Love, death, and betrayal are reoccurring themes in William Shakespeare’s plays. In The Tragedy of Othello: The Moor of Venice those three themes are present. The most apparent topic throughout the play is jealousy. From the beginning of the story, this emotion is represented in Iago, as well as in Roderigo. Roderigo is resentful towards Othello because he marries the love of his life, Desdemona. Because of the hatred that Iago has towards the Moor, he puts thoughts in his mind and so the “green-eyed monster” takes over Othello. Jealousy is an influential feeling that overpowers Iago to get back at Othello, which causes Roderigo to help out, and have Othello experience the same feeling.
To begin with, jealousy is immediately expressed from a start in Iago. He is Othello’s ensign (a senior position also known as a “standard-bearer”). Iago’s resentment towards Othello evolves because Othello chose Cassio over him in
…show more content…
Roderigo is envious of Othello because he wishes to be with Desdemona. Consequently, Roderigo’s strong love for Desdemona makes him an easy target for Iago to use. The reader can assume how strong Roderigo’s affection is towards Desdemona because of Brabantio’s (Desdemona’s father) dialog, “I have charged thee not to haunt about my doors in honest plainness thou hast heard me say my daughter is not for thee.” (1.1.107-09). After Roderigo finds out that Desdemona has married Othello, he despairs and contemplates suicide. As stated in text Roderigo reveals, “I will incontinently drown myself.” (1.3.347). Roderigo’s melancholy presents Iago with a problem and opportunity: a problem, because a despairing (or dead) Roderigo cannot be of much help; an opportunity, because despair increases dependency (__). Therefore Iago counsels and assures Roderigo of his support to help him win Desdemona. With Roderigo being Iago’s puppet, Iago moves forward in his plan to take revenge on