The Significant Role Of Jealousy In Shakespeare's Othello

Jealousy is an emotion that can keep the truths of a situation blurred. William Shakespeare emphasizes upon this major theme through the characters in his drama, Othello, by utilizing jealousy's power to influence the conflicts, which reveal its vile nature. This is seen within the stories villainous antagonist, Iago, who uses each characters jealousy to manipulate the actuality of situations with false promises and deceiving techniques to ultimately affect the story's protagonist, Othello. From a man with a loving and noble nature, jealousy transforms Othello into an uncontrollable, crazed monster. Without jealousy, Othello's insecurities would have not been possible and with that in mind, the significant role of jealousy in the tragedy is

Iago (being the opportunist that he is now introduced as) immediately promises Roderigo that he will win Desdemona over to him if his plan goes well, as long as he is paid. However, following this supposed quid pro quo Iago states, “‘Thus do I ever make my fool my purse. For I mine own gained knowledge should profane If I would time expend with such a snipe But for my sport and profit. I hate the Moor’... ‘to abuse Othello’s ear That he is too familiar with his wife.’... ‘The Moor is of a free and open nature That thinks men honest that but seem to be so, And will as tenderly be led by th' nose As asses are’” (I.iii.320-339). This clearly reveals to viewers that Iago has much more malicious intentions, and Roderigo is only a pawn for a much more intricate plan, centered around his hatred for Othello and jealousy towards Cassio. This also makes it known that Iago’s method for manipulating Othello is targeted around triggering his jealousy and question his wife's faithfulness, which will greatly affect their trust and entire

The green-eyed monster is notorious for representing jealousy, and Shakespeare uses this symbol to grasp the interpretation that Iago cannot be trusted. Specifically Iago states to Othello, “O beware, my lord, of jealousy! It is the green-eyed monster which doth mock the meat it feeds on” (III.iii.170-172). It is clear here that Iago is being ironic; however, what Othello believes is that he is looking out for his best interest as his supposed friend. Interestingly enough, Iago is actually warning Othello about the dangers of jealousy, but is really doing this only to deceive Othello into thinking that he can be trusted; therefore, he is manipulating the situation to his advantage in hopes of getting revenge due to his own