The Destructiveness Of Jealousy In Shakespeare's Othello
Othello simply ignores Iago’s warning; he must choose between trusting his wife or Iago. Ultimately, Othello’s soldierly pride is greater than his love for Desdemona and he unconsciously craves information to feed his jealousy (“Othello” Shakespeare for Students 433). Jealousy destroys Othello’s state of mind. Othello is mentally weak because he does not trust his wife; therefore, when Iago destroys his trust in Desdemona, jealousy begins to infect his mind. Othello is ultimately placed between an angel and a devil who both demand his loyalty (“Othello.” William Shakespeare , Shakespeare A-Z 471). Desdemona gives unconditional love, is pure and loyal while Iago is a jealous vice who is incapable of love or loyalty (“Othello” Shakespeare for …show more content…
His ultimate choice is choosing between trusting Desdemona or Iago. Iago’s influence on Othello is so great that he is transformed into a man that no one recognizes. His jealousy is terrifying because of the noble way he originally held himself. Othello does not even recognize the man he becomes and refers to himself as “he that was Othello” (“Othello.” Shakespeare A-Z 471). Othello’s jealous spirit drives him to murder his wife; he cannot stop his obsession with the alleged affair until she is harmed (“Othello.” Shakespeare for Students 663). Othello even rationalizes murdering his wife as justice for her betrayal. He …show more content…
He reminisces his life and leadership in his final moments and proclaims that he is
OTHELLO. One that lov’d not wisely, but too well (5. 4. 344).
Othello truly loves his wife and cannot bear the thought of her with someone else. He would rather Desdemona dead than with someone else. (“Othello.” The Greenwood Companion 780). Othello’s great passion is also his great flaw. His passion drives him to jealousy and jealousy drives him to death. (“Othello.” The Greenwood Companion 772). After realizing how horrible he has become, Othello kills himself. His jealousy blinds him to all reality. Othello’s emotions are uncontrollable and they destroy every aspect of his life (“Othello” Shakespeare for Students: Book One 448). Jealousy shapes the play, ruins lives, and destroys love.
Jealous mistrust in Othello is terribly destructive and results in several main characters meeting their bitter end, including Othello and his beloved wife. Jealousy is a monster throughout Othello, it destroys lives and leads to nothing except rage and violence. Desdemona claimed
DESDEMONA. His unkindness may defeat my life but never taint my love (4. 2.
Danger Of Jealousy In Othello
1014 Words | 5 PagesAttempting to destroy someone’s life because of jealousy is cruel. Another instance of how Shakespeare conveys that jealousy is the motivation behind committing malicious acts is when jealous Othello decided to kill Desdemona for being “unfaithful” stating, “For to deny each article with oath cannot remove
Self Confidence In Othello
1344 Words | 6 PagesWilliam Shakespeare, the 16th to 17th century English playwright, dwelt on themes dealing with human nature: love, hate, power, jealousy, humour, discrimination and self-respect. He made the often-quoted observation that “our doubts are traitors, and make us lose the good we might oft win by fearing to attempt”, voicing the danger of doubt which could ultimately lead to loss of self-esteem. In his play, Othello, the moor, who was perceived as a courageous military hero, met his downfall due to the erosion of his self-esteem, and as a result, tragedy ensued. In the play, Othello trusted Iago unconditionally, to the extent that he came to seriously question himself and the trustworthiness of Desdemona, his wife, whom he genuinely cared
Friendship In Othello
1474 Words | 6 PagesKnowing how jealousy eats someone up, Iago uses that upon Othello by introducing doubt in one of the greatest things he had, his love in Desdemona. The way Iago worked into Othello’s head is that he made it seem like he was helping him by thinking of different possibilties, which only fed the green-eyed monster in Othello. “Their best conscience is not to leave ‘t undone, but keep ‘t unknown,” (III,iii. 235-236)said Iago, which exaplains exactly how he functions. He tells Othello what he wants to hear, which is what builds the doubt of Othello.
Jealousy And Manipulation In Othello
700 Words | 3 Pages“Othello” written by William Shakespeare revolves around this protagonist who is depicted as strong and powerful. To everyone he is known as Othello or the Moor. Throughout the play, Shakespeare portrays numerous counts of jealousy and manipulation around many of the characters. It is mainly illustrated through Iago, the antagonist of the play, who manipulates other to their downfall. Iago who is known for always being true and honest towards others has easily earned the trust of everyone around him, thus giving himself an advantage on his schemes.
