Throughout the play, Othello, William Shakespeare reveals the theme of how jealousy, once it is initiated and allowed to escalate, becomes a destructive influence on lives. One way in which Shakespeare reveals his theme is through his characters. Jealousy is portrayed mainly in the characters of Othello and Iago, although it also appears some in Roderigo, Bianca, and Emilia. Only Desdemona and Cassio seem to escape the emotion of jealousy. Throughout the play, Iago is repeatedly referred to as “Honest Iago.” However, Iago tells Roderigo at the beginning of the play, “I am not what I am.” He appears loyal, honest, a friend to all, but is really just out for himself. The audience quickly realizes that Iago is the villain in the play. Iago is jealous of Casio being promoted to Lieutenant, and his jealousy has festered to the point that he has hate in his heart for Othello. …show more content…
As the villain, Iago brings about the downfall of Othello and several characters in the play. Shakespeare also uses Othello to show the manifestation and destruction of jealousy. Othello and Desdemona’s marriage appears to be one of true love, based on an appreciation of each other and not shadowed by the barriers of race or age. In the beginning, Othello is described as having “a constant, loving, noble nature”, but by the end, he refers to himself as an “honorable murderer” and a “fool”. Othello is manipulated by Iago’s words and suggestions to a point that he questions everything, and he is blind to Desdemona’s honesty, loyalty, and platonic friendship to Cassio. Jealousy becomes Othello’s tragic flaw causing him to destroy what he loves most in the world,