Othello Jealousy Essay

Natalie Bachman
Mr. Spalding
Literature 2
21 April 2023
The Power of Jealousy “O beware, my lord of jealousy: It is the green-eyed monster doth mock the meat it feeds on.” This quote, expressed by Iago in Act three Scene three, emphasizes the power of jealousy and its effects on others, an idea frequently explored in Shakespeare’s Othello. This emotion clouds the judgment of the characters in the play, which compels them to make irrational decisions in intense (and often self-inflicted) situations. Jealousy controls the plot of Othello and is the reason behind key events that alter the characters’ future decisions and actions. Shakespeare also exhibits that the antagonists of the story do not only experience jealousy, but heroes and side characters

Othello, the tragic hero of the play, experiences intense jealousy which drives him to do the unthinkable: ending his wife’s and his own life. Jealousy provides conflict in the hero's life, and controls his emotions. Throughout the play, Iago creates jealousy within Othello, by using his own insecurities against him. An example of this is when Iago uses his manipulative tactics to convince Othello that his wife, Desdemona, is cheating on him. Because of the time period, it was necessary for Othello to work hard for everything he has, therefore when it is threatened to be taken away, he becomes vulnerable and needs a solution. This vulnerability places him in a dangerous position to put his faith in Iago, who on the outside seems like his good friend, but is constantly working to deceive him. Othello’s insecurities expose him to manipulation, which Iago uses for his own personal advantage. These insecurities include his race and age, two qualities that he assumes are affecting his marriage. This conflict, created by envy, drives Othello to insanity, leaving him exposed to the feeling of bitterness towards his friends, and making irreversible decisions. In the end of the play, Othello’s emotions become too strong, so he acts by killing Desdemona, and then ending his own life from extreme guilt. Because of jealousy, Othello went from being the hero, to becoming

Roderigo shows powerful jealousy when he is faced with the realization that his true love, Desdemona, would never return that same feeling. Roderigo’s emotions even go to the extent of him saying “I will incontinently drown myself” in Act one Scene three. He begins to feel deep sorrow and jealousy towards Othello, which leaves him vulnerable to Iago’s deception. Iago gives Roderigo reassurance and advice, so he puts his trust in him, which causes more issues further in the play. An example of this manipulation is when Iago convinces Roderigo to destroy Cassio’s reputation, by stirring up a fight. Iago uses Roderigo in this instance for his own personal gain, with no intentions of helping him or his emotions. Another instance that proves Roderigo put his trust in the wrong person, is when Iago betrays Roderigo by stabbing him. Roderigo’s jealous mind put him in the position to trust the villain, which in the end did not work out in his favor. The character of Roderigo proves that jealousy does not only dismember someone’s self esteem, but convinces people to put their trust in the wrong people, who only see their own goals as important. He, alongside other characters, demonstrates the idea that jealousy is a leading cause of the play’s tragic