The Winter’s Tale and Othello, both by William Shakespeare, contain fantasies of female betrayal. In both play’s these fantasies are aggregated by something, be it Iago in Othello or Hermione’s pregnancy in The Winter’s Tale. Iago confronts Othello in act 3.3, eluding to his wife’s betrayal. Both Othello and Leontes have a seemingly sudden onset of jealousy. However, Othello’s jealousy forms later in the play than Leontes’. This is important when comparing the two because there are acts of the play showing Othello’s nature and character which do not point towards jealousy or concern for his wife’s conduct.
Othello’s lack of jealousy, in the beginning, can be seen in act 3.3, line 188, “The smallest fear or doubt of her revolt,/ For she had eyes, and chose me. No, Iago:/ I’ll see before I doubt; when doubt, prove;/ And on the proof there is no more but this-/ Away at once with love or jealousy!” These lines, spoken by Othello, prove him trusting of his wife. This shows that there was no doubt in his wife’s faithfulness until Iago planted that doubt in his mind. While Iago did not have the proof Othello asks for, he tells Othello to “Look to your wife; observe her well with Cassio.” Othello will find whatever he’s looking for, be it innocence or guilt, but Iago manipulates him to look for the later. Othello’s concerns here are his heart, his pride, and his power.
Othello main concerns when confronted with the actions of his wife are his heart. Othello is self-conscious, often presenting himself as an outsider. He is in a position of power that would not be expected of someone of his nationality. For this reason many people dislike him and think less of him. Othello reflects other people’s views of himself in...
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... his need for an heir and in Othello’s it is the lack of respect he receives from his peers. These weaknesses in their power are exploited to bring their downfall. Hermione’s pregnancy and Iago provide Leontes and Othello, respectively, with doubt and for this reason it is fair to say that “The place of Iago is filled by Hermione’s pregnancy.” This doubt manifests itself within Leontes and Othello, encouraging further thought, investigation, and action. Everything seen after is manipulated by the doubt until eventually only the un-honorable actions are seen. Iago manipulates more people than just Othello, encouraging actions of others that would further Othello’s doubt. Hermione’s pregnancy in a way manipulated the people around her and the subjects of Leontes to sympathize with Hermione, persuading them against Leontes when his actions apparently lead to her death.
Some traits of a jealous person are insecure, overly attached, spying, and low-self esteem. Othello’s jealousy started when he believed Iago’s lies about his wife infidelity. Iago’s claim became stronger when Othello found out his wife doesn’t have the handkerchief that symbolized their love. Iago exhibits jealousy in the play. Iago was jealous of Cassio’s rank as lieutenant. Roderigo was jealous of Othello’s union with Desdemona. Othello’s jealousy was based on false information. Iago’s jealousy was based on the desired job position and Roderigo’s jealousy was based upon his love for Desdemona. As human beings, I think it is almost impossible to avoid jealousy, but a person can overcome it. It is part of the human nature feel jealous, but
Another reason Iago has massive jealously is he has a suspicion that Othello slept with his wife. Iago says, "I hate the moor: and it is thought abroad, that 'twixt my sheets, he has done my office: I know not if't be true; but I, for mere suspicion in that kind, will do as if for surety." (1.3.12). Even though he is uncertain that Othello and Igao's wif...
Shakespeare’s work “Othello” emphasizes the dangers of jealousy. The play demonstrates how jealousy is powered by affirmations that can easily be proven false. Therefore, resulting in the destruction of many lives, including the tragic hero himself. It is extremely apparent that jealousy is a behavioral propellant on the entire plot. Specifically, the play begins in the midst of Iago’s jealous behavior towards Cassio. Lago’s twisted actions refer to the source of jealousy, indicating that he takes revenge on the people around him and is the least discontent with the lives he damages. As the play progresses, both the tragic hero and Iago’s jealous behavior develops. Othello’s Moorish values make him obscure in comparison to other Venetians suggests that the reason for his jealousy is unreasonable. Notably, Shakespeare exhibits that jealousy is unreasonable throughout the play as a result of the tragic hero’s fatal flaw, an issue that is psychological. The action and behavior Othello performs in enviousness is not a source of a reasonable act of
While Othello has thoroughly internalized his concerns regarding his marriage, shrewd Iago is able to perceive and exploit them. Iago’s villainous brilliance is manifest in his ability to take himself into Othello’s confidence. The relationship that develops between the two is of great significance. Iago is most careful to avoid explicitly accusing Desdemona of adultery until the time is right. Instead, he gradually weaves the thought into Othello’s mind so that Othello is able to independently arrive at the same conclusion. While initially Iago exhibits deference and fear of his king, the power dynamic progressively shifts so that the two become almost equal allies in an unholy conspiracy. Othello, at one point, is almost thankful to Iago for revealing to him the truth, declaring that “I am bound to thee for ever” (3.3:218). Iago reciprocates in the next scene upon being appointed lieutanant, vowing “I am your own for ever” (3.3:482). Especially in this scene, Iago can be seen as representing Satan himself, inducing good Othello to err thereby securing a vow of loyalty from his servant.
