Theme Of Jealousy In Othello

Othello (Jealousy)

Mustafa, Diana, Mert, Fleur, Hasan

William Shakespeare wrote numerous plays in the sixteenth century in which they all revolved around a vigorous theme. In Othello, the vigorous theme which motivates the main character’s actions is jealousy. Jealousy is prevalent in Othello thorough many forms. From sexual suspicion to professional competition, it leads to the destruction of each character, although jealousy is a mitigating factor in the case of 2 other characters.

Mustafa: Iago vs Othello

“I hate the Moor: And it is thought abroad, that 'twixt my sheets! He has done my office: I know not if't be true; But I, for mere suspicion in that kind, Will do as if for surety.” Iago is crushed when he is told about a rumour how Othello is having an affair with his wife Emilia. Iago already was angry with Othello because he gave his promotion away to someone less qualified than him. This will give him a greater reason to ruin his life. It is so because of the motivation and drive he has received from this situation which will lead to better ideas. Iago clearly states that he is not completely sure if the rumour is even correct but he looks away towards that doubt and decides to destroy his life as well as the status he has built for himself anyways! Why would his status be destroyed some say? Well, his status will be destroyed because they say that “an affair is the biggest sin of all”. This jealousy lead to great destruction in the play which is: the death of both Iago and Othello. Othello killed himself with a sword hidden on himself, and Iago is later executed!

Mert: Iago vs Cassio!
 "One Michael Cassio, a Florentine, A fellow almost damn'd in a fair wife; That never set a squadron in the field, Nor the division of a ba...

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...hey learned from their husbands. Emilia thinks that it is unfair how women are treated with little to no respect while they deserve respect because they are human beings too. Her comments to Desdemona reflect the theme of jealousy leading to destruction of the characters because she addresses the affects of jealousy men and how wrongfully men treat women.

Unlike Bianca, Emilia understands and accepts the nature of jealousy. "But jealous souls will not be answer'd so;

They are not ever jealous for the cause, But jealous for they are jealous: 'tis a monster begot upon itself, born on itself. (III.iv.153-156) Iago also accused Emilia of being unfaithful to him while she was innocent. She is saying that jealousy is a monster generated out of nothing and reproduces by feeding on itself. Men do not necessarily need a legitimate reason to be jealous - they just are.