What Makes Othello's Jealousy
Othello’s Jealousy
In William Shakespeare’s play Othello, Othello is a very honorable man and he has grace with the ladies. He is one that possesses lots of military leadership qualities. His character in the play shows that he is responsible and well respected. The personality of Othello is warm and charming and it draws the individuals to Othello. He is a valuable asset and the senator’s listens when he speaks. Not only does Othello possess good leadership qualities and courage but he possesses dignity.
In the play Othello, there are many attributes that help to establish the plot. There is anger, hatred, racism and jealousy just to name a few. The manifestations of Othello activity in the play absorb passion however some are good and …show more content…
others are not. Jealousy has the power to destroy and hurt people. Jealousy is defined as disposing to suspect rivalry or unfaithfulness (W. Llewellyn). Jealousy was used in this play to abolish relationships and destroy individuals. The emotions of jealousy normally refer to negative thoughts, feelings, insecurities and fear. Othello has taken the word of a trusted man unknowingly that the accusations are false and they lead to major problems in the play.
Iago was a military officer who schemed against Othello because the Moor did not promote him. Iago’s anger in the play leads to jealousy and corruption. Iago wanted to make trouble for Othello so he called on Brabantino to tell him that his daughter Desdemona has been sleeping with Othello. Iago’s character is breath-taking and his voracious desire for revenge and continuous deception is used throughout the play. Iago was a very good conspirator throughout the play. The jealousy that Iago owns enabled Iago to recognize the potential for the same feelings in other people. Iago hides well behind the character he portrays because the only one who knows about the hatred for Othello is Roderigo. The feelings of Iago towards Othello possess the same jealousy that Othello has for Cassio. In the play Othello and Iago appear to be close friends.
Othello believes that Iago is a person who is very honest and trustworthy. In Scene III, Iago uses his trust to regulate Othello. Iago states, “Nor for my manhood, honesty, and wisdom, to let you know my thoughts” (Gwynn). Iago plans to drive Othello to madness through jealousy by framing Cassio and Desdemona for adultery while he reaps the benefits and rewards from Othello for his efforts (Bloom, 1999). Iago is able to convince Othello of Desdemona’s infidelity and Othello sets out for revenge. Iago convinced Othello that Cassio and Desdemona are having an affair and he used the handkerchief that Othello had given to Desdemona to prove it. The beard wipe by Cassio was used with the handkerchief that Othello gave Desdemona. Cassio made inferences to Othello about the handkerchief. Iago’s also makes it known that Cassio has had a relationship with his wife Emilia. Iago was very successful in winning Othello over but little did Othello know that this was the start of a new beginning. Iago expresses a love hate relationship with Othello. Iago was convinced that the only way he could get close to Othello is by destroying the people that Othello loves and the people who are close to
Othello.
In order for Iago to become close to Othello, he has to destroy the individuals that Othello loves which are Cassio and Desdemona. If Iago could succeed in making Othello jealous of Cassio, then the plot would be revengeful. However, Iago knew that Cassio or Othello would die but he did not care who died. Iago was very successful in the manipulation of Othello. This allowed Iago to inherit the position as lieutenant.
There are two types of jealousy that goes on throughout the play. They are sexual jealousy and professional jealousy. Othello and Roderigo had sexual jealousy and Iago had both types of jealousy. Roderigo’s jealousy was sexual jealous of Othello because he wanted Desdemona. His jealousy was revealed early in the play. Iago’s professional jealousy motivated him to set up a cunning plot. Iago was very deceitful and he done some horrible things. Iago’s showed signs of professional jealousy because he was not appointed as Othello’s lieutenant. In Act I scene I, Iago stated “where I the Moor,I would not be Iago” (James, 1966). Retrospectively speaking Iago was going to be two faced when he encountered Othello. He also made the statement “but I will wear my heart upon my sleeve for daws to pect at; I am not what I am (James, 1966).This just meant that I am going to be different while in the presence of Othello. Iago’s jealousy was the fundamental motivation to form the plot against Othello and Cassio
Othello’s sexual jealousy was dominated throughout the play. Othello felt a sexualized jealousy toward Cassio. The manifestation of the jealousy was reasoning for Othello to appoint Cassio to be the second in command despite Cassio being inexperienced. He wanted to control Desdemona. Othello was very sensitive to Desdemona‘s betrayal that was fabricated by Iago. It was very easy to manipulate Othello because of his tendencies to overreact.
