Othello A 3-4

This week in class we read Act 3 and Act 4 of Othello. After reading these acts, we find out that Othello is planning to kill his wife, Desdemona, because he believes that she has been unfaithful. This is because Desdemona is unable to show Othello his mother’s handkerchief, which he gave to her, and she has lost. This is symbolic to Othello in many ways because it was given to Desdemona by Othello as the first token of his affections to her. The idea that Desdemona has lost it symbolizes the lack of trust between Othello and Desdemona and is also the symbol of the sensuality of her affair. Iago, being his manipulative self, begins to convince Othello that his wife is being unfaithful once Othello tells him he is suspicious. This infuriates Othello, and he decides that it’s necessary to kill Desdemona for her betrayal.