Frustration

I would just like to talk about how frustrating the women are in this play! I know that Iago is causing all this drama, but they keep it going. They hold the power to prevent it all, but are too dumb to realize it.

Desdemona is just trying to "vow a friendship" (III.iii.21) with Cassio by getting his job back. But if she would have just told Othello that she lost the handkerchief when she was trying to give it to him, then maybe Othello would have calmed down and trust her again.

And if Emilia had told Desdemona that it was Iago that stole the handkerchief when she witnessed Othello yelling at Desdemona, then Iago would have been found out.

And if Bianca would act on her jealousness, she would realize who's handkerchief it was and return it to Desdemona and Othello would have no proof of any sort of infidelity.