In Othello, the jealousy factor is deliberately introduced by Iago, with the precise intention of destroying those whom he feels have wronged him. Since it is intentionally used with malicious intent, it has catastrophic results. Iago himself is jealous of Cassio; he feels that he should have been appointed to Cassio's position by Othello, and since he wasn't he hates both Othello and Cassio. Iago channels the jealousy that Othello and Cassio have made him feel, and uses it against them in a hateful plan. Iago starts the process by planting the seeds of jealousy in Othello's mind, telling him Desdemona has been unfaithful. He then proceeds to cultivate the growing jealousy by feeding it with more lies, and twisting innocent events into situations which would serve his needs (his telling Othello that Cassio and Desdemona met in secret, and convincing him that Desdemona vied for Cassio's reinstatement as lieutenant because she loved him, for example). When the seeds had flourished, and Iago had succeeded in driving Othello mad with jealousy, Iago harvested his crop and convinced Othello to kill Desdemona. Othello's killing Desdemona would both rid Iago of Desde...
Above all, at the pivotal point in the play, it is Othello, ultimately who determines the outcome of his raged jealousy. But, his anger towards Desdemona and Cassio, leaves him very little of another option, but to continue his plan. Othello demands that he will "make me to see 't” (3.3.364) “or woe upon thy life!" (3.3.366) and this expresses his emotions, such as his love for Desdemona. Furthermore, when Othello says “when I love thee not” (3.3.91) “chaos is come again" (3.3.92) , it can be seen as how Othello feels towards his insecurity due to his race. Iago uses Othello 's position of a "stranger from here and everywhere" (1.1.136-137) to exploit his insecurities; he says that "in Venice they do let God see the pranks” (3.3.202) “they dare not show their husbands" (3.3.203). As Othello is not a Venetian, he cannot defend himself from this accusation of his wife. Therefore, jealousy might be a result of the insecurity that he is feeling, but also caused by Iago who takes advantage of
In The Tragedy of Othello, William Shakespeare tells the tale of the “noble Moor” whose honor and innocence bring about his downfall. Shakespeare writes of the power of jealousy, and the art of masterful deception and trickery. The story primarily takes place in Cyprus, during a war between the people of Venice and the invading Turks. In this play Shakespeare shows the feelings of Othello’s embittered right-hand man of, Iago, who feels he is passed over for a promotion and swears his revenge. He proceeds to manipulate his friends, enemies, and family into doing his bidding without any of them ever realizing his ultimate goal. He makes Othello believe that his new wife, the innocent Desdemona, is committing adultery with his newly promoted officer Michael Cassio. After this seed of jealousy has been planted, Othello’s mind takes its course in determining the true outcome, with a little more nudging from Iago. The course of action he proceeds to follow is one that not only ends his own life, but also the life of his wife and others. In Shakespeare’s Tragedy of Othello, Othello is a man who is still truly honorable, despite the course of action he takes to resolve his perceived problem.
In Othello, the titular character is a visible minority who holds a high position in the army but falls victim to manipulation by his seemingly trustworthy ensign and friend. While the theme of jealousy remains the main reason for the eventual death of both Emilia and Desdemona, the preservation of honour and reputation also fuel the characters’ actions toward the women. Therefore, the men in the play act cruelly and unjustly in order to defend their honour. While the conflicts between the Othello and Iago seem to be due to jealousy, the play suggests that the men are scared of the women and their power to destroy their honour and reputation.
The tragedy of Othello, written by William Shakespeare, presents the main character Othello, as a respectable, honorable, and dignified man, but because of his insecurities and good nature, he is easily taken advantage of and manipulated by his peers and alleged friends. The dynamic of Othello’s character significantly changes throughout the play. The contrast is most pronounced from the beginning of the play to its conclusion, switching from being calm and peaceful to acts of uncontrolled venomous rage. Othello’s motivation in the play appears to be his love and concern for his wife Desdemona, which ironically, ends up being his downfall in the end.
