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What Does the Handkerchief Symbolize in Othello?

William Shakespeare wrote much symbolism into his plays. "Othello"--a famous Shakespeare play--is a perfect example. In this play, the handkerchief Othello gives to Desdemona on their honeymoon remains a poignant symbol for the two characters.

  1. Love

    • Othello gave the handkerchief to his new bride Desdemona, which she saw as a representation of the love they shared.

    Chastity

    • Othello tells Desdemona that the red threads used to embroider the ripe strawberries on the handkerchief were dyed with virgin's blood, which represents chastity.

    Fidelity

    • When Othello sees Desdemona with the handkerchief, he sees it as proof of her faithfulness. This comes to symbolize Desdemona's fidelity to Othello.

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