Jealousy In Shakespeare's Othello

William Shakespeare’s, Othello, written in 1603, is a tragic play based on the key concepts of jealousy, manipulation and deception. The concepts explored are established furthermore through the multiple physical and verbal exchanges throughout the play between the eponymous protagonist and villainous Iago, constructing a dramatic setting, further enticing audiences to explore the play.

The key concept of jealousy, explored throughout the play establishes the villainous character of Iago. Iago uses the metaphor “O beware my lord of jealousy; it is the green eyed monster which doth mock the meat it feeds on” compares jealousy to a monster capable of hunting prey, feeding on the havoc it creates. The taunting tone Iago conveys this statement

through reveals the extent to which he will sow the seed of doubt to construct chaos and bring about the tragic downfall between the newly married Othello and Desdemona’s relationship. Furthermore, the influence of jealousy is also shown through the repetition “I think my wife be honest, and think she is not; I think thou art just and think thou art not” portrays and emphasises how jealousy is an all consuming concept, capable of forcing Othello’s mindset between his love for Desdemona and Iago’s apparent loyalty, consequently leading towards the downfall of the married couple. Iago constructs the concept of jealousy situated in Othello’s mind, showing audiences his malicious and cruel nature.

The notion of Iago as a manipulative individual and conniving character is repeatedly conveyed through his control of Venetian gentleman, Roderigo.

Throughout the beginning of the tragic play, Roderigo is unaware of the cunning devices of Iago, as shown throughout his eagerness to please Iago by following his demands “Here is her father’s house; I’ll call aloud”, exposes the first step of Iago’s meticulous plan to destroy the relationship between the eponymous protagonist and his beloved wife, Desdemona. This further constructs the characterisation of Iago, as a duplicitous human, capable of convincing the lovestruck Roderigo to destroy the relationship between the married couple. Consequently, Roderigo’s unrequited love helps play a part in his manipulation and eventual downfall. Towards the end of the play, Roderigo’s susceptibility further increases as a result of Iago’s deviousness and malicious intentions, to ruin the reputation and marriage of Othello. The dramatic irony “Thou hast taken against me … I protest I have dealt directly in they affair” coupled with the metaphorical exclamation “O damn’d Iago!O inhuman dog!” reveals the extent of Iago’s manipulation and the proficiency of Iago’s actions in creating chaos, conveying the fragile emotions of Roderigo and his tragic demise.The hyperbole of Iago before Roderigo’s death at the end of the play of “damn’d human!” and “inhuman dog!” further helps to portray the imagery of Iago as a creature of hell, capable of

creating destruction and bringing death and pain to whoever he betrays, explores the manipulation of Roderigo and his epiphany before death.

The significance of deception as a concept throughout the play is explored throughout Othello, as the play demonstrates the detrimental effect and chaotic nature. The characterisation of Iago epitomises the idea of deception as his plot to ruin his supposed friend and commander, Othello’s reputation. The concept of deception is portrayed through the foreshadowing “I follow him to serve my turn upon him”, effectively communicates his duplicitous nature and conveys his wicked intentions, to arouse issues of disloyalty between the brave Othello and loving Desdemona. Deception is further enhanced in the allusion to Roman divinity, “I am not what I am”, referencing the similarities between Iago’s dual personality and the two faced God, Janus. The elusive nature of Iago wanting to enact revenge upon his fellow colleagues, empahses the skillful theme of Deception towards others.

Shakespeare’s 1603 tragic drama, Othello, portrays the themes through interactions and dialogue between the valiant Othello and villainous Iago, hence conveying the concepts of jealousy, manipulation and characterisation.