Blog Post #11 Othello

Weekly Think Piece Answer:
Why does Othello Tell Desdemona this origin story about the handkerchief?
I think Othello tells Desdemona this because he wants to guilt her into maybe admitting that she has been unfaithful towards him with Cassio. First he gives the elaborate story on how his mother received it, "Did an Egyptian to my mother give; She was a charmer, and could almost read". Then he goes into immense detail on how it was constructed "The worms were hallow'd that did breed the silk; And it was dyed in mummy which the skilful; Conserved of maidens' hearts". Lastly he explained how if she was to lose it (or give to another man; Cassio) that her husband would begin to be unfaithful towards her with other girls. This who except just is Othello giving Desdemona reasons that it was important to him and how giving it away was sinful. He wants to guilt Desdemona as well because he is very assumptive of her affair with Cassio and is insinuating what will happen, he won't leave her because she lost the handkerchief but because she had cheated on him.

Charmer- One who uses spells and enchantments, or who has magic powers; an enchanter.
Mummy- One's mother


Question for Acts 4&5:
Something interesting that I found came from when Iago gets Othello to hide after his "episode" then attempting to convince Cassio to admit to his affair with Othello's wife Desdemona. What I don't understand is that Iago clearly mentions the woman that is constantly after Cassio, Bianca; and Cassio begins to laugh at this which enrages Othello who assumes he is referring to Desdemona.

Iago: Ply Desdemona well, and you are sure on 't. Now if this suit lay in Bianca's power how quickly you should speed!
Cassio: Alas, poor caitiff!
Othello: Look how he laughs already!

I don't understand how Othello can be listening to the conversation perfectly and still be enraged by his answer because Cassio is clearly referring to Bianca due to the way to conversation is going. Although Othello has no clue who Bianca is it should make sense to whom Cassio refers to is her instead of Desdemona. And when Bianca walks in and throws the handkerchief at Cassio it puts Othello in a blind rage who now plots the death of Cassio.

Side question: How do things always work out for Iago exactly how he wants in?