Othello (1995 Film) Symbols, Allegory and Motifs

Othello (1995 Film) Symbols, Allegory and Motifs

Handkerchief

Iago steals Desdemona's handkerchief with the help of Emilia. It is a prized possession of Othello from his mother which he's given to Desdemona. It is a symbol of her love and commitment to Othello so, when she cannot find it it then becomes a symbol of her betrayal as he believes Iago's story.

Strangled

Othello strangles himself after discovering he's been tricked by Iago into believing that his wife has betrayed him with another man and has killed Desdemona by smothering her. Thus his suicide is a symbol that Othello believes his murder of Desdemona to be such a heinous crime that his soul must pay for all eternity.

Chess Pieces

We see Iago eyeing chess pieces on a board. The pieces represent his evil scheming as he has devised a plan that he desires to fulfill in multiple moves as though he is playing a game of chase and his opponent being Othello.

Veil

Desdemona gets into bed and invites Othello upon it with her through the veil the covers it. The veil represents that there no longer is anything between the two lovers as they are now wed and have intimately consummated their marriage behind closed doors to the public.

Drunk

We watch as Cassio drunkenly begins to attack anyone who opposes him. His drunkenness is a symbol that Iago's plan is beginning to work as he has set up Cassio to become drunk when Cassio never drinks.

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