How exactly does Othello say the handkerchief was made? Who made it and with what materials?
Othello tells Desdemona that the handkerchief was given to his mother by an Egyptian that was a fortune-teller, and able to "almost read the thoughts of people" (Act 3.4). The Egyptian told Othello's mother that as long as she had it, it would ensure her husband's love. However, if she lost it or gave it away, her husband would no longer love her. It was sewed by a 200 year old sibyl, or an oracle, and made of silk from sacred worms and dye from mummified "maidens," or virgins. Othello's mother gave it to him as she way dying, and warns him to look after it carefully. In this way, Othello considers the handkerchief magic, and it holds much importance to him.
What do you think the significance of every main character but Cassio and Iago dying is? Do you think this relates back to the beginning of the play, where Iago and Cassio were in competition with each other and Cassio won, which is eventually what happens again?
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