On Thursday I took a trip to the Metropolitan Museum of Art, which I haven’t been to in well over a year. While I was there looking for art from around the same time Othello was written in (ca. 1603), I walked through a gallery section that contained pieces of art from Venice and Northern Italy between the year 1400 to 1600. All of the pieces in this section contained themes and ideas that are evident in Shakespeare’s play Othello. One piece in particular that caught my attention was titled Elements of the Light-Cavalry Armor. This armor suit, which was made from steel, gold and copper, allowed me to better visualize how  Othello, an officer of the Venetian army, may have dressed. This armor suit’s design is deeply rooted in Christian symbolism and the Bible, giving a good sense of how crucial religion was to the Venetians of this era. Although this piece is said to have originated about one hundred years from the time Shakespeare wrote Othello, it is a good portrayal of  how the characters in Othello may have dressed. This exhibit overall helped me to make a stronger connection between Othello and the era it was written in. I would definitely recommend any of the other students to check it out!

During Act III of Othello, Iago brings his plan to fruition by leading Othello to believe that there is something going on between Cassio and Desdemona. He plays on Othello’s insecurities about Desdemona and gets him to believe she cannot be trusted. Othello’s doubt transitions into a firm belief that his wife is betraying him when Iago presents the handkerchief Othello gave Desdemona on their honeymoon. Iago knows how important this handkerchief is to Othello, and this was all he needed to convince Othello that Desdemona is guilty. This handkerchief can be viewed as a symbol of Othello’s relationship with Desdemona. It was the first gift he gave her, and is therefore the most crucial symbol of their love. To Othello, the handkerchief is Desdemona’s love; and when she loses it, so has she forsaken his love.

Iago says, “Trifles light as air / Are to the jealous confirmations strong / As proofs of holy writ. This may do something.” (Ac. 3, Sc. 3, 370-372) Iago realizes that real proof is not necessary because mere doubt is enough to fuel Othello’s jealousy. He does not need to plant emotions, he simply preys on the weaknesses that already exist in each character. Even though the handkerchief itself is insignificant, the fact that it is in another man’s possession is enough to convince Othello of Desdemona’s unfaithfulness.

1. Why does Iago delay in offering Othello visual proof of the claimed affair between Desdemona and Cassio?
2. Cassio denies Desdemona’s request to stay and hear her plead his case.  Iago uses Cassio’s exit to make him seem guiltier.  What do you think would’ve happened if Cassio had agreed to stay as Desdemona requested?
3. It is clear that Othello is a doubtful in his thinking. Why would he believe Iago more than the woman he married?