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One of the most intriguing aspects of Shakespeare’s play, Othello, is the vast use of symbolism throughout the play; it gives great value to seemingly insignificant things. Desdemona's handkerchief may seem to be just a piece of cloth, whereas in reality, it has an immense amount of sentimental value to Othello. The handkerchief belonged to his mother, who used it to make herself desirable and to help her "subdue" her husband. It is a symbol of Othello's parents' love and a symbol of the purity of Desdemona's love for Othello. Therefore, it is not just a mere piece of cloth anymore; it has now become sacred and later in the play, it will be responsible for Othello’s demise. Many of the characters in Othello are also symbolic such as Iago who has been characterized as Shakespeare's perfect villai