Blog Post #11 - Othello

How exactly does Othello say the handkerchief was made? Who made it and with what materials?

Othello explains to Desdemona, quite dramatically, that the handkerchief was woven out of the silk of hallowed worms by an Egyptian "charmer," and that it was given to his mother to and would make his father fall/remain madly in love with her due to it's magical 'powers.'

Acts 4 & 5:
In the beginning of act 4, what sort of techniques is Iago using to get Othello to distrust Desdemona's loyalty? He essentially 'reassures' Othello that sharing a bed, naked, with another man may not prove her unfaithfulness, and that giving away his handkerchief may be reasonable as well. Why does this only serve to further anger Othello and cause him to lose more trust in Desdemona?