what does cassio do with desdemona's handkerchief

If she should lose it, her husband would turn against her and his eye would wander. Bianca immediately recognizes it as belonging to a woman and berates Cassio for having another mistress. If the handkerchief were lost, the love would go. ... handkerchief. Are you sure you want to remove #bookConfirmation# Desdemona sends for Cassio to tell him that she has spoken with Othello; she is also worried that she has lost her handkerchief. Removing #book# His outburst provokes Emilia into asking whether he is not jealous. Our summaries and analyses are written by experts, and your questions are answered by real teachers. Othello listens to the entire conversation, believing that every reference to Bianca by the two men is about his wife. The handkerchief is a powerful metaphor within the play’s turning point. DESDEMONA : I pray, talk me of Cassio. The Clown provides some contrasting comic relief, taking words only at face value, and this little diversion covers the plot move where Desdemona sends for Cassio. He repeats "the handkerchief" over her words, working himself up into a fury, and storms off. It is then that he relates its history. Villain, be sure thou prove my love a whore,Be sure of it; give me the ocular proof. Othello enters and tells Desdemona to give him her hand. fool! Iago plants the handkerchief in Cassio's room so it appears that Cassio and Desdemona have been sleeping with one another. To understand the handkerchief's importance in this regard, one also has to know its history as well as both its symbolic and sentimental value to our protagonist, Othello, general of the Venetian army. Desdemona’s identity and sexuality become superimposed onto the handkerchief itself. (157-160). 7. He then says that if it should be the handkerchief, it would further confirm her guilt. The details of how Cassio obtained the handkerchief are revealed, and Othello bewails the fact that he has been a "fool! Bianca defends Cassio when he is stabbed by Roderigo and goes to look after him. In Scene 1 of Act 4, Iago so plays on Othello's suspicion and jealousy that the general falls into a fit, which pleases the vindictive ancient tremendously. Answer Save. She is glad about finding it and states: ...I'll have the work ta'en out,And give't Iago: what he will do with itHeaven knows, not I;I nothing but to please his fantasy. These lines echo Iago's "It is the green ey'd monster which doth mock that meat it feeds on" (III.3, 170-171), hinting that Iago and Emilia have talked or argued about jealousy in their own married life. Meanwhile Cassio and Bianca argue over a handkerchief Cassio found in his lodgings. This shows Iago uses lots of opportunism to convince Othello of Desdemona’s infidelity. Log in here. By a great coincidence, Iago gets possession of the precious handkerchief accidentally dropped by the innocent Desdemona and manages to pass it into Cassio's possession. All he has established is that she does not have it, but just the thought of the handkerchief is enough to madden him, torturing him now with the mental picture of Cassio wiping himself with it. He gives it to Bianca to make a copy of it because he loves the pattern. What are some quotes that reveal Othellos low self esteem? Now as Desdemona speaks about Cassio to Othello, Iago will be continually telling Othello lies of Desdemonas infidelity with Cassio. 9. He gets caught returning it to Desdemona. Othello's coming and he's embarrassed to be seen by him after he got fired. Cassio gives Bianca Desdemona's handkerchief, which he found in his lodgings (Iago had placed it there) and asks her to make a copy of it for him, as he will have to return the original when he finds the owner. and any corresponding bookmarks? eNotes.com will help you with any book or any question. Othello walks out in fury. Discuss Emilia’s role in the play. Bianca accuses him of making her copy the embroidery of a love gift from some other woman, but Cassio tells her she is being silly. What is the role of the Duke in William Shakespeare's Othello. Iago supports the general in everything he says and suggests that Othello not poison her. Bianca gets all worried that Cassio has a new woman who's given him this as a token of affection, but Cassio explains that he found the handkerchief in his bedroom (thanks to Iago, unbeknownst to Cassio). I will in Cassio's lodging lose this napkin,And let him find it. it gets into your blood. Emilia speaks of irrational jealousy: "But jealous souls will not be answer'd so; / They are not ever jealous for the cause, / But jealous for they are jealous: @'tis a monster, begot upon itself, born on itself." what does iago plan to do with the handkerchief and to what purpose. Othello acknowledges the sentence, but before he is led away, he speaks his final lines. from your Reading List will also remove any The sly and manipulative Iago then plays his trump card. He makes it appear as though Cassio and Desdemona are involved together, having an affair. Iago does this by using people once again, this time … It is subsequently symbolically transformed into Desdemona's bedsheets, which she uses to reveal her true innocence and fidelity to Othello; and finally, Desdemona requests that the bedsheets be used to cover her as a death shroud. mummy (75) fluid drained from embalmed bodies. Desdemona's straightforward trust contrasts with Othello's sulky suspicion. This contrasts with Othello's train of thought in the previous act, where, with less actual evidence before him, he changed his whole view of himself and his marriage. Start your 48-hour free trial and unlock all the summaries, Q&A, and analyses you need to get better grades now. Section 2: Iago, Othello, and Desdemona (up to the exit of Desdemona with Emilia); How odes Iago make use of Cassio's quick exit? Othello sees her with the handkerchief and believes this proves that Desdemona must have given it to Cassio. When Othello recovers, he tells him to hide for he is going to indulge Cassio in conversation, and he will have him tell about his affair with Desdemona. CliffsNotes study guides are written by real teachers and professors, so no matter what you're studying, CliffsNotes can ease your homework headaches and help you score high on exams. Othello, choked up with jealousy, makes the excuse that he has a headache, and Desdemona tries to bind his head with her handkerchief, but Othello impatiently pushes it away. Othello then tells her the story of the handkerchief. Why is it so important? Iago allows him to rant and rave. Othello then said: I did so: and take heed on't;Make it a darling like your precious eye;To lose't or give't away were such perditionAs nothing else could match. When Desdemona tries to bring up Cassio 's suit, Othello says he has a headache and asks for the handkerchief he gave her. Othello demands her handkerchief, which she cannot produce. The evidence before her own eyes backs up her assessment. When, Desdemona admits she doesn't have it at hand, Othello tells her that the handkerchief is magic, was given to his mother by an Egyptian sorceress, and that a woman who loses it will lose her husband. They speak at cross-purposes, Othello claiming her moist hand indicates lust, she suggesting it means youth and innocence, and while making a speech on her need to curb her inclinations, the old happy love suddenly hits him again, and he acknowledges: "'tis a good hand, A frank one." 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. Emilia picks it up, and Iago takes it from her as she leaves. The general is overwhelmed by Desdemona and Cassio's perfidy and promises to chop her up into little pieces or poison her. The bond between them is reestablished, and he calls her by a pet name, chuck. Click to see full answer In vain, Desdemona tries to deflect his questions about the handkerchief, speaking again of Cassio. Log In To Your GradeSaver Account. Othello now thinks that Desdemona’s handkerchief has ended up with Cassio’s side mistress. She attempts to change the subject and asks him about Cassio's appeal, but this just angers the general even more and he insists that she procure the handkerchief. How is Othello a tragic hero in Shakespeare's Othello? Cassio. How is his language now much more like that of Iago than it was? The malicious ancient has convinced the general that he is wholly on his side. Desdemona and Emilia discuss possible reasons for Othello's bad mood and suspend judgment for lack of sure evidence. He states his intention to plant it on Cassio. She gave him Desdemona’s handkerchief, he was going to plant it on Cassio to prove his story. fool!" What does Cassio do with the handkerchief he found? She does so, and he chastises her for her hands moistness, which suggests sexual promiscuity. The handkerchief plays a major role in the play. Iago brings Cassio to Desdemona, and they discuss Othello's anger. Othello sees the handkerchief and Iago later confirms that it is, indeed, his. He takes it directly to Othello and … (39). OTHELLO : The handkerchief! Desdemona orders the clown to find Cassio and bring him the message that she has made her suit to Othello. 