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Othello Jealousy Essay

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Characterization of the Green-eyed Monster in Othello Envy and jealousy can be described as natural emotions that are part of our bodies. However, in Othello, envy and jealousy contained within the characters of the play ultimately causes the downfall of many, otherwise, innocent people. Through the deaths, Shakespeare explains the negative consequences that jealousy has on humans. He also reveals that envy and jealousy are character flaws, describing jealousy as a “green-eyed monster which doth mock the meat it feeds on” (3.3.171-72). The movie adaptation, directed by Oliver Parker, helps the audience to bring Shakespeare’s characterization of jealousy into reality. By characterizing the monster of jealousy through different characters, …show more content…

This is version of monsters is seen when Othello becomes jealous, blood-thirsty, and angry. He cannot properly function because the thought of Desdemona giving her attention and love to Cassio makes him jealous. Othello is seen with beady-eyes, full of malice and hate towards Cassio and Desdemona. He even ends up murdering his wife, Desdemona, overwhelmed by the power of the monster of jealousy. Similarly, gullible Roderigo is willing to do anything to subdue his reasons for his envious feelings towards Othello. He sells his land, gives away his jewels, and ends up attempting to kill Cassio just to steal Desdemona away from Othello. Roderigo becomes blinded by the envious monster, making him irrational and uncontrollable.
Contrastingly, Iago reveals a different take on the monster characterization of jealousy and envy. He is cunning, taking his jealousy and envious feelings as motivations to destroy Othello and Cassio’s lives. He is not irrational because Iago takes every detail into consideration to add to his plan. He is perfectly aware of his deceptions and lies that harm people who trust him. Iago never does anything that would reveal his devious plan and tries his best to retain his reputation as “honest Iago.” He is very calm, rational, but also passively angry and

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