Iago also knows that, for Othello, the handkerchief symbolizes Desdemona's fidelity. When it shows up in Cassio's possession, Othello is convinced that Desdemona is unfaithful. The white napkin, as we know, is spotted with red strawberries, and Othello tells Desdemona that the strawberries were hand stitched with thread that has been dyed with blood from "maidens' hearts" or, virgins' blood (3.4.87). Which: eew.
In this way, the handkerchief resembles a white wedding sheet that's also been stained with a virgin's blood. (Again: eew.) So, in Othello's mind, as long as Desdemona has the handkerchief in her possession, she's chaste. But the moment she "loses it," she loses her chastity.
The handkerchief also seems to function as a symbol of
In this way, the handkerchief resembles a white wedding sheet that's also been stained with a virgin's blood. (Again: eew.) So, in Othello's mind, as long as Desdemona has the handkerchief in her possession, she's chaste. But the moment she "loses it," she loses her chastity.
The handkerchief also seems to function as a symbol of