How Othello's Character Changes
844 Words | 4 PagesOthello’s character undergoes a significant change due to a series of events at the hands of Iago, the play’s antagonist to enhance the fact that even a valiant heroes can become corrupt. In the beginning of the play, Othello adores
Betrayal In Othello
1477 Words | 6 PagesHe states, “the demi-devil Iago has ensnar’d my soul and body” Othello feels bad that Iago betrayed him into believing the worst of his wife. Betrayal can be harmful, it can not only cause emotional pain but physical as well. We witness the death of characters and broken bonds. Betrayal can destroy one’s life and have an immense impact on others. If Othello would have been a rationalized man he would have discussed his concerns and fears directly with his wife, rather than speculating
Example Of Mistrust In Othello
773 Words | 4 PagesIn William Shakespeare’s Othello the two main characters are Iago and Othello. The entire story centers around Iago 's plan to achieve revenge on Othello for not promoting him to lieutenant. Throughout the story Iago tries to convince Othello that his wife Desdemona has cheated on him with his lieutenant Cassio. Iago’s plan is successfully and easily executed. Othello is tricked into believing that desdemona has been unfaithful and in the end he kills her.
Jealousy Quotes In Othello
759 Words | 4 PagesThe tragedy of Othello written by William Shakespeare presents the main character Othello as a respectable, honorable, and dignified man. However, because of his insecurities and good nature he is easily taken advantage of and manipulated by his alleged friends. Shakespeare is known for his exceptional ability to compose plays full of deceit, revenge, and jealousy. Jealousy is an underlying theme throughout the tragedy and has been represented by many of the main characters, such as Iago, Roderigo, and Othello. The topic of jealousy will ultimately lead to the demise of many characters throughout the tragedy.
Theme Of Manipulation In Othello
944 Words | 4 PagesManipulation is shown in many ways such as politics, the media, misleading information and false advertising. To convey one’s thoughts to your own advantage is seen as crude and unnecessary. However, many people have their reasons in manipulating someone whether they are good or bad. In Shakespeare’s Othello, the concept of taking advantage of someone through manipulation leads to unnecessary, horrible events.
Othello's Jealousy Character Analysis
834 Words | 4 PagesOthello shows the two types throughout the story and the play, envy and fear, and how they can claw and chew away the the fragile human psyche, like a monster, trying to claw out of a deep dark hole that has had a trap on it for days without end. Othello is one of the great examples of how jealousy can teach us not to be overcome by dark things, to always stay strong and believe in our own thoughts, and that the poison known as jealousy, can make or break even the best of people a slow killing venom that makes the weak sick and twisted. This play teaches us that jealousy has no good outcomes, only horrid and how it shows no mercy to anyone. Jealousy is a card no one should or ever want to play with a deck full of
Examples Of Jealousy In Othello
811 Words | 4 PagesIn the play of Othello jealousy caused anger and distrust, which in the end led to much bloodshed. The first time we see jealousy towards Othello is in the council chamber, everyone is gathered together when Othello and Desdemona share how they truly feel about each other and Brabantio was displeased. Brabantio told Othello with much anger, “look to her, moor, if thou hast eyes to see: she has deceived her father, and may thee.” (Othello I.III 293-294)
Effects Of Jealousy In Othello
621 Words | 3 PagesShakespeare’s play, Othello, deeply explores the effects of jealousy on a person. Shakespeare also portrays the different types of jealousy and alludes to the causes of them. Othello is a tragic play written by William Shakespeare around 1603, about a man, Iago, who plots to take revenge on a Moorish soldier, Othello, for he has “done my (Iago’s) office”. The deaths of several people, including Othello’s wife Desdemona, Iago’s wife Emilia, Othello and Iago’s companion Roderigo, were all directly linked to Iago’s actions. Othello illustrates that jealousy often leads to revenge, jealousy can prevent a successful relationship, and jealousy leading to one’s downfall.
How Does Jealousy Lead To Othello's Downfall
970 Words | 4 PagesIn Othello, it is jealousy that ultimately leads to the downfall of three characters, Roderigo, Othello and Iago. " O, beware, my lord, of jealousy; It is the green eyed monster" (III.iii.163). Although, Othello is not the only play where William Shakespeare has made jealousy a central motivator. He did it in Macbeth also. Jealousy has many faces between these two plays and in both they lead to the downfall of characters.
Jealousy In William Shakespeare's Othello
665 Words | 3 PagesOthello’s life transforms the second he steps into Cyprus. Iago’s motives are devastating as he plan’s to take Othello’s position, regardless of the cost. Iago plants the seed of deceit and unfaithfulness when he hints of an affair involving Othello’s love, Desdemona and Cassio. An overwhelming feeling of jealously takes a hold in Othello’s life. Othello is no longer the well spoken, and respected army general that everyone knew him to be, but instead a short tempered man with little respect for
Analysis Of Jealousy In Shakespeare's Othello
2220 Words | 9 PagesJealousy in Othello leads to his insecurity after his mind being onslaught by Iago. Nordlund reasons, “The typical interpretation of Othello’s jealousy…, is that it arises from low self-esteem” (Theorising Modern Jealousy 154). His internal complication was actually created by external force—Iago. Othello shows proud and confidence to his achievements, he is aware that he is being loved and admired; furthermore, he is sure that he deserves Desdemona. Iago intelligently recognizes the moment of Othello’s anxiousness starts and exploits it.
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