With out going into great detail on act 4 for the sake of those who have yet to read it, Desdemonda’s handkerchief plays a large role in pushing the plot further. It becomes the catalyst that brings the play to its tragic conclusion. Act 3 ends with a conversation between Cassio and his lover, Bianca. During the conversation he asks her to copy the design of the handkerchief. A conflict too small to be called an argument follows in which Cassio is accused of having another mistress. This event snow balls into an avalanche in act 4. The tragedy of Othello hinges on this scene; Up to it Othello has suspicions but shows no sign of acting on his anger and jealousy.  As I have said the scene is necessary for the story to develop as is leads to Othello’s breaking point, however it does not flow well into the play. It almost seems to have been written after the work was already completed as the final push for Othello’s actions to come. It is luck in Iago’s favor that Cassio finds and likes the  handkerchief enough to want it copied and asks his lover to copy it. It’s not even mentioned when he finds it, the way it is written it almost seems it just appears in convenience of the plot. Also instead of arguing with Cassio there she comes back in act 4 just in time to assure the push of the plot further. Overall I’m a fan of this play as I am of many of Shakespeare’s works. This scene could have been done better. Iago could have given it to Bianca or she could have found it in the room herself, leading to her anger with Cassio.

What do you think of the scene? Do you agree with me in saying the scene feels circumstantial and forced? Do you think it could’ve been executed better to fit more naturally? Do you like it and feel it was done perfectly?