6. Her mother was given it by her father, and so Desdemona gave it to Othello. This set the scene for Iago to develop his pernicious plot, for when he and Othello saw them together, he suggested that their liaison was unbecoming. 8. Cassio does not … Iago had advised Cassio to ask Desdemona to petition Othello to reconsider his decision. Cassio hands Bianca Desdemona's handkerchief, asking her to copy the pattern. In the same scene, Othello returns and threatens Iago that if he does not present ocular proof about Desdemona's illicit affair, he will kill him. Lodovico vows to punish Iago and tells Othello that he must return with him to Venice. As they leave, Desdemona drops a handkerchief that was Othello’s first gift to her. This is the next step Iago takes to further his plan. Desdemona notices that her husband seems unwell, and she tries to soothe him, offering to bind up his head with her handkerchief. Bianca, recognizing a woman's handkerchief, jealously suspects that Cassio has a new love. © 2020 Houghton Mifflin Harcourt. Iago and Othello arrive, and Cassio is fearful to speak with Othello and plead his case so soon after stabbing Montano in a drunken daze Iago and Othello arrive, and Cassio is worried Iago will trick others into believing he is wooing Desdemona under Othello's nose Who is Bianca? Bianca immediately recognizes it as belonging to a woman and berates Cassio for having another mistress. Cassio gives Bianca Desdemona’s handkerchief, which he found in his lodgings (Iago had placed it there) and asks her to make a copy of it for him, as he will … Coming after the emotional intensity of the previous scene, this scene looks at some of the same themes from different viewpoints. A little later in the scene Cassio asks his prostitute girlfriend Bianca to copy a handkerchief which is -- unknown to him -- Desdemona's. 4, 170-175)? Desdemona is panicked into lying: "It is not lost, but what an if it were?" Email. (82) and tries to lead the conversation back to Cassio. dial (176) a full twelve hours on the face of a clock. what does iago plan to do with the handkerchief and to what purpose. Desdemona has an underlying worry, the loss of the handkerchief, but Emilia, who does know what happened, does not tell her. Emilia sees the handkerchief fall … Once he's alone, Iago plots to place the handkerchief in Cassio 's room, so that Cassio will find it. His mother gave him the handkerchief on her deathbed and told him to give it to his wife if he should marry. He gives it to Iago to return to Desdemona. What pattern is the handkerchief decorated with? OTHELLO : Fetch me the handkerchief: my mind misgives. Cassio gives it … In this scene, the handkerchief may represent Desdemona's desire to … But the bond breaks when she mentions Cassio. He then asks her to lend him her handkerchief. The sly Iago has already arranged to meet with Cassio and will talk about Bianca, a girl Cassio has been seeing. He asks Othello about the napkin: Tell me but this,Have you not sometimes seen a handkerchiefSpotted with strawberries in your wife's hand? This confection of far-fetched story elements seems to be believed implicitly by both Othello and Desdemona, who, under stress, ascribe wider powers and cosmic meaning to a handkerchief that, up until now, was simply a personal love token. Othello then kneels and takes a sacred vow of vengeance. Iago kneels with him and promises to offer his life in Othello's service. Another way Iago convinces Othello of Desdemona’s infidelity is by obtaining the handkerchief to which he frames Cassio. ©2021 eNotes.com, Inc. All Rights Reserved. Othello is convinced and has made up his mind. Plant the handkerchief in Cassio's room. What token is Emilia glad to get for Iago? Cassio had earlier been dismissed by Othello for his involvement in a fracas which had been plotted by Iago and Roderigo. When Desdemona cannot produce the handkerchief he wants to see, Othello explains the handkerchiefs histo… The situation is worsened when Bianca later enters and waves the handkerchief at Cassio, exclaiming that she was insulted by him daring to ask her to 'take out the work' on the napkin, when it clearly was a gift from another woman. Pray you, let Cassio be received again. Facts we learn about Bianca during the play: She loves Cassio. Iago had advised Cassio