Question from handout: Do you think the audience is supposed to believe the story of the handkerchief's origin? Are we supposed to be attracted to Othello's storytelling?
I think the audience is supposed to view the handkerchief more as symbolism and not as much for the story. Though it does show how much Othello does care about Desdemona, I believe the handkerchief represents their relationship and Othello's love for her. The handkerchief is the first gift that Othello gives to her and shows his admiration and love for her. Then the handkerchief goes missing just as Othello's love and trust for Desdemona does, and he forgets the relationship they have built together and does not hesitate to accuse her of being unfaithful. When the true story about how Cassio received the handkerchief is told it is too late and Othello has already killed Desdemona. However, his love for her comes back and he realized the big mistake that he has made.
I think we are supposed to be attracted to Othello's storytelling because it makes him very likable. I believe Shakespeare did this to make us believe that Othello and Desdemona were soulmates before he added the huge twist at the end when both of them died. The audience thought that Othello would never do something like kill Desdemona because when he told the story of how he received it we felt bad for him and wanted their relationship to work out.
My question:
Would you consider Othello the tragic hero of this play? He murders his wife at the end, realizes he messed up and then kills himself. If Othello is not the 'tragic hero' who would you say is?
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