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Jealousy in Othello


            The tragedy of Othello by William Shakespeare is the story of jealousy. It is Othello's public insecurity that makes him jealous of Cassio and allows him to believe that Cassio has slept with Desdemona. And, it is Iago's jealousy of Othello that drives him to destroy both Othello and Desdemona. When repressed, denial and avoidance eventually lead to greater conflict. Iago's prying brings about Othello's jealousy, but that could have been provoked by anything or anyone. Desdemona contributes to the problem by dismissing signs of trouble and denying that there is really an existing problem. Othello's irrational personality and Desdemona's lack of effort to maintain communication cause the tragedy of Othello. .
             Desdemona's lack of determination to increase communication between herself and Othello ultimately brings her downfall. Desdemona and Othello fell madly in love without considering the obstacles they would have to face as a couple. As Othello tells Brabantio, "She loved me for the dangers i had pass'd, and i loved her that she did pity them"(I.III.342). The relationship was built on an unstable foundation which leads to disaster. Desdemona's love for Othello is based on his past and stories. She does not try to uncover his present. There was never stable communication between the two. As shown in the quote "Something sure of state, Either from Venice or some unhatch"d practice made to demonstrate here in Cyprus to him, Hath puddle his clear spirit; and in such cases Men's natures wrangle with inferior things" (III.iv.215) Every time Othello mistreats her, she dismisses it as a state affair. She does not try and talk to him and get down to the roots of his behavior. This lack of contribution to the marriage blinds Othello to the truth and sets the course for there downfall. .
             Desdemona is unwilling to accept that there marriage was a wrong decision and decides to try and correct it by using her submissive manners.


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