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The Destructiveness Of Jealousy In Shakespeare's Othello

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Othello simply ignores Iago’s warning; he must choose between trusting his wife or Iago. Ultimately, Othello’s soldierly pride is greater than his love for Desdemona and he unconsciously craves information to feed his jealousy (“Othello” Shakespeare for Students 433). Jealousy destroys Othello’s state of mind. Othello is mentally weak because he does not trust his wife; therefore, when Iago destroys his trust in Desdemona, jealousy begins to infect his mind. Othello is ultimately placed between an angel and a devil who both demand his loyalty (“Othello.” William Shakespeare , Shakespeare A-Z 471). Desdemona gives unconditional love, is pure and loyal while Iago is a jealous vice who is incapable of love or loyalty (“Othello” Shakespeare for …show more content…

His ultimate choice is choosing between trusting Desdemona or Iago. Iago’s influence on Othello is so great that he is transformed into a man that no one recognizes. His jealousy is terrifying because of the noble way he originally held himself. Othello does not even recognize the man he becomes and refers to himself as “he that was Othello” (“Othello.” Shakespeare A-Z 471). Othello’s jealous spirit drives him to murder his wife; he cannot stop his obsession with the alleged affair until she is harmed (“Othello.” Shakespeare for Students 663). Othello even rationalizes murdering his wife as justice for her betrayal. He …show more content…

He reminisces his life and leadership in his final moments and proclaims that he is
OTHELLO. One that lov’d not wisely, but too well (5. 4. 344).
Othello truly loves his wife and cannot bear the thought of her with someone else. He would rather Desdemona dead than with someone else. (“Othello.” The Greenwood Companion 780). Othello’s great passion is also his great flaw. His passion drives him to jealousy and jealousy drives him to death. (“Othello.” The Greenwood Companion 772). After realizing how horrible he has become, Othello kills himself. His jealousy blinds him to all reality. Othello’s emotions are uncontrollable and they destroy every aspect of his life (“Othello” Shakespeare for Students: Book One 448). Jealousy shapes the play, ruins lives, and destroys love.
Jealous mistrust in Othello is terribly destructive and results in several main characters meeting their bitter end, including Othello and his beloved wife. Jealousy is a monster throughout Othello, it destroys lives and leads to nothing except rage and violence. Desdemona claimed

DESDEMONA. His unkindness may defeat my life but never taint my love (4. 2.

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