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Envy And Loss In Othello

1061 Words5 Pages

Rachel Garves

Mrs. Erdrich
Eng 100
April 19, 2023
Man Eater
Many things can and will lead a person to insanity. A seed of jealousy could grow to internally rip an individual apart if given the power. There’s no limit to the ways one person can ruin themselves. Two of the most poisonous forms of jealousy are envy and loss, both are shown in William Shakespeare’s tragedy “Othello”.
Even the weakest person is stronger than they seem. Though he is often thought to be a mastermind and very head smart, Iago falls on the weaker side of the spectrum. His more obvious jealousy is his envy of the male characters. Right away Iago states ``‘I have already chose my officer.’ /And what was he? /Forsooth, a great arithmetician, /One Micheal Cassio, a Florentine'' …show more content…

Othello’s jealousy is one that takes over his being. It acts as a virus that prevents good judgment and focus. He turns into a child that wants a cupcake, nothing will get in his way. His distraction begins in act 3 with subtle force, desdemona unknowingly pushes Othello when she says “‘Good love call him back.’” (3.3.59), “‘But shall’t be shortly?’” (3.3.61) and “‘Tomorrow dinner, then’” (3.3.65). By doing this she is falling into Iago's trap to create a close relationship with Cassio. Once Desdemona leaves Iago slithers his way right into Othello's mind, he states “‘Good name in man and woman, dear my lord,/ Is the immediate jewel of their souls./ Who steals my purse steals trash. ‘Tis something,/ nothing;/ ‘Twas mine, ‘tis his, and has been slave to/ thousands./ But he that filches from me my good name/ Robs me of that which not enriches him. And makes me poor indeed.’” (3.3.182-190). Both Iago and Othello’s jealousy come into play in Act 3. Iago plays an innocent bystander, ruining any future he might have. While Othello is naive and quick to believe a word that comes out of another man's mouth rather than talking directly to the people in the conflict. Othello's sliver of jealousy grabs his attention so it can grow to take him over, before eventually murdering his “unvirtuous”

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