Theme Of Jealousy In Shakespeare's Othello

Chanely Castillo

Prof. Bender

ENGL 120

Themes in Othello by William Shakespeare

In William Shakespeare 's famous play Othello, jealousy is a major theme which takes over the entire play and leads to its tragic ending. In the beginning of the story Othello shows no signs of jealousy. He is very much in love with his new wife Desdemona and is satisfied with those who surround him. Until Iago begins his manipulative scheming. Iago is aware of Othello 's “loving, noble nature” and he will use that to his advantage to arouse jealousy. Iago 's jealousy towards the moor is the primary cause to this snowball effect throughout the story. “Though I do hate him as I do hell-pains. Yet, for necessity of present life, I must show out a flag

Honor and reputation are another theme found throughout the play. “Reputation, reputation, reputation! Oh, I have lost my reputation! I have lost the immortal part of myself, and what remains is bestial. My reputation, Iago, my reputation!” In this case, Rodrigo, another victim of Iagos lies has made a fool out of himself in front of authority causing him his job. Reputation is so important in this play, that the characters would go through significant situations to maintain them. In act four scene three, Shakespeare uses Desdemona 's handkerchief to dramatically symbolize the possibility of infidelity. Othello had never questioned Desdemona 's actions before. “For she had eyes, and chose me/I’ll see before I doubt, when I doubt, prove, and on the proof, there is no more but tis, away at once with love or jealousy” says Othello. This quote shows how loyal Othello believes his

This handkerchief holds great significance to Othello. It was a gift from his mother that he then passed on to Desdemona as a token of love. “That handkerchief did an Egyptian to my mother give… she told her, while she kept it ‘twould make her amiable and subdue my father entirely to her love, but if she lost it or made gift of it, my father’s eye should hold her loathed and his spirits should hunt..” Othello uses this story of how magical the handkerchief is to make Desdemona feel guilty about ever misplacing it. It is only after Iago has planted his seed in Othello 's head, that Othello begins to feel jealousy. Once Othello witnesses “proof” and has knowledge that Desdemona no longer has hold of this prize possession, his jealousy takes over and calls Desdemona a