Power Of Jealousy In Shakespeare's Othello

When Jealousy Strikes

Jealousy is a dangerous emotion, which can provoke detrimental actions to those involved. Therefore, The Tragedy of Othello by William Shakespeare is appropriately named due to the actions of it is characters. Othello, the main character in the play, is the leader of the Venetian army in the middle of a battle with the Ottoman Turks. He is married to Desdemona, who has gone against her father to be with Othello. Iago, who is married to Emilia, wants the lieutenancy in the army, but instead falls short to Cassio. Roderigo is a Venetian nobleman in the army. These characters work to remind the reader that obsessive emotions often lead to negative consequences. Cruelty in Othello is expressed different ways including verbal

When considering the ego of a human being, the influence of jealousy is very strong. For instance, in the beginning of the story, Iago finds out that Cassio has been granted the lieutenancy by Othello instead of him. Iago is infuriated by what he considers to be a poor decision on Othello’s part, and he claims to have deserved the position more than Cassio. Therefore, Iago plots to ruin Othello’s life whom he blames for this struggle by destroying his relationship with Desdemona. For example, he alerts Desdemona 's unapproving father of the eloped couple. Also he forms a scheme to convince Othello, Desdemona is cheating on him with Cassio whom he sets up to look suspicious. Regarding Othello’s decision, the jealousy Iago felt went completely overboard when examining the situation. He allowed his emotions to overcome rational thinking, leading him to extreme ideas. Especially because the failure to receive a military rank does not justify the torment of another human being. These cruel actions were unnecessary and represent Iago’s corrupt mind. It is frightening to imagine the logic inside Iago’s mind during this story, because he executed this plan with no