Free Essays - Jealousy in Shakespeare's Othello

Jealousy in Othello

"O, Beware, my lord, of jealousy! It is the green-eyed monster (3.3.195-96)..."

If a monster with green eyes were coming at an individual, what would one do? The answer of course, depends on the circumstances of that particular person. Would one permit the green-eyed monster to conquer his or her own mind, and control his or her every move? In this case the green-eyed monster would indeed be jealousy. Now lets use Iago for example. He was prejudice towards the African American, Othello, to whom he held a lower military position; a less qualified man, Cassio, was promoted as Othello's lieutenant, and he wasn't high in social classes. Iago's life was excruciatingly unsatisfactory and Iago welcomed the green-eyed monster with is arms wide open. First of all, why does one feel a need for control over others? Besides jealousy, could ones own life not be going the way they would like? Iago didn't have power over anything. The only thing he had power over was his emotions, and he couldn't even control them. He says, and I quote, "Tis in ourselves that we are thus or thus. Our bodies are our gardens, to which our wills are gardeners (1.3.361-63)." In translation, it means only we have control over out internal selves. We are also the only one's who can take control over our feelings. As soon as Iago put his scheme into action, he saw results: "Now art thou my lieutenant (3.4.545)." Iago had Othello under his control, just as he anticipated. Iago told lies to Othello and to try and convince him to bring his own wants to life; one being lieutenant for Othello. Additionally, how could a person be so cruel? Iago was ruthless and surmounted by jealousy, selfishness, prejudice, and he was also spiteful. Iago had said, "I have it. It is engendered. Hell and night must bring this world's light (1.3.446-47)." Iago was referring to his cruel scheme designed to destroy Othello's life. How selfish of Iago to want to impose his cruel lies and actions on these somewhat good, unsuspecting people. He wanted to cause destruction for the sole purpose of satisfying his desires. Next, what happens when an individual has fulfilled his or her goals?