The Dangers Of Jealousy In Othello By William Shakespeare

Fiery consuming resentment toward another can propel one into a spiraling circle of hate and depression. These feelings are a type of jealousy, which is a deep and intense emotion that a person may feel when they desire what others possess or are insecure about others taking what they possess. In Othello by William Shakespeare, jealousy is the most dominant and constant theme that is demonstrated by many of the characters Shakespeare has created, including Iago, Roderigo, and Othello. The purpose of jealousy within Othello is to send a warning to the audience that its two various forms can have life-altering effects on more than just the individuals embroiled in its effects. The damage of jealousy is shown in action when characters are easily

A model of this theory within Othello is Roderigo, who is yearning for the love of Desdemona. Roderigo was willing to go to very extreme measures to cure the ache that he felt for Desdemona. Roderigo is gullible and as a result of his jealousy of Othello and wants for Desdemona, he becomes entangled in Iago’s vicious plan, unaware that he will not benefit from it at all, but lose everything. Roderigo, disheartened by his unaccomplished objectives announces, “My /money is almost spent, I have exceed- /ingly well cudgeled, and I think the issue will be I /shall have so much experience for my pains, and so, /with no money at all and a little more wit, return /again to Venice” (Othello 2.3.385-390). Roderigo has had to sacrifice almost everything in his name, including all of his money and land, so that he can pay Iago to help him win Desdemona from Othello. Iago has not even slightly made Roderigo a priority, but Roderigo is blinded by his jealousy of Othello and cannot see past the idea of being with Desdemona. Roderigo got caught in an unbeneficial situation because he was not thinking correctly, which can happen when jealousy is involved. Roderigo is important to the storyline of Othello because not only does he do the dirty work for Iago, but also he adds another string to the web of jealousy

Led by the two types of jealousy, the characters blindly believed rumors, made great sacrifices, and even ended up dying because of their choices. Together these men and several others created a spider web of jealousy, which not only affected the lives of those suffering from the emotion but drastically impacted others around them, typically in a negative manner. Shakespeare intends for the audience to learn the importance of being aware of jealousy’s presence and demonstrate its damaging effects. Jealousy hinders the lives of individuals and the people around them. This produces a critical need for learning and understanding how to deal with these feelings so no one must have to endeavor the agonizing and damaging feelings associated with jealousy. Shakespeare wants the audience to realize that like Othello, their jealousy can lead to an end