, however, are the groundless accusations of Iago, rather than other women.

Tragedy

By the end of the play, all six characters who have been involved with the handkerchief--Othello, Desdemona, Cassio, Iago, Emilia and Bianca--are either dead, injured or imprisoned.

Source:

Shakespeare Resource Center

Massachusetts Institute of Technology