Cause and Effect in Othello

" (3.3.71-74) The significance of this presents itself as one can see Desdemona truly worried by this, and becoming scared. The talk of its magical properties turns into too much too handle for Desdemona, and she starts to believe what Othello tells her, because of her trusting nature. This nervousness leads her to lie about the handkerchief whereabouts. Her pride too valient to admit she has lost the token of Othello's love, she proclaims "I say it is not lost." (3.3.98) Fear overpowers Desdemona as she refuses to admit the true whereabouts of the handkerchief. The one small mistake of misplacing it has escalated into rage from Othello and fear from herself, and created an unhealthy relationship between the two. Othello now takes a stance of hierarchy over Desdemona, never before seen, which proves that just by solely making a small mistake a life can be changed forever. .
             Iago takes advantage of the lost possession and decides to use it as the ocular proof that Desdemona slept with Cassio, affecting her life by making her falsely accused of cheating, and by angering Othello to the point where he loses trust and love for her, exemplifying how even a small mistake can lead to large consequences. Iago convinces his wife to steal it from Desdemona since he knows that it has a lot of sentimental value and that Othello will be angry when he finds out his wife no longer has it. Iago also knows that, for Othello, the handkerchief symbolizes Desdemona's fidelity. His emotions overwhelm him and he states "It is not words that shake me thus. Pish! Noses, ears, and lips. -- Is't possible? -- Confess -- handkerchief! -- O devil!   (4.1.49-52) This enrages him so much that he begins to doubt the trueness of their love. For Desdemona to have cheated on Othello would destroy him. When it shows up in Cassio's possession, Othello is convinced that Desdemona is unfaithful. When Othello accuses Desdemona of her wrongdoing she argues "I never did Offend you in my life; never loved Cassio But with such general warranty of heaven As I might love: I never gave him token" (5.