Sentimental: based on, showing, or resulting from feelings or emotions rather than reason or thought.
I found it really interesting just how much stock Othello puts in the handkerchief that he gifts to Desdemona early on in the play. It is clear that because it came from his mother, and has a very intriguing backstory, it is not just some random object he spent a lot of money on for her. The idea that something can become more than just an inanimate object, when there is history and love behind it is a subject worth discussing. For Othello, the gifting of the handkerchief to Desdemona was the ultimate promise and sign of intent to be loyal too her for as long as they both shall live. I have chosen a piece of text to illustrate just how powerful the thought of betrayal involving the handkerchief and Desdemona was for Othello. It can almost be argued that Othello had lost his mind at this point and was beyond reason.
Desdemona: And have you mercy too! I never did
Offend you in my life; never loved Cassio
But with such general warranty of heaven
As I might love: I never gave him token.
Othello: By heaven, I saw my handkerchief in’s hand.
O perjured woman! thou dost stone my heart,
And makest me call what I intend to do
A murder, which I thought a sacrifice:
I saw the handkerchief.
Desdemona: He found it then;
I never gave it him: send for him hither;
Let him confess a truth.
Othello: He hath confess’d.
It is clear that Desdemona is frantic as she realizes her life is about to be taken by the man she loves most in the world. She begs him to have mercy on her, and pleads her case that this is simply a misunderstanding. Othello though, set in his ways, has convinced himself that Cassio was given the cloth by Desdemona. It is truly a shame because if Othello was not so lost in emotion (caused by his love for his wife and the sentimental value of the handkerchief) he would be able to objectively decide that Desdemona would have to be a moron to re-gift the cloth back to a mutual friend of theirs. It is sad to see that even a highly regarded General of the army such as Othello can be overpowered by love.
Do you guys agree with the notion that sentimental value is a real and powerful emotion? Would you say that Othello was overpowered by his emotions and the thought of betrayal and lost his ability to make decisions objectively?