What does a handkerchief, a door of truth, and a metaphorical scale all have in common? In Othello, a written masterpiece crafted in 1603, these three items are the strings of twine that fasten together the entire play. A gift between Othello and his now wife, the handkerchief is a material representation of Desdemona’s love for her husband. The door of truth — mentioned in a vehement conversation between Iago and Othello — exists to divert Othello from seeking “ocular proof” to the suspicion of Desdemona’s unfaithfulness and accept the circumstantial proof. Iago, even though he is a malicious being, has much knowledge about a man’s character and abilities. One tool he uses to describe our minds is a figurative scale on which he opposes reason
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This itself foreshadows their quickly deteriorating marriage and unfortunate end as Iago, the heinous antagonist, uses this simple cloth to engender Othello’s jealousy and hatred for his wife. After acquiring the handkerchief from his wife Emilia, Iago confesses a major detail in his vengeful plot to rid himself of the Moor and Cassio, “I will in Cassio’s lodging lose this napkin,/ And let him find it. Trifles light as air/ Are to the jealous confirmations strong/ As proofs of holy writ.” When the time comes, Iago is able to lie and say she gave it away, which has the same effect as saying she gave her love to another because Othello literally sees the handkerchief as her endearment. Too blinded with jealousy, the Moor does not realize that just a few scenes prior, his wife had tried to ease his headache with the very same cloth; Iago’s lie is merely words, “Trifles light as air,” and not the “ocular proof” Othello demands of him. Yet, the Moor surpasses his “honest” friend’s error and trusts his words to convey proof, which in Iago’s scheme is as powerful as holy compliance. In doing so, Othello sets himself up to be thwarted by his malicious companion’s …show more content…
Iago insinuates that the only visual or material proof that he would be able to provide is if they caught Desdemona and Cassio together; he meticulously pieces together creative words as to create an image so unbearable in Othello’s mind that it is capable of inflicting emotional pain. While the Moor is visibly in distress, Iago advises, “But yet, I say,/ If imputation and strong circumstances/ Which lead directly to the door of truth/ Will give you satisfaction, you may have ’t.” This statement confirms that there is some hidden truth that Iago is not mentioning, but it is up to Othello to open the door and discover the true facts for himself; hence why Iago solely says he can lead him to the door, but not through it. Having already been doubting his wife’s loyalty, Othello succumbs to Iago’s rhetorical trap, and the cycle of implanted suspicion then becomes his
This itself foreshadows their quickly deteriorating marriage and unfortunate end as Iago, the heinous antagonist, uses this simple cloth to engender Othello’s jealousy and hatred for his wife. After acquiring the handkerchief from his wife Emilia, Iago confesses a major detail in his vengeful plot to rid himself of the Moor and Cassio, “I will in Cassio’s lodging lose this napkin,/ And let him find it. Trifles light as air/ Are to the jealous confirmations strong/ As proofs of holy writ.” When the time comes, Iago is able to lie and say she gave it away, which has the same effect as saying she gave her love to another because Othello literally sees the handkerchief as her endearment. Too blinded with jealousy, the Moor does not realize that just a few scenes prior, his wife had tried to ease his headache with the very same cloth; Iago’s lie is merely words, “Trifles light as air,” and not the “ocular proof” Othello demands of him. Yet, the Moor surpasses his “honest” friend’s error and trusts his words to convey proof, which in Iago’s scheme is as powerful as holy compliance. In doing so, Othello sets himself up to be thwarted by his malicious companion’s …show more content…
Iago insinuates that the only visual or material proof that he would be able to provide is if they caught Desdemona and Cassio together; he meticulously pieces together creative words as to create an image so unbearable in Othello’s mind that it is capable of inflicting emotional pain. While the Moor is visibly in distress, Iago advises, “But yet, I say,/ If imputation and strong circumstances/ Which lead directly to the door of truth/ Will give you satisfaction, you may have ’t.” This statement confirms that there is some hidden truth that Iago is not mentioning, but it is up to Othello to open the door and discover the true facts for himself; hence why Iago solely says he can lead him to the door, but not through it. Having already been doubting his wife’s loyalty, Othello succumbs to Iago’s rhetorical trap, and the cycle of implanted suspicion then becomes his