Othello, the Moor of Venice is a drama built exclusively around the interpretation of the symbolism of many characters. The handkerchief given to Desdemona by Othello plays a vital role in the play due to its symbolism. Along with the symbolism and individual meaning of the handkerchief, it also plays a role in the different interpretations made by many characters. The character's interpretation of the handkerchief in the play plays a fundamental role in analyzing the meanings of the symbol. The handkerchief in the play symbolizes many things for many different characters; Othello, Desdemona, and Iago have different interpretations of the meaning of the handkerchief, all portrayed to the audience by Shakespeare. The background of the handkerchief plays a fundamental role in analyzing the meaning of the symbol. In the play, Othello describes the context of the handkerchief and how he received the handkerchief to the audience. In the description of Othello's handkerchief, the audience learns that "there is magic in his net," being the handkerchief he once received from his mother (3.4.65). Furthermore, the audience is told that Othello's mother received the handkerchief from an Egyptian gypsy who told her that if she kept it, "it would make her lovable and submit my father entirely to her love" (3.4.). However, if Othello's mother were to lose the handkerchief or make a gift of it, "my father's eye should keep her hated, and his spirit should seek new fancies" (3.4). From Othello's description to the audience, many will learn that the handkerchief played an important role in the family and that the woman who held it, or was in possession of it, held it dear. Othello's mother held her hand... in the center of the card... a vital role in the play. The interpretation of the symbolism of the handkerchief is the only role in the play Othello, the Moor of Venice, however, the handkerchief means and symbolizes something different for each main character of the play, Othello, Desdemona and Iago. Works CitedArdolino, Frank. "Pinter's Betrayal and Shakespeare's Othello." Explainer 65.1 (2006): 50-53. Complete text of humanities (H.W. Wilson). Network. March 22, 2014.Doloff, Steven. "Shakespeare 'Othello.' (English playwright)." The Explicator 1 (1997): 12. Academic OneFile. Network. March 29, 2014.Mazzeno, Laurence W. "William Shakespeare." Magill's Survey of World Literature, revised edition (2009): 1-10. Literary reference center. Network. March 31, 2014."Othello." Dramaturgy for students. Ed. Anne Marie Hacht. vol. 20. Detroit: Gale, 2005. 136-165. Gale Virtual Reference Library. Network. March 31. 2014.