Role Of Jealousy In Othello

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In William Shakespeare’s tragic play, Othello jealousy is paramount theme. The protagonist Othello’s powerful feelings of jealousy about an alleged relationship between his wife, Desdemona and, lieutenant Cassio drives much of the play’s action. Through an analysis of significant quotes that portrays jealousy, this essay seeks to show how overwhelming jealousy exhibited by characters such as Iago and Emilia reflects their motivations and values.
Throughout the play, it is evident about how Ingo manipulates other characters by filling jealousy in their minds. In Act one, Ingo manipulates Roderigo as a disguise for his animosity towards Othello. He alludes that,
“I hate the Moor: And it is thought abroad, that ’twixt my sheets He has done my office: I know not if’s be true; But I, for mere suspicion in that kind, Will do as if for surety. He holds me well” (1.3.390-395).
In the beginning of play, Iago asserts that he hate Othello because he gave promotion to Cassio but, now him. Another reason Ingo wants to take revenge on Othello because he doubts Othello might have slept with his wife, Emilia. Even Though Ingo is not sure about the Othello and Emilia affair he plans to implant jealousy in …show more content…

Emilia reflects on Desdemona’s dilemma about how she never gave Othello reason to be jealous: “But jealous souls will not be answered so; they are not ever jealous for the cause, But jealous for they are jealous: ’tis a monster Begot upon itself, born on itself” (3.4.160-165). Emilia points out that husbands such as Ingo and Othello do not need any real ‘cause’ to be jealous, they are just jealous. Emilia also states that jealousy is a ‘monster’ which is “begot on itself, born on itself’ meaning it nurtures and grows inside of us out of nothing. Emilia statements clearly indicates her views on jealousy as a part of human weakness which can be destructive for

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