The handkerchief Flashcards
1
Q
What does the handkerchief represent
A
The love that Othello has for Desdemona
2
Q
What could the strawberries symbolise on the handkerchief.
A
- Mirrors the ideas about women: they look sweet and innocent but in reality they are impure
- this is due to worms which can often be found inside strawberries
3
Q
What is the significance of what the handkerchief represents
A
It outlines the flaws in Othello’s love for Desdemona - shows that fate and magic is more important than genuine connection.
4
Q
How does the handkerchief represent the flaws in the marriage of Othello and Desdemona.
A
Othello places more faith in the handkerchief than he does in Desdemona
5
Q
How could the handkerchief potentially parallel Desdemona
A
- Visually, the handkerchief is white and tainted by strawberries
- Desdemona is considered to be white (pure) but is seen to be tainted through the accused infidelity
6
Q
What is the irony of the handkerchief?
A
- A symbol of the love and affection between Othello and Desdemona ended up as being the ‘ocular proof’ for their downfall.
7
Q
Why is Bianca not being able to have the handkerchief copied significant?
A
Since the handkerchief represents purity, it shows her to be impure.
8
Q
A
