A-Level Literature - Othello Lesson 6: The Handkerchief as a Symbol in Act 3 Scene 3

This lesson explores the symbolic significance of the handkerchief in Othello and how it drives the play’s dramatic tension. Students will analyse Act 3, Scene 3, examining Iago’s manipulative tactics and Othello’s growing paranoia. The handkerchief, Othello’s first gift to Desdemona, transforms from a token of love into a symbol of betrayal, marking a turning point in their relationship. Through close reading, contextual exploration, and comparative analysis with symbols in other Shakespearean tragedies, learners will deepen their understanding of how Shakespeare uses objects to reveal character motivations, themes of jealousy and trust, and the psychological unraveling central to tragedy.