Othello Comparison of Themes

Themes

Envy and jealousy are the catalysts for Hugo’s desire to hurt Odin and Mike. Hugo envies Mike for Odin choosing him over Hugo to share the coveted Most Valuable Player award (MVP). At the presentation Hugo’s own father, Coach Duke Goulding states boldly,

“…And I’m not ashamed to say this in public but, I love him like a son.” The camera shows the dismay displayed on Hugo’s face. From this point on Hugo envies both Mike and Odin and pledges to do whatever required of him to ruin both their lives. Just as Othello prefers Cassio as his lieutenant rather than Iago. Iago also mentions in a soliloquy that,

“ I hate the Moor,

And it is thought abroad that ‘twixt my sheets

He’s done my office. I know if’t be true.”

Iago is suspicious of his own wife being unfaithful and is jealous of Othello, even though it is only rumour not truth.

Hugo’s plan is to fill Odin’s mind with doubts of infidelity about Mike and Desi’s relationship. Hugo first mentions his suspicions in the gym where the two are alone. He tells Odin,

“If there’s one thing I know it’s white girls, they’re like horny snakes.”

Hugo asks if there’s anything going on between Desi and Mike and if Odin trusts Mike. If Hugo hadn’t of warned Odin, the thought would’ve never have occurred to him as he said to Mike,

“What I’m gone a few hours and you’re already stealing my girl big Mike?”

This was said sarcastically by Odin after he was admitted to hospital after retaining an arm injury playing basketball.

Iago questions Cassio and Desdemona’s relationship just as Hugo did.

“…I speak not yet of proof.

Look to your wife, observe her well with Cassio;

Wear your eyes thus; not jealous, nor secure.”

Eventually Odin becomes so envious and jealous of Mike and Desi’s supposed affair he is so motivated to kill Mike.

“How can I kill this mother fucker Hugo?”

But Hugo mentions Desi, which only places the idea in Odin’s mind, and shows Hugo’s powers of manipulation.

“But what about Desi.” He replies.

Othello reacts in the same manner as Odin.

“…Within these three days let me hear thee say

That Cassio’s not alive.”

Iago’s agreeingly replies but also manipulates Othello by mentioning Desdemona.

“My friend is dead;

‘Tis down at your request. But let her live.”

“Damn her, lewd minx! O, damn her, damn her!”

Also included in this cycle of envy and jealousy is Roger who is envious of Desi and Odin’s relationship and is ever willing to help Hugo in his plan to break them up.