The Web of Deception in Othello Shakespeare's Othello describes a process by which pure evil has an effect on love and morality. Iago's character forces Othello to kill his wife, and ultimately himself, by manipulating Othello's trust and loyalty. Iago uses the handkerchief as a symbol through which Othello becomes convinced of Desdemona's infidelity. This handkerchief plays many roles in Othello. Due to the importance placed on this item, the driving force of the game focuses on the particular qualities of this handkerchief. In its most important aspect, the handkerchief is associated with a sort of net spread by Iago, to trap both Othello and Desdemona. At the beginning of Act II, Iago begins to formulate his plans to overthrow Othello. As Cassio takes Desdemona's hand and welcomes it, Iago says: He takes her by the palm. Yes, well said, whisper! With such a small net I will catch a fly as big as Cassius. Yes, smile at her, do it! I will grant you your courtship. You speak the truth; that's right! - If tricks like these strip you of the rank of lieutenant, it would have been better if I had not kissed your three fingers so often...(II,i L.166-72)In this passage Iago plans to use Cassio in his plan to destroy Othello. Instead of simply stating his desire to do so, Iago uses imagery based on a spider's web. In this way, the ideas of creation, self-use, and entrapment are introduced into the plot concerning Othello. Iago compares himself to a spider, who spins a web from his own mind that will trap people and make them satisfy his needs. This passage shows the extent to which Iago foresees his plans. Iago does not take an active role…… in the middle of paper…… and painful reality. He can no longer trust what he believes and must follow what he believes "Nature" told him to do. Since Othello has strong feelings, these are the only thing he is certain he feels, and so he follows them. This is not a man who remembers what the past has taught him. Othello now looks at the handkerchief as twisted threads with the sole purpose of defaming his trust and life. He has lost sight of Iago's manipulative words, in favor of action through anger and punishment. Iago created a web of lies around Othello to accomplish two things. Othello is uprooted from any comfort and security he gained in the past from Iago's lies. After this is accomplished, this web of lies provides Othello with the support he desperately needs. This new dedication, however, orchestrates Othello's downfall and Iago's momentary triumph.