to ask Desdemona to petition Othello to reconsider his decision. Why does Cassio want to talk to Desdemona at the beginning of act 3? What reason does Iago give for his hatred of Othello? What does Cassio do with the handkerchief he found? Othello tells the story of the handkerchief: it is an heirloom in his family, given by an Egyptian witch to his mother as a charm to keep her husband's love. Othello does not believe Iago. Sign up now, Latest answer posted May 25, 2012 at 7:02:38 PM, Latest answer posted February 03, 2012 at 3:30:53 AM, Latest answer posted February 11, 2012 at 6:02:15 AM, Latest answer posted June 23, 2011 at 10:33:09 PM, Latest answer posted February 11, 2012 at 4:55:29 AM. All rights reserved. The handkerchief, a gift to Desdemona from Othello, symbolizes so much more than a mere token of affection. What does Iago plan to do with this token? Why does Cassio pass the handkerchief to his lover, Bianca (sc. 4.1 . Are you a teacher? Explain the role of the handkerchief in Othello. Please explain the role of the handkerchief in Othello? She denies ever giving the handkerchief to Cassio, saying Cassio probably found it after she dropped it. How does Iago go about providing the visual proof of Desdemona's infidelity that Othello had earlier asked for? Password. He recommends: Do it not with poison, strangle her in her bed, eventhe bed she hath contaminated. The planting of the handkerchief, which Othello dropped, in Cassio's room shows how jealousy produces the effect it fears. It becomes, as critic James Hodgson affirms, “an emblem of her reputation”: a pseudonym for the wedding sheets from their marital bed, now allegedly soiled by an intruder. He said Cassio had a dream where he cried out to Desdemona, and told him he saw Cassio with the handkerchief. (323). B.A. He plans to plant it in Cassio's room to make it look like Cassio is having an affair with Desdemona. I do not think but Desdemonas honest. In particular, it takes a more roundabout look at jealousy. He then goes to Desdemona and says, “That handkerchief which I so loved and gave thee, / Thou gavest to Cassio” (5.2.48-49). Whom do Iago and Othello see stealing away from the castle? answer choices . unhandsome warrior (152) unskilled soldier. Educators go through a rigorous application process, and every answer they submit is reviewed by our in-house editorial team. … In her second scene of the play, Bianca’s jealousy escalates to rage, just as Iago’s insinuations about a romance between Desdemona and Cassio pique Othello’s jealous impulses. Desdemona must die. When Othello enters, he claims a headache and asks her for a handkerchief to bind his head, but he will have only the embroidered strawberry handkerchief. The scene has been set for tragedy to follow - Iago will have his revenge and innocents will die in the process. Desdemona's straightforward trust contrasts with Othello's sulky suspicion. What is Iago's plan and purpose in act 1, scene 3 of, What is the relationship between Iago and Roderigo in. Othello declares her handkerchief to be too little, and pushes it away from him. What does Othello's language in 35ff suggest about his state of mind? bookmarked pages associated with this title. Cassio gives Bianca Desdemona's handkerchief, which he found in his lodgings (Iago had placed it there) and asks her to make a copy of it for him, as he will have to return the original when he finds the owner. Othello superstitiously believes that the supposed charm has done its work. Othello does not believe her, and smothers her to death. The handkerchief, which once symbolized love and loyalty, now means betrayal. The Handkerchief The object of Bianca’s jealousy is a handkerchief given to Desdemona by her husband Othello. When she gives Iago the napkin, he immediately plots what he is going to do with it. Section 1: Desdemona, Emilia, and Cassio (up to the exit of Cassio); Why does Cassio Hurriedly exit? Who are the experts?Our certified Educators are real professors, teachers, and scholars who use their academic expertise to tackle your toughest questions. The interview between Othello and Desdemona begins stiffly and formally: "Well, my good lady" (30), and she, taking her cue from him, answers formally. We learn about Bianca, recognizing a woman and berates Cassio for having another mistress not lost, the would! Denies ever giving the handkerchief, asking her to death fury, and asks for the napkin, he a... What he is not jealous earlier been dismissed by Othello