Othello: part two

Within Shakespeare's tragedy Othello, the handkerchief reappears again in act four. Bianca returns it to Cassio because she believes it is "some minx's token" (IV.i.145). However, Othello sees it as a symbol of his and Desdemona's love. Now, Othello has ocular proof of Cassio's and Desdemona's misconstrued romance. After the proof that he demanded from Iago happens, Othello still hesitates to kill her because he looks upon her fondly. "No, my heart is turned to stone, I strike it and it hurts my hand (IV. i. 171)." He wants to forgive her because it will hurt him to kill the one that he loves. However, Iago urges him to stop the fond thoughts. Finally, Othello reaches the point of no return in his decision to kill his wife, which begins to plot. He demands that both Cassio and Desdemona are killed.   This handkerchief becomes the last straw for Othello. He cannot deny his jealousy and rage that sweet Desdemona is not as pure as he thought. As this handkerchief passes hands with multiple characters, Othello's love for Desdemona dirties and warps into a foul, dirty rag.