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?
I understand why you might say the play feels too circumstantial and forced , however keep in mind that , that very feeling your receiving as a reader might just aid in exhibiting those very forced actions of Iago and Cassio. During the third act is when Iago’s plan is starting to become for vivid since he now as a handkerchief and his trickery becomes more about gossip but now about providing evidence ; which helps when Othello questions Iago about the truth behind all these accusations.
Dear Chris,
I agree on the fact that the handkerchief plays a large role in to moving the plot towards pure chaos. I found it interesting that you mentioned the fact that the handkerchief was sort of a catalyst in terms of Othello’s rage. In terms of if the scene seemed circumstantial, I see where you’re coming from. It definitely seemed as if the play was a little awkward through the interactions between Cassio and Bianca. I definitely think Shakespeare could have taken a different route in this scene.
Regarding the handkerchief, I do believe it was a very circumstantial plot device. A plot device that Shakespeare simply used to move the plot forward in the way he intended. It is intended to be a Catalyst, but Othello’s reaction to what he has heard of it from Iago and how he proceeds in terms of where Shakespeare wanted the play to go can be seen as somewhat of a stretch.
Hey Chris,
I too felt the same after reading acts three and fourth. I see where you come from when you say how the handkerchief plays a critical role in pushing the plot forward opening up new scenes (the catalyst as you mentioned). The interactions between Cassio and Bianca in addition can definitely be considered awkward but doesn’t effect or take away from the main scence
Chris, I think the problem you found with the scene seeming forced and circumstantial is simply one of the negatives of living in the age of technology. I mean how many times have we seen the same plot development or at least something similar in other works of literature or cinema. I love Othello for its originality, and at the time Shakespeare did not have to contend with this problem. In hindsight however, studying this play when we are, it can come off as redundant, or in this case forced and awkward. I agree it was a bit too mechanical, but Im sure nobody noticed at the time.
Hey Chris,
I think you are right about the handkerchief scene. It is really a turning point in the play. It changes everything. I think there is always a room for improvement about plays and poem. Because we have evolved in time, thus we do not necessarily see and interpret things in their original context.