Iago does not know for certain what he is accusing Othello of yet he vows to act as if they are facts. While one could attribute Iago’s disdain for Othello to many things, namely, feelings of envy towards Cassio, sexual interest towards Othello, or simple racism; the mere fact that there is no clear motivation for Iago’s actions is a clear indication that Iago cares very little for his relationships and does not wince at the thought of treachery and the vicious backstabbing of those closest to
Alexandra Sirakides Mr.Spalding Honors Literature April 21, 2023 Jealousy in Othello There are many ways jealousy is represented and embodied throughout Othello. Jealousy is the major theme because amongst the characters it directly influences the plot of events. Throughout the play, one can see jealousy starts destroying everyone's relationships and leads to many deaths. The play's author William Shakespeare created complex characters who make their mark in the story.
Allyson Rosser Mr. Spalding Literature 2 25 April 2022 The real Green-eyed Monster “O, beware, my lord, of jealousy; It is the green-eyed monster which doth mock the meat it feeds on.” (3.3. Shakespear) This is one of the many famous quotes from William Shakespeare classic, Othello. This quote portrays the amount of jealousy that is dealt with and experienced in this play.
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.
Iago uses very clever methods of persuasion and manipulation aimed to use Othello’s hamartia against him, pointing out that “ “She (Desdemona) did deceive her father, marrying you,” so much so that Brabantio “thought ’twas witchcraft”. Through this, Iago is subtly raising the issues of Othello’s cultural differences with Desdemona; a root cause behind Othello’s insecurities with his wife – along with inadequacy due to race, degree of sophistication and age. As Iago prompts Othello to think the worst, his utterances are short and uneasy, revealing the beginning to his downfall, whilst Iago’s dialogue is at length highlighting his growing power of
Jealousy is first represented in Iago by his desire to become Othello’s lieutenant, however the position was offered to another character named Michael Cassio. Iago sincerely believes that he should hold the position of lieutenant and that the
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.
He is also jealous because he thinks that Othello is sleeping with his wife. Othello is fed lies from Iago about Cassio and Desdemona being together which causes Othello to become jealous. Iago also uses his words brutally because of his atrocious personality. First to prove this play is about jealousy Iago uses metaphors to talk poorly of the people he jealous about.
Johann Kaspar Lavater once said, “The jealous are possessed by a mad devil and a dull spirit at the same time.” People who have become jealous are taken over by an evil greater than themselves, but are also taken by a insecurity they have inside of them, strong people taken over by jealousy so much- that they change so horribly no one wants anything to do with them. William Shakespeare’s Othello teaches us that in jealousy as either envy or fear, the only thing that could come out is the monster deepest inside of someone that even the best people wouldn’t want anyone to see.
Iago also manipulates Othello with jealousy. When Othello is gone at war, Iago tells him that Cassio and Desdemona were getting too close. At first Othello does not believe him, but by Iago saying “nothing,my lord; or if- I know not what” Othello starts to question if it is true (III. III. 39). Iago constantly uses his “innocence” to make Othello jealous and start to assume that it is true. These actions eventually lead to a tragic event.
Knowing how jealousy eats someone up, Iago uses that upon Othello by introducing doubt in one of the greatest things he had, his love in Desdemona. The way Iago worked into Othello’s head is that he made it seem like he was helping him by thinking of different possibilties, which only fed the green-eyed monster in Othello. “Their best conscience is not to leave ‘t undone, but keep ‘t unknown,” (III,iii. 235-236)said Iago, which exaplains exactly how he functions. He tells Othello what he wants to hear, which is what builds the doubt of Othello.
In Act 4, Iago lies to Othello saying,“What if I had said I had seen him do you wrong?” convincing Othello of Desdemona and Cassio’s affair (4.1.24). Iago knows Othello’s jealousy overwhelms him at the thought of Cassio and Desdemona, giving Iago control over Othello’s emotions and
Shakespeare’s play, Othello, deeply explores the effects of jealousy on a person. Shakespeare also portrays the different types of jealousy and alludes to the causes of them. Othello is a tragic play written by William Shakespeare around 1603, about a man, Iago, who plots to take revenge on a Moorish soldier, Othello, for he has “done my (Iago’s) office”. The deaths of several people, including Othello’s wife Desdemona, Iago’s wife Emilia, Othello and Iago’s companion Roderigo, were all directly linked to Iago’s actions. Othello illustrates that jealousy often leads to revenge, jealousy can prevent a successful relationship, and jealousy leading to one’s downfall.
Jealousy in Othello leads to his insecurity after his mind being onslaught by Iago. Nordlund reasons, “The typical interpretation of Othello’s jealousy…, is that it arises from low self-esteem” (Theorising Modern Jealousy 154). His internal complication was actually created by external force—Iago. Othello shows proud and confidence to his achievements, he is aware that he is being loved and admired; furthermore, he is sure that he deserves Desdemona. Iago intelligently recognizes the moment of Othello’s anxiousness starts and exploits it.
Jealousy does not merely destroy the bonds of love, but also alters the lives of the people involved. In The Tragedy of Othello by William Shakespeare, Othello’s entire life is ripped apart by the detrimental lies fed to him by Iago involving his wife Desdemona. William Shakespeare uses imagery, as well as personification to paint a vivid image in the reader’s mind of how jealousy can completely shatter someone’s life In The Tragedy of Othello.