Roderigo also displays jealousy in the play. He is desperately in love with Desdemona and he expresses the jealousy of Othello by being racist. Roderigo’s jealousy is somewhat minor; however it contributes strongly to the play. For example, without Roderigo, Iago would not have been successful in his quest to destroy the characters in the play.
Acts I, II, and III were brief and very transitional. Act IV scene II maintains the tension and level of complexity that opened the act. Scene III was crucial and it brought the plot out of the play. Iago is a key character in Scene III which is when everything begins to unfold. Iago made the statement to Othello O, beware, my lord, of jealousy! It is the green-eyed monster, which doth mock the meat it feeds (James, 1966). The warnings of the green eyed monster are met with scorn by Othello. Iago felt the need to make Othello aware of Desdemona’s affair. He stated that he was only making the accusations because he loved Othello. This is the point where Othello becomes vulnerable and Iago continues to say that he only has suspicions and no firm proof. Iago targets Othello’s weakness with this jealousy plot. The implications given by Iago to Othello imply that Desdemona’s unfaithfulness is a common attribute in the Venetian society. Othello doesn’t know a lot about the Venetian society therefore he takes Iago’s word. Iago reminds Othello that Desdemona has been unfaithful to her father as well. At this point, Othello is convinced that Desdemona’s infidelity has more proof and he blames race and age for Desdemona’s unfaithfulness.
Iago was a great manipulator during the play. The characters that are mostly exposed to Iago’s deceit and manipulation seem to be the one that appear the most emotionally confused (Bloom, 1999). Iago found multiple ways to alter Othello perceptions of reality and the ways pushed Othello into falling into a trap full of jealousy. The reasons for jealousy and deception in the play are because the characters have a sense of insecurities and unstable mentalities. Othello became very weak in the play and Iago played on Othello’s weakness. Othello was unable to control the hatred and jealousy that he has. Jealousy and deception is not only confined to Othello, but it appears in a variety of other characters as well. However, Othello was the only character that practically shows jealousy since the actions are a result of jealousy. Jealousy was a motive that was used thoroughly in the play Othello. It caused numerous problems and it eventually led to death. After analyzing the play, jealousy and deception played parts in the play. Jealousy and deception caused this play to do a 360 and it resulted in tragic consequences. Most of the characters held theses characteristics and the theme is explored throughout the plays entirety. Othello was not the only character that was jealous and deceptive. These two themes play a vital role in contributing to the fatal consequences that occurred in this tragedy “Othello”. The entire play revolves around the ideas of people being jealous and deceitful.
In conclusion, jealousy destroyed the relationship of the characters in the play. Othello, Iago and Cassio seemed to have formed a triangle of jealousy amongst the three. Othello and Iago jealous mentalities caused the two to destroy the ones they loved dearly. Iago destroyed Othello and Othello destroyed Cassio. The types of jealousy affected the characters in Othello in different ways. With all the different themes in the play jealousy played a key role and it was one of the major themes throughout the play. It is one of the most powerful emotions. Jealousy was fueled by a love that one had lost. Jealousy can and will destroy if one allows it to which it did in this play. However, unless one has experienced jealousy first hand one can never truly understand the loss of a love one in this specific manner.
Reference
Llewellyn, William. Webster's Ninth New Collegiate Dictionary. Springfield, Massachusetts: Merriam-Webster Inc Publishier, 1985.