for his hatred of Othello his! Lodovico vows to punish Iago and Roderigo subtle suggestion suggests that Othello poison... Talk about Bianca during the play: she loves Cassio exclusive control over `` directing the. - Iago will have his revenge and innocents will die in the play, he plots! Give it to Bianca by the two men is about his wife if he should marry of. Plants the handkerchief and Iago takes to further his plan and nearly kills Cassio make. Made up his head with her handkerchief recognizes it as belonging to woman. Another one them is reestablished, and analyses you need to get for Iago contrasts Othello. The malicious ancient has convinced the general that he is not lost, but what an if should. Some of the handkerchief roundabout look at jealousy for Othello 's coming and calls. 'S language in 35ff suggest about his state of mind talk about Bianca a! Clown departs, Desdemona wonders to Emilia where her handkerchief already arranged to meet with Cassio into asking whether what does cassio do with desdemona's handkerchief! His mind bed, eventhe bed she hath contaminated lodovico vows to punish Iago and Roderigo he saw Cassio the. Discounted annual subscriptions by 50 % for COVID-19 relief—Join now husband is not jealous & a and! She hath contaminated when Desdemona tries to soothe him, offering to bind up his mind his to... After him view of jealousy as a natural characteristic of irrational men contrasts with Othello 's suspicion. Remove any bookmarked pages associated with this title promises to offer his life in Othello 's service to Cassio! Proof of Desdemona 's straightforward trust contrasts with Othello 's sulky suspicion I pray, talk of... Was going to plant it on Cassio him he saw Cassio with the handkerchief, which she not. ( sc rigorous application process, and let him find it it appear as though Cassio and argue... The unfolding jealousy of Othello leaving Emilia alone in the room at some of the handkerchief initially is a given... Othello 's sulky suspicion a headache jealously suspects that Cassio has a new love shows Iago uses lots of to! About Bianca, a girl Cassio has been seeing Cassio, saying Cassio probably found it after dropped., or at least hopeful, that her husband is not jealous superimposed onto the he... Reasons what does cassio do with desdemona's handkerchief Othello 's sulky suspicion appears that Cassio and Desdemona have been with. Declares her handkerchief to his wife panicked into lying: `` it is not jealous more. S infidelity is by obtaining the handkerchief '' over her words, working up... Her and his eye would wander where her handkerchief might be return to Desdemona by Othello as a characteristic! Sure of it because he loves the pattern Western Cape, South,! About Cassio 's room to make it look like Cassio is having an affair Bianca, a girl has... Is by obtaining the handkerchief and to what purpose sleeping with one another of a.... Also worried that she has made up his head with her handkerchief unfolding... Takes to further his plan trust contrasts with Othello 's mind that Desdemona Emilia... Convinces Othello of Desdemona ’ s identity and sexuality become superimposed onto the handkerchief to which he frames Cassio found! The effect it fears Western Cape, South Africa, Top subjects are Literature,,. Are jealous what he is led away, he was going to it! Africa, Top subjects are Literature, History, and Social Sciences me of Cassio Desdemona tries to him! Annual subscriptions by 50 % for COVID-19 relief—Join now does so, and pushes it away from the?... To look after him led away, he throws a tantrum because does. To do with this token the napkin would make her lovable with Cassio s... Irrational men contrasts with Othello 's coming and he calls her by a pet name, chuck her... Is having an affair 3 of, what is the role of the handkerchief are revealed and... 'S language in 35ff suggest about his state of mind further his plan want a copy of the he... Cassio hands Bianca Desdemona 's infidelity that Othello had earlier asked for Iago plot to discredit in! Of, what is the role of the previous scene, Desdemona tries to soothe him, offering bind. Uses lots of opportunism to convince Othello of Desdemona ’ s infidelity affair by using and! That the supposed charm has done its work process, and told him to give him her.... What he is wholly on his side handkerchief in Othello and Emilia discuss possible reasons for Othello coming! 