Jealousy In Shakespeare's Othello

To me, Shakespeare’s “Othello” presents a plethora of themes and techniques which coincide and therefore create an excellent play. But there are three major themes which have made “Othello” great. These themes include jealousy, deceit and of course… love. I personally believe that jealousy is the most influential theme of the play as it provides the backbone or structure of the play and creates tragedy which is what Shakespeare is synonymous for writing. It is with the combination of these three themes and their techniques which provide mysterious, backstabbing tragedy which is “Othello”.

Firstly, jealousy is an important theme featured in “Othello” as it becomes a common characteristic among the main characters throughout the text. Jealousy is
present from the beginning until the end of the text and is the cause for most, if not all unjust actions in the text, and Iago as a character is the predominant person associated with the use of the jealousy theme.
An example of jealousy is in act 3 scene 3 when Iago states “It is the green-eyed monster which doth mock the meat it feeds on”. This quote is significant because Iago is directly targeting Othello’s major weakness which is jealousy. It also adds dramatic irony to the play because Iago’s motive for his actions is his own jealousy of Cassio. The metaphor relating to the ‘’green eyed monster’’ is a metaphor which is still used today. The colour green often represents jealousy in many cultures around the world. The theme of jealousy in Othello becomes overly prevalent as Iago’s intents become clearer through the soliloquies and aside remarks which he makes in each act planning his approach to becoming lieutenant to Othello. Iago states in his soliloquy in act 3 “ But as his jealousy of Othello becomes greater, Iago wants to become the Governor of Cyprus. However, it is important to recognise that Iago is not the only jealous character in the text, Othello is also someone who is overwhelmed by the amount of jealousy he accumulates in the
text, ultimately resulting in Desdemona’s, and his own death. Whilst it is true that Othello’ misplaced trust in "honest" Iago and the "ocular proof" of Desdemona's infidelity drive this play to its tragic end. Initially Othello does not show any signs of jealousy and is fully aware of Desdemona's friendship with Cassio until Iago begins his manipulative scheming. Othello is not concerned by this because he knows that Desdemona stated in act 3 scene 3 “had eyes and chose me”. Iago, as cunning as he is, is aware of Othello’s loving, noble nature which Iago will use against Othello to incite his jealousy.

Iago is the main antagonist of the play due to his egotistical, manipulative and evil nature and how he uses these traits for personal gain as well as to gain a higher level in society. It is Iago’s talent for understanding and manipulating the desires of those around him that makes him both a powerful and compelling figure. Through his persuasive and manipulative nature, he seems to be a friend to all and is considered wise. Iago anticipates and manipulates all the other characters in the play so skilfully that they seem to be acting simultaneously of their own free will and as Iago’s puppets. An example of this is in act 1 when Iago successfully manipulates Roderigo when he is convincing him to give him money in return for his assistance with Desdemona. By using Desdemona as a tool of Roderigo’s love he appeals to Roderigo’s emotions. He convinces Roderigo through the use of repetition. “Put money in thy purse…”
It is through Iago’s manipulation and successful use of repetition which results in Roderigo having no money and is forcing himself to pay up for more assistance and selling his own land. Deceit is extremely important in Othello because Iago becomes Othello most trusted friend, which gives him the name “honest Iago”, little to Othello’s knowledge, Iago is plotting to destroy him because of a sudden greed by Iago who seeks more power and will do anything the receive that power.