Othello - Motifs Flashcards
1
Q
The Handkerchief
A
The handkerchief symbolizes Othello’s love for Desdemona and later becomes a key prop in Iago’s manipulation. Its loss and misinterpretation by Othello contribute to his jealousy and eventual tragedy.
2
Q
Light and Darkness
A
Othello is frequently associated with darkness, while Desdemona is linked to light. The contrast emphasizes Othello’s feelings of inferiority and the purity of Desdemona’s love.
3
Q
The “Song of Willow”
A
Desdemona sings this song (in Act 4, Scene 3) as she prepares for bed. It symbolizes her foreboding sense of doom and reflects her growing awareness of the tragedy that awaits her.
