The Symbolism Of Jealousy In Shakespeare's Othello

In the play, Othello by William Shakespeare, the author wrote,“To follow still the changes of the moon with fresh suspicions?” (III.iii.184). Othello says he might as well be a goat if he ever let himself become obsessed with the kind of suspicions Iago is implying. To give a brief summary, the antagonist, Iago tries various plans to get the noble, Cassio’s job. Their, boss and protagonist, Othello is involved with one of Iago’s schemes. Iago’s plan was to get Cassio’s job by making Othello jealous. Instead, Iago’s plans were exposed to Othello and Iago was defeated. At the beginning of the story, Othello is portrayed as a person with good intentions. As the story unfolds Othello beliefs were corrupted by a virus. In many parts of the play, Othello displayed many strong emotions. Such as love, happiness, anger, envy, and sadness. Othello represents emotion but, as it shows in the play his greatest attribute is jealousy, which helps depict the theme of

As Othello learns more about Desdemona and Cassio illegally being together, it hurts Othello to the point where he becomes ill. Desdemona was the only one to notice his sickness. Othello brushes it off as he thinks she can’t be trusted and doesn’t think it would gradually get worse. Having recurring thoughts about Desdemona cheating on his causes and worsens his illness. Suggesting that the only way to stop it is to kill Desdemona or Cassio. Shakespeare is putting a darker tone on the matter where jealousy can put you in a mental or physical illness. Othello explaining his illness to Desdemona could have relieved him of his jealousy. Instead, Othello thought combating his pain would be better than speaking his mind. Othello said,“I have a pain upon my forehead, here” (III.iii.290). Clearly, Othello is sick because of the thought of Desdemona cheating. A recurring image of jealousy is Othello’s