Othello Jealousy And Envy Analysis

Envy – the feeling that all subconsciously develops in their minds and that single-handedly fires the ambition for many strives for success. Yet, it can simultaneously become toxic by taking over the mind, seeping into one’s every thought, fuelling every motive and eventually entirely consuming one’s being. It is the desire, the utmost yearning, to possess what someone else possesses and this can easily become a rampant delusion that lurks in the interior depth of one’s mind. But what is a greater flaw, than that of wanting the sometimes unattainable? Jealousy. The obsession that can engulf one’s entire life over the thought of losing a prized possession is ultimately far worse than simple envy as jealousy can lead one to monstrosity and, as

In Shakespeare’s Othello, Othello is the first one to feel the impact of this monster. Unlike Iago we see jealousy slowly grow upon Othello. This jealousy takes a toll on who Othello truly is as a person and shapes him into something he’d never imagine being. The Impact of jealousy and Envy isn’t only felt by the main character Othello but also Rodrigo, Iago, and Brabantio. Rodrigo suffers from the impacts of jealousy as he envy’s Othello because Desdemona loves Othello and not him. Iago on the other hand shows his jealousy as Cassio is promoted with the title as military lieutenant by Othello instead of

Iago’s Jealousy is yet to fade away as he is still to achieve his ultimate goal of bringing Othello to an ultimate down fall. Iago says “I’ll pour this pestilence in his ear” (2.3.14) by this Iago means the he will manipulate Othello into believing that there is something going on between Cassio and Desdemona. Iago to kindle Othello’s jealousy says “No, sure, I cannot think it, / that he would steal away so guilty-like, / seeing your coming” (3.3.37-39) after Othello asks if it was cassio who was with his wife Desdemona. Iago uses this opportunity to make Othello sexually jealous of his wife being with Cassio. This causes Othello to trust Iago and have suspicion towards his wife Desdemona. . Ironically Iago says “Men should be what they seem” (3.3.7) which ironies that he lied and is two faced. Desdemona later talks to Othello and says that he’s known cassio for a long time and doesn’t understand why he won’t give him a send chance “You do love my lord you have known him long” (3.3.128). This starts to make Othello truly believe what Iago said was true and that his wife is cheating on him. After Othello’s conversation with Iago Desdemona comes to call Othello for dinner but finds him felling unwell so she offer him her handkerchief but he finds it “too small” (3.3.291) and lets it fall to the floor. Both Desdemona and Othello go to dinner and Emilia, Iago’s wife picks it off the ground