Bloom, Harold. Bloom’s Notes. Broomall, PA: Chelsea House Publishers, 1999
Lowers, James. Othello. Lincoln, Nebraska: C.K. Hillegass, 1966
Gwynn. R.S. A Pocket Anthology. New York, New York: Pearson Publishing
In William Shakespeare’s play Othello, Othello is a very honorable man and he has grace with the ladies. He is one that possesses lots of military leadership qualities. His character in the play shows that he is responsible and well respected. The personality of Othello is warm and charming and it draws the individuals to Othello. He is a valuable asset and the senator’s listens when he speaks. Not only does Othello possess good leadership qualities and courage but he possesses dignity.
In the play Othello, there are many attributes that help to establish the plot. There is anger, hatred, racism and jealousy just to name a few. The manifestations of Othello activity in the play absorb passion however some are good and …show more content…
others are not. Jealousy has the power to destroy and hurt people. Jealousy is defined as disposing to suspect rivalry or unfaithfulness (W. Llewellyn). Jealousy was used in this play to abolish relationships and destroy individuals. The emotions of jealousy normally refer to negative thoughts, feelings, insecurities and fear. Othello has taken the word of a trusted man unknowingly that the accusations are false and they lead to major problems in the play.
Iago was a military officer who schemed against Othello because the Moor did not promote him. Iago’s anger in the play leads to jealousy and corruption. Iago wanted to make trouble for Othello so he called on Brabantino to tell him that his daughter Desdemona has been sleeping with Othello. Iago’s character is breath-taking and his voracious desire for revenge and continuous deception is used throughout the play. Iago was a very good conspirator throughout the play. The jealousy that Iago owns enabled Iago to recognize the potential for the same feelings in other people. Iago hides well behind the character he portrays because the only one who knows about the hatred for Othello is Roderigo. The feelings of Iago towards Othello possess the same jealousy that Othello has for Cassio. In the play Othello and Iago appear to be close friends.
Othello believes that Iago is a person who is very honest and trustworthy. In Scene III, Iago uses his trust to regulate Othello. Iago states, “Nor for my manhood, honesty, and wisdom, to let you know my thoughts” (Gwynn). Iago plans to drive Othello to madness through jealousy by framing Cassio and Desdemona for adultery while he reaps the benefits and rewards from Othello for his efforts (Bloom, 1999). Iago is able to convince Othello of Desdemona’s infidelity and Othello sets out for revenge. Iago convinced Othello that Cassio and Desdemona are having an affair and he used the handkerchief that Othello had given to Desdemona to prove it. The beard wipe by Cassio was used with the handkerchief that Othello gave Desdemona. Cassio made inferences to Othello about the handkerchief. Iago’s also makes it known that Cassio has had a relationship with his wife Emilia. Iago was very successful in winning Othello over but little did Othello know that this was the start of a new beginning. Iago expresses a love hate relationship with Othello. Iago was convinced that the only way he could get close to Othello is by destroying the people that Othello loves and the people who are close to
Othello.
In order for Iago to become close to Othello, he has to destroy the individuals that Othello loves which are Cassio and Desdemona. If Iago could succeed in making Othello jealous of Cassio, then the plot would be revengeful. However, Iago knew that Cassio or Othello would die but he did not care who died. Iago was very successful in the manipulation of Othello. This allowed Iago to inherit the position as lieutenant.
There are two types of jealousy that goes on throughout the play. They are sexual jealousy and professional jealousy. Othello and Roderigo had sexual jealousy and Iago had both types of jealousy. Roderigo’s jealousy was sexual jealous of Othello because he wanted Desdemona. His jealousy was revealed early in the play. Iago’s professional jealousy motivated him to set up a cunning plot. Iago was very deceitful and he done some horrible things. Iago’s showed signs of professional jealousy because he was not appointed as Othello’s lieutenant. In Act I scene I, Iago stated “where I the Moor,I would not be Iago” (James, 1966). Retrospectively speaking Iago was going to be two faced when he encountered Othello. He also made the statement “but I will wear my heart upon my sleeve for daws to pect at; I am not what I am (James, 1966).This just meant that I am going to be different while in the presence of Othello. Iago’s jealousy was the fundamental motivation to form the plot against Othello and Cassio
Othello’s sexual jealousy was dominated throughout the play. Othello felt a sexualized jealousy toward Cassio. The manifestation of the jealousy was reasoning for Othello to appoint Cassio to be the second in command despite Cassio being inexperienced. He wanted to control Desdemona. Othello was very sensitive to Desdemona‘s betrayal that was fabricated by Iago. It was very easy to manipulate Othello because of his tendencies to overreact.
