Symbols Role in Shakespeare's Othello

The Handkerchief

So, let's dive into one of the biggest symbols in Othello – the handkerchief. This isn’t just any piece of cloth. Given to Desdemona by Othello as a token of love, it's super important in the story. It starts out symbolizing trust and faithfulness. Desdemona holds it dear because it’s like a little reminder of her husband's affection.

But things get messy when Iago, who's always up to no good, manages to sneak it into Cassio's stuff. Suddenly, that sweet symbol of love turns into a sign of deceit and betrayal.

You can really see how significant this is in Act III, Scene iii, when Othello starts demanding proof that Desdemona has been unfaithful. He asks for the handkerchief and when Desdemona can't find it, his jealousy kicks into overdrive. Losing it isn't just about misplacing an item; it symbolizes losing trust and marks the beginning of their relationship falling apart. It even hints at the tragic events that'll follow as Othello’s jealousy takes control.

This whole deal with the handkerchief shows us how fragile love is when outside forces start poking around. What was once a sweet symbol ends up playing a big part in Othello's downfall. It's like Shakespeare is telling us how easy it is for someone to break our trust.

Color Symbolism

Color symbolism is another thing that Shakespeare uses big time in Othello. Through colors, he conveys emotions and themes throughout the play. The most notable use of color involves Othello and Iago.

Othello’s called "the Moor" quite often, pointing out his North African heritage. This racial aspect gets emphasized through black and white symbolism. Othello's often called “black” or “the black ram,” while Desdemona’s referred to as "white." This stark contrast reflects not only the difference between them but also hints at societal prejudices against Othello despite his noble character.

Iago’s linked with green — think jealousy here. In Act II, Scene iii, he mentions wearing his heart on his sleeve for daws (birds) to peck at, which means he's all about pretending one thing while hiding another motive entirely. Green stands for envy and really captures Iago’s sneaky nature.

This color game adds layers to these characters so we can better understand why they do what they do. Plus, it brings out themes like racism and deception throughout the story.

Animal Imagery

Shakespeare didn’t shy away from animal imagery either! It's all over Othello — adding depth by connecting characters’ traits with animals metaphorically.

A standout moment happens in Act I, Scene i where folks compare Othello himself to a “Barbary horse.” That imagery makes him seem powerful yet wild; admired but feared too—like some untamed force—but also ties back into stereotypes portraying him as bestial or savage outsider-like.

Iago doesn’t escape animal associations either: he frequently aligns himself with predators such as wolves or spiders—reflective again here regarding cunningness/manipulative behaviors underpinning much storyline focus upon subterfuge-related antics (especially given role antagonist plays).

Through using such vivid imagery-driven metaphors/analogies alongside symbolic representations within narrative framework overall helps drive home bigger ideas/themes surrounding power dynamics/dominance implications present alongside underlying destructive jealousies therein explored...not forgetting primal instincts influencing human behavior more broadly speaking!

Conclusion

Symbols are essential parts making up Shakespearean masterpiece known far/wide today simply titled 'Othello'. Whether we're talking about handkerchiefs hinting toward hidden motivations behind seemingly straightforward actions taken therein described earlier on — via clever juxtaposition betwixt colorful hues underscoring emotional resonances buried deep beneath surface-level observations made possible readers/viewers alike — onto broader scale animalistic connotations shared universally transcending cultural boundaries encountered since first performed stages long past…these all contribute crafting unforgettable drama holding attention hearts/minds alike even now after many centuries passed by since inception originalllllyyyyyy conceived!

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• Bate J., Rasmussen E.. (2007). The RSC Shakespeare: The Complete Works. Palgrave Macmillan.
• Muir K.. (1971). Arden Edition Of The Works Of William Shakespeare: Othello. Methuen & Co Ltd.
• Moseley C.W.R.D.. (2000). Understanding Shakespeare: Othello. Humanities-Ebooks LLP.