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The Role of Jealousy in Othello

            The Shakespearian play Othello shows that love is a driving force by involving jealousy, trust and pride in this classic tragedy. Jealousy is a key factor that appears to destroy Othello. Another aspect that love is a driving force is the trust that Othello had in "honest Iago". Finally, Othello's pride clouds his judgment about what is right and therefore he murders his beloved wife, Desdemona. Love was a driving force that destroyed Othello and all that he held dear to his heart. This proves to be a perfect play because it incorporates all of the elements of a Shakespearean play so wonderfully. .
             Jealousy is a strong force that can destroy and control ones every move. The emotions suggested by Othello indicated that he could easily be manipulated. Othello's insecurities and over reactions focus his idea that Desdemona has betrayed him with Cassio. Othello cannot stand uncertainty and with his rigid military background he does not rest, judging, condemning and executing Desdemona. The significance of the love token handkerchief represents their first night together as man and wife. Believing that Desdemona gave it away to Cassio proves to Othello that their love wasn't special and private. His treasured gift wasn't symbolic to Desdemona which enraged Othello to kill her.
             Othello's trust in Iago is unfortunate and naive. Throughout this tragic play Iago initiates a chain of events to gain Othello's trust and faith in him. One example is when Othello appoints Iago to be the officer to deliver documents from the Senate at the request of the Duke. He regards Iago "A man he is of honesty and trust" (Othello, 1.3). Othello continued to entrust Iago with responsibilities, including escorting his wife to Cyprus .Iago's wife accompanied Desdemona as per the request of Othello. Othello stated 'Honest Iago/ my Desdemona must I leave to thee/ I prithee, let thy wife attend on her: and bring them after in the best advantage" (Othello, 1.


Essays Related to The Role of Jealousy in Othello

1. Jealousy in Othello

... to turn Othello against both his lieutenant and his wife, this in an attempt to attain the role of lieutenant for himself and to hurt Othello (I.iii.372-394). Jealousy causes Iago to make decisions that are blind and quite unnecessary, however being under the destructive powers of jealousy he fails to be rational. In the same act another example of jealousy's destructive nature can be seen, this from Roderigo. Throughout the course of the play Roderigo ... is madly in love with Desdemona, so ... ...

  • Word Count: 1224
  • Approx Pages: 5
  • Has Bibliography
  • Grade Level: High School

2. Self-Destructive Jealousy in Othello

... to turn Othello against both his lieutenant and his wife, this in an attempt to attain the role of lieutenant for himself and to hurt Othello (I.iii.372-394). Jealousy causes Iago to make decisions that are blind and quite unnecessary, however being under the destructive powers of jealousy he fails to be rational. In the same act another example of jealousy's destructive nature can be seen, this from Roderigo. Throughout the course of the play Roderigo ... is madly in love with Desdemona, so ... ...

  • Word Count: 1497
  • Approx Pages: 6
  • Has Bibliography
  • Grade Level: High School

3. The Curse of the Green-Eyed Mo

... planted the original seed of jealousy in Othello, Othello is responsible for letting his jealousy grow stronger and stronger until it took control of him. Iago's plan is intricately designed to play Othello's jealousy against himself and anyone who gets in the way, but it is only successful because Othello falls right into "The net that shall enmesh them all" (2.3.355-6). Iago plays a huge role in the outcome of Othello but in no means is he mostly to blame. In Othello, the mocking ... and tormenting nature of jealousy ... ...

  • Word Count: 824
  • Approx Pages: 3
  • Grade Level: High School

4. Othello Themes

... ?" (Act 3 scene4). Bianca is jealous of what Emilia and Desdemona has with their husbands and in a way that's what she wants, but she is letting her jealousy blind her. Emily has a small role in the play, but her jealousy is obvious in the end. It is clear that her jealousy is toward Desdemona and Othello. She see's all of the lieing, back-stabbing that is going on ... with Iago, Othello, and Desdemona. And yet, she still is jealous of the two of them. Her and Iago's marriage is almost opposite of that of Othello and Desdemona. ... There is no admittance from Emilia specifically that sh...

  • Word Count: 606
  • Approx Pages: 2
  • Grade Level: High School

5. May the Jealous be Blind

... for a spin. After this conversation with Iago, he is never the same. Anger, jealousy, despair, suspicion, and confusion all make a home in Othello's mind, feelings never existent before this. The handkerchief plays a major role in fulfilling Othello's jealousy. Iago receives it from Emilia, but instead of reporting it to Othello, he uses a different alibi. Othello, feeling more suspicious and distraught, threatens the life of Iago, unless solid proof is given to him. Quick-witted ... Iago lies about a dream Cassio had and exclaims; "did I today see Cassio wipe his beard with [the handke...

  • Word Count: 888
  • Approx Pages: 4
  • Grade Level: High School

6. Othello - Deception, Despair and Failure

... [his] wife, observe her well with Cassio, wear your eyes thus, not jealous nor secure" (3. 3. 198-99). Othello's feelings of betrayal and jealousy quickly filled him with rage and confusion. Iago in a way plays the role of a victim. He pities himself for not being put in the position of second in command because he thinks he deserves it based on his experience. This paly also indicates that Iago pities himself ... disguised himself as a caring friend. Because he warned Othello of jealousy in the form of advice from man to man, Othello was blinded to his intentions. Othello was naive. Si...

  • Word Count: 1089
  • Approx Pages: 4
  • Grade Level: High School

7. Symbols of Jealousy in Othello

... as Othello and Cassio to feel jealousy and experience emotional exhaustion. While an abstract idea consumes these characters, yet no evidence exists to support this expectation, proves that paranoia plays an important role in the play. Last but not least, jealousy can also influence a person's ego, a fake identity created by their mind. Shakespeare uses this symbol representing self-importance of certain characters and how dictates the course of action in the ... play. To begin with, Iago is the most egocentric character in the play, he has no standard beyond himself. In the play, Iago ...

  • Word Count: 1537
  • Approx Pages: 6
  • Grade Level: High School

8. Othello and Racism

... Iago is used on a continual basis to demonstrate how people can be manipulated both through lies and honesty. By using a mix of the truth and lies, Iago plays a particularly important role in manipulating Othello. Iago's focus on the truth is used with the intent of igniting emotions like jealousy in Othello. By doing this, Iago is able to demonstrate's€"as a character "that humans are not always Christian by nature ... . Although Iago uses honesty to manipulate at several stages in the play, there is one scene where he is brutally honest with Othello regarding race and his ... ...

  • Word Count: 776
  • Approx Pages: 3
  • Has Bibliography

9. Jealousy in Othello

... my meditators." (Act 1, scene 1, 11-16). On impulse Iago's brain is quick to devise a plan driven by his jealousy to hurt the person who has hurt him, Othello. After obtaining the role he wanted of officer, he is no longer in control of the situation he has created, jealousy has flooded the mind of Othello and it knows no limits. Roderigo is foolish and even at times unusually unintelligent. This explained partially by ... Roderigo's jealousy: he is infatuated with Desdemona and has been for some time. He is willing to do anything to win her ... ...

  • Word Count: 1955
  • Approx Pages: 8
  • Grade Level: High School

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