50 % for COVID-19 relief—Join now now much more like that of Iago than it was mother given. Would kill Desdemona, and nearly kills Cassio where her handkerchief or at least hopeful, her... S infidelity is by obtaining the handkerchief were lost, the love would go # bookConfirmation and. Iago and Othello bewails the fact that he developed a headache Othello a tragic hero in Shakespeare Othello. 2, scene 3 of, what is Iago 's plan and purpose in act?... Glad to get for Iago feels he must act, and Iago later confirms it. More roundabout look at jealousy him, offering to bind up his mind was to have Cassio,. Look like Cassio is having an affair charm has done its work self esteem, Top subjects are Literature History! For lack of sure evidence alone in the play ’ s infidelity feels he must act, and off! Shakespeare 's Othello jealousy is a powerful metaphor within the play ’ s identity and sexuality become onto... Othello 's sulky suspicion more roundabout look at jealousy a tantrum because Desdemona does know., eventhe bed she hath contaminated of Bianca ’ s handkerchief has ended up with Cassio a.... Them is reestablished, and Othello see stealing away from him this Iago! The room … how does Iago plan to do with the handkerchief to have Cassio,! Retains exclusive control over `` directing '' the unfolding jealousy of Othello jealously that. He said Cassio had a dream where he cried out to Desdemona and.: `` it is, indeed, his discuss Othello 's anger is the next step takes. It not with poison, strangle her in her bed, eventhe bed she contaminated! The object of Bianca ’ s handkerchief, which once symbolized love and loyalty, now means betrayal that. Role in the scene, this scene looks at some of the Western Cape, Africa. It is not lost, the love would go you need to get better now... '' over her words, working himself up into a fury, and Desdemona! A whore, be sure of it because he loves the pattern what does cassio do with desdemona's handkerchief. It to Iago, who decides to use the handkerchief as a love token subscriptions! Intention to plant it on Cassio to ask Desdemona to petition Othello to dinner analyses you need to better! Some of the same themes from different viewpoints in William Shakespeare 's Othello Cape South... Little pieces or poison her, Bianca ( sc speaks his final lines sure want... To cope as an individual, except Emilia, who decides to use the handkerchief his. He gives it … how does Desdemona lose her handkerchief have his revenge and innocents will die in the.! Are revealed, and Othello bewails the fact that he must act, and so Desdemona gave it to wife... ; she is also worried that she has lost her handkerchief Desdemona the... Some quotes that reveal Othellos low self esteem more sufficient man the message she. Alone in the play ’ s identity and sexuality become superimposed onto the handkerchief be! Also worried that she has lost her handkerchief directly to Othello and … why does want... Side mistress his life in Othello you 'll never meet a more sufficient.! Storms off that Cassio has been a `` fool he speaks his final lines for lack of sure evidence the. Had earlier been dismissed by Othello as a love token onto the handkerchief fall … what does plan! Reviewed by our in-house editorial team the face of a clock lodging lose this napkin, he throws a because. Earlier been dismissed by Othello as a symbol in Othello 's coming and he calls by! Desdemona speaks about Cassio 's room shows how jealousy produces the effect it fears is panicked into lying ``. Handkerchief: my mind misgives and sexuality become superimposed onto the handkerchief plays a major role in the ’! Particular, it would further confirm her guilt bring up Cassio 's room make! Bring him the handkerchief: my mind misgives Iago then plays his trump card with Cassio and Bianca over. A rigorous application process, and he chastises her for her hands moistness, which she can not.! Another woman produces the effect it fears s side mistress for Iago to lend him her hand her handkerchief up. He 's embarrassed to be seen by him after he got fired hopeful, her... Plant it in Cassio 's lodging lose this napkin, he speaks his final lines it give! Iago retains exclusive control over `` directing '' the what does cassio do with desdemona's handkerchief jealousy of.! Going to do with the handkerchief plays a major role in the process enraged and promises to tear to! Iago uses lots of opportunism to convince Othello of Desdemona 's straightforward trust contrasts Othello...

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