Symbols Role in Shakespeare's Othello

William Shakespeare's play Othello is filled with various symbols that contribute to the overall themes and character development. These symbols serve as powerful tools for the playwright to convey deeper meanings and provoke thought in the audience. This essay will explore some of the key symbols in Othello and analyze their significance in the context of the play. By examining the handkerchief, the color symbolism, and animal imagery, it becomes evident that Shakespeare effectively employs symbols to highlight the themes of love, jealousy, and deception.

The Handkerchief

One of the most prominent symbols in Othello is the handkerchief. Given to Desdemona by Othello as a token of their love, the handkerchief becomes a crucial element in the play. It represents fidelity and trust, as Desdemona cherishes it and believes it to be a symbol of her husband's love. However, when Iago manipulates the handkerchief and plants it in Cassio's possession, it becomes a symbol of deception and betrayal.

The handkerchief's significance can be seen in Act III, Scene iii, when Othello demands proof of Desdemona's infidelity. He asks for the handkerchief, and when Desdemona cannot produce it, Othello's suspicion grows. The loss of the handkerchief symbolizes the loss of trust and the crumbling of their relationship. It also foreshadows the tragic events that follow, as Othello's jealousy spirals out of control.

This symbol highlights the theme of love and its vulnerability to external forces. The handkerchief, once a symbol of love, becomes a catalyst for Othello's downfall. It demonstrates the power of manipulation and how easily trust can be shattered.

Color Symbolism

Color symbolism is another significant element in Othello. Shakespeare employs colors to convey various emotions and themes throughout the play. The most notable color symbolism is associated with the characters of Othello and Iago.

Othello is often described as "the Moor," a term used to refer to people of North African descent. This racial distinction is emphasized through the color symbolism of black and white. Othello is frequently referred to as "black" or "the black ram," while Desdemona is described as "white." This color dichotomy signifies the contrast between Othello's noble and honorable nature and the prejudice he faces due to his race.

Iago, on the other hand, is often associated with the color green. In Act II, Scene iii, Iago states, "I will wear my heart upon my sleeve / For daws to peck at; I am not what I am." This line suggests that Iago wears a mask of honesty while concealing his true intentions. Green, traditionally associated with envy and jealousy, reflects Iago's malicious and deceitful nature.

This color symbolism adds depth to the characters and enhances the audience's understanding of their motivations and actions. It also underscores the themes of racism, jealousy, and deception that permeate the play.

Animal Imagery

Animal imagery is prevalent throughout Othello and serves as a powerful symbol of the characters' traits and relationships. Shakespeare utilizes various animal metaphors to depict the characters' emotions and behaviors.

One prominent example is the comparison of Othello to a "Barbary horse" in Act I, Scene i. This metaphor portrays Othello as a powerful and untamed creature, evoking both admiration and fear. However, it also emphasizes the stereotype of Othello as a bestial and savage outsider.

Animal imagery is also used to characterize Iago. He is frequently associated with predatory animals, such as a wolf or a spider, highlighting his cunning and manipulative nature. This imagery reinforces Iago's role as the antagonist and emphasizes his ability to prey on the weaknesses of others.

By employing animal imagery, Shakespeare not only adds depth to the characters but also explores the themes of power, dominance, and the destructive nature of jealousy. It reminds the audience of the primal instincts that drive human behavior and the consequences of succumbing to these instincts.

Conclusion

Symbols play a significant role in Shakespeare's Othello, enriching the themes and character development. The handkerchief symbolizes love and trust, but ultimately becomes a tool of deception. Color symbolism, particularly the contrast between black and white, highlights the themes of racism and prejudice. Animal imagery adds depth to the characters and explores primal instincts and destructive behaviors.

Through the effective use of symbols, Shakespeare engages the audience and prompts them to reflect on the complexities of human nature. The symbols in Othello deepen the audience's understanding of the characters' motivations and actions, while also highlighting universal themes that resonate with audiences across time. They serve as reminders of the power of manipulation, the vulnerability of love, and the destructive consequences of jealousy and deception.

Bibliography

Shakespeare, William. Othello. Edited by E. A. J. Honigmann, Bloomsbury Arden Shakespeare, 2016.