Roderigo also displays jealousy in the play. He is desperately in love with Desdemona and he expresses the jealousy of Othello by being racist. Roderigo’s jealousy is somewhat minor; however it contributes strongly to the play. For example, without Roderigo, Iago would not have been successful in his quest to destroy the characters in the play.
Acts I, II, and III were brief and very transitional. Act IV scene II maintains the tension and level of complexity that opened the act. Scene III was crucial and it brought the plot out of the play. Iago is a key character in Scene III which is when everything begins to unfold. Iago made the statement to Othello O, beware, my lord, of jealousy! It is the green-eyed monster, which doth mock the meat it feeds (James, 1966). The warnings of the green eyed monster are met with scorn by Othello. Iago felt the need to make Othello aware of Desdemona’s affair. He stated that he was only making the accusations because he loved Othello. This is the point where Othello becomes vulnerable and Iago continues to say that he only has suspicions and no firm proof. Iago targets Othello’s weakness with this jealousy plot. The implications given by Iago to Othello imply that Desdemona’s unfaithfulness is a common attribute in the Venetian society. Othello doesn’t know a lot about the Venetian society therefore he takes Iago’s word. Iago reminds Othello that Desdemona has been unfaithful to her father as well. At this point, Othello is convinced that Desdemona’s infidelity has more proof and he blames race and age for Desdemona’s unfaithfulness.
Iago was a great manipulator during the play. The characters that are mostly exposed to Iago’s deceit and manipulation seem to be the one that appear the most emotionally confused (Bloom, 1999). Iago found multiple ways to alter Othello perceptions of reality and the ways pushed Othello into falling into a trap full of jealousy. The reasons for jealousy and deception in the play are because the characters have a sense of insecurities and unstable mentalities. Othello became very weak in the play and Iago played on Othello’s weakness. Othello was unable to control the hatred and jealousy that he has. Jealousy and deception is not only confined to Othello, but it appears in a variety of other characters as well. However, Othello was the only character that practically shows jealousy since the actions are a result of jealousy. Jealousy was a motive that was used thoroughly in the play Othello. It caused numerous problems and it eventually led to death. After analyzing the play, jealousy and deception played parts in the play. Jealousy and deception caused this play to do a 360 and it resulted in tragic consequences. Most of the characters held theses characteristics and the theme is explored throughout the plays entirety. Othello was not the only character that was jealous and deceptive. These two themes play a vital role in contributing to the fatal consequences that occurred in this tragedy “Othello”. The entire play revolves around the ideas of people being jealous and deceitful.
In conclusion, jealousy destroyed the relationship of the characters in the play. Othello, Iago and Cassio seemed to have formed a triangle of jealousy amongst the three. Othello and Iago jealous mentalities caused the two to destroy the ones they loved dearly. Iago destroyed Othello and Othello destroyed Cassio. The types of jealousy affected the characters in Othello in different ways. With all the different themes in the play jealousy played a key role and it was one of the major themes throughout the play. It is one of the most powerful emotions. Jealousy was fueled by a love that one had lost. Jealousy can and will destroy if one allows it to which it did in this play. However, unless one has experienced jealousy first hand one can never truly understand the loss of a love one in this specific manner.
Reference
Llewellyn, William. Webster's Ninth New Collegiate Dictionary. Springfield, Massachusetts: Merriam-Webster Inc Publishier, 1985.
Bloom, Harold. Bloom’s Notes. Broomall, PA: Chelsea House Publishers, 1999
Lowers, James. Othello. Lincoln, Nebraska: C.K. Hillegass, 1966
Gwynn. R.S. A Pocket Anthology. New York, New York: Pearson Publishing