The role of jealousy, love and betrayal play a major role in The Tragedy of Othello, the Moor of Venice. The entire play is based on the human interactions of the characters as related to Othello and Desdemona. The characters’ personalities, their social status, and their relationships to each other control the story line and their fate in the play. Othello is portrayed early in the play as an outsider with animalistic characteristics by Iago and Roderigo because of jealousy. “Your heart is burst; and have lost half of your soul/Even now, now, very now, an old black ram/Is tupping your white ewe”.(531) Desdemona’s father, Brabantio, accuses Othello of using witch craft on his daughter. “If she in chains of magic were not bound/ Whether a maid so tender, fair, and happy/ So opposite to marriage that she shunned…” (535) This point is important because Othello must defend himself not only to Desdemona’s father, Brabantio, but to the entire Venetian Senate. “And till she come, as truly as to heaven,/ I do confess the vices of my blood./ So justly to your grave ears I’ll present/ How I did thrive in this fair lady’s love, / And she in mine.” (539) Othello proves himself to be an intellectual hero early in the play. He has worked hard to gain respectability and power, but because he has a different background, is from another country, is dark-skinned and is older than Desdemona, he becomes jealous very quickly of Cassio. Cassio is from the same social class, is compatible with Desdemona and is a young handsome man. Iago has also convinced Cassio to seek favor with Desdemo...
This character is so noble, Othello's feelings and actions follow so inevitably from it and from the forces brought to bear on it, and his sufferings are so heart-rending, that he stirs a passion of mingled love and pity which readers feel for no other hero in Shakespeare, and to which not even Mr Swinburne can do more than justice. Yet there are some critics and not a few readers who cherish a grudge against him. They do not merely think that in the later stages of his temptation he showed a certain obtuseness, and that, to speak pedantically, he acted with unjustifiable precipitance and violence; no one, I suppose, denies that. But, even when they admit that he was not of a jealous temper, they consider that he was "easily jealous"; they seem to think that it was inexcusable in him to feel any suspicion of his wife at all; and they blame him for never suspecting Iago or asking him for evidence. I refer to this attitude of mind chiefly in order to draw attention to certain points in the story. It comes partly from inattention (for Othello did suspect Iago and did ask him for evidence); partly from a misconstruction of the text which makes Othello appear jealous long before he really is so; [Endnote 2] and partly from failure to realise certain essential facts. I will begin with these.
From the beginning, Othello is noble, quick to act, judicious, trusting, and gives much weight to the importance of duty. These are all traits that serve to make him great at the beginning of the play, and later, ironically, become key elements in his downfall. These aspects can be considered the internal causes of Othello’s tragic flaw. “Othello's nature is all one piece. His trust, where he trusts, is absolute.
In Act V of William Shakespeare’s Othello, Shakespeare utilizes metaphor and contradiction within Othello’s soliloquy to emphasize and illustrate the immense pain Othello feels because of the real antagonist of the work- jealousy. Othello is a naive character who is very protective of his wife. He becomes suspicious when Iago hints that Cassio and Desdemona have been sneaking around behind Othello’s back; subsequently, Othello is made a fool by Iago’s plot because he is overwhelmed by his jealous nature and cannot contain the contempt he feels after thinking he is betrayed. Once he is tricked, Othello feels the only way to accomplish justice is through murdering his wife and prevent “[Desdemona from betraying] more men” (V.ii.6). By murdering his wife, Othello feels he will end the injustice; however, while debating whether or not to commit the act, he quickly contradicts himself through the use of metaphor by referring to Desdemona’s life to a rose.
Iago recognizes this fact and takes advantage of it, “The Moor is of a free and open nature, That thinks men honest that but seem to be so,” (Act 1, Scene 3, line 391). Since Othello is more ready to believe Iago, a man he trusts, but does not seem to have a tremendous amount of confidence in seeing that Cassio was given the promotion instead of Iago, than to believe what his wife says is probably because of Othello’s own insecurities, “By the world, I think my wife be honest, and think she is not. I think that thou art just, and think thou art not.” (Act 3 Scene 3 line 388-390). Othello’s insecurities with himself are what really cause him to lose control of his own judgment and fall into Iago’s manipulation, his morals only support the insecure thoughts and Iago’s devious
Othello’s real problem is not jealousy it's completely trusting the wrong people and being easily deceived. If Othello kept to himself and didn't trust all of his companions he would not have been so easily deceived by Iago. Othello being the general should have