how is jealousy shown in othello essay

William Shakespeare

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Iago refers to jealousy as the "green-eyed monster." As this metaphor suggests, jealousy is closely associated with the theme of appearance and reality. For instance, at one point Othello demands that Iago provide "ocular proof" of Desdemona's infidelity—he demands to see reality. But Iago instead provides the circumstantial evidence of the handkerchief, which Othello, consumed by his jealousy, accepts as a substitute for "ocular proof." Othello's jealousy impedes his ability to distinguish between reality and appearance. While the prejudiced characters in the play denigrate Othello as an animal or a beast based on his race, Othello's obvious honor and intelligence makes these attacks obviously ridiculous. Yet when Othello is overcome by jealousy, he does become beast-like, falling into epileptic fits that rob him of the ability to speak intelligibly.

Othello is also not the only character in Othello to feel jealousy. Both Iago and Roderigo act to destroy Othello out of jealousy, with disastrous consequences.

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how is jealousy shown in othello essay

At the end of his tale to Roderigo about how he was passed over for promotion to lieutenant, Iago displays his jealousy of Cassio. He says that Cassio, a (our phrase is "bean counter"), has the job Iago wanted, while Iago has to keep on being [ensign] . A little later, Roderigo, who is desperately in love with Desdemona, expresses his jealousy of Othello's marriage to Desdemona by exclaiming, [own] . Where Roderigo says "carry't thus" we would say "carry it off." [ ] . No father has ever expressed a more hateful jealousy of his son-in-law. [ ] [feed] . He wants revenge for his own suspicion that Othello has gone to bed with Emilia. It's eating at his gut and he won't be satisfied [reason] . The phrase "even'd with him, wife for wife," seems to mean that he has some notion that he might have sex with Desdemona, but it's not the sex that's important. Othello must feel that same poisonous jealousy that Iago feels, and Iago's jealousy is so strong that he also suspects Cassio of wearing his " ." [ ] . Here Iago uses the word "jealousy" in its general sense of "suspicion," but -- whether he knows it or not -- he has also told the truth about himself. We have already seen that his jealousy has made him "shape faults that are not" in Emilia; he suspects that she is sleeping with both Othello and Cassio. This speech is justly famous, not only for its description of jealousy, but also for the cunning of its psychological destructiveness. The meat that the monster feeds on is a person's heart, which it eats away. At the same time, the monster mocks that person's heart, so that he or she feels shame. And the monster is insatiable, always gnawing away, so that the jealous person is never at peace. In comparison to all of this pain of suspicion and doubt, it's "bliss" to just be angry. Thus Iago tempts Othello to make the jump from suspicion to anger, without pausing to determine if the suspicion has any basis in fact. . Othello here uses the word "once" in both the sense of "as soon as" and in the sense of "finally." He means that as soon as he is in doubt he will resolve that doubt once and for all. . "Exsufflicate" means "overblown," and "blown" probably means "flyblown"; meat gets flyblown when it's so rotten that the blowfly lays eggs all over it. In short, Iago's inferences are disgusting exaggerations. However, Iago has not actually made any inferences; he's implied much, but he's been very careful not to make any accusations, not to say anything that could be refuted or disproved. Instead, it's Othello who is making jealous inferences even as he's denying that he can be jealous. He says, . He's right. An outgoing personality doesn't make a woman loose. But he wouldn't have to remind himself of that if he weren't jealous. Similarly, he says, . Again, Othello is right. Before her father and the world Desdemona proclaimed her choice, but if he weren't jealous he wouldn't have to remind himself that she chose him. . To "doubt" means to suspect, and despite what he says, Othello already has strong suspicions, not from seeing anything, but just from listening to Iago. Still worse, Othello is prepared to hear and believe whatever Iago says next. Othello believes that he's not the jealous type and he believes that Iago is his honest friend, so he believes that Iago couldn't be lying and he believes that he himself can't be mistaken. . Then Iago adds, [natural generosity] . In other words, Othello shouldn't be jealous, but if he's not, Desdemona is likely to take advantage of him. . As it turns out, Iago is right; when Othello sees Cassio with the handkerchief he thinks that he has seen the proof that Cassio and Desdemona are having an affair. [ ] because otherwise the loss of the handkerchief might be . Emilia seems to have a doubt about Othello not being jealous, but Desdemona says confidently, . "Humours" (bodily fluids) were thought to control a person's temperament; for instance, a person who was full of phlegm would be phlegmatic. Desdemona is sure that the sun of Africa baked out any humours that could have made Othello a jealous man. . Desdemona tries to convince herself that Othello is only upset by something that happened at work, but Emilia, unconvinced by Desdemona's reasoning, says diplomatically, . A "toy" is a silly or stupid idea, and Emilia clearly thinks that Othello could be toying with the stupid idea that Desdemona is unfaithful to him. (Later we will learn that Emilia knows that Iago has a "jealous toy" of his own -- the idea that she's having an affair with Othello. Therefore Emilia thinks she knows jealousy when she sees it.) Desdemona replies, , which gives Emilia the chance to remind her that jealousy doesn't need a cause; . Desdemona exclaims, , and Emilia -- who probably thinks that she's said all she can -- simply answers, . . Cassio replies, . Cassio goes on to explain that he found the handkerchief in his chambers. Although that's true, it sounds like a lame excuse, but Bianca copes with her jealousy. She takes the handkerchief and wants to talk about when she'll see Cassio again. [ ] that he " ." Later in the scene Bianca deals with her jealousy by confronting Cassio. She has decided that she was a fool to agree to copy the handkerchief, and a fool to accept Cassio's story that he found it in his room. She now throws it back at him, tells him that he should give it to the whore he got it from, and declares that no matter where he got it, she's not about to copy it. She says, . Then Bianca storms out, though not before telling Cassio that he can come to supper at her place if he wants. Cassio, not wanting to lose his girlfriend or his supper, follows her. [ ] [cheating] [deceiving] . This describes Iago exactly, and it makes him uncomfortable. He says, . However, Emilia is unconvinced. She continues to denounce the unknown villain until Iago tells her to quiet down, which only inspires Emilia to say, . He finally shuts her up by saying, . "Go to" is an all-purpose phrase which can mean "go to hell," "no way," or "get out of my face." Emilia's mention of Iago's paranoid sexual jealousy has made him quite angry. [ ] . If Roderigo lives, Iago says, he'll want those jewels that were supposed to be given to Desdemona, and if Cassio lives, . At this point, Iago has a practical reason for wanting Cassio dead, but he's also just plain jealous of Cassio. The phrase "daily beauty" suggests that Iago feels that Cassio is much more charming and attractive than he is. [ ] . Is Othello right about himself? The first half of the statement, that he was "one not easily jealous," was supported by Desdemona when she said, . On the other hand, many people would say that he was too easily made jealous, probably because they are confident that they would never do what he did. The second half of the statement seems beyond doubt. He was indeed "perplex'd" (which meant both "confused" and "tormented") "in the extreme," and he views his perplexity not as an excuse, but as a fault -- for which he kills himself. [ ]

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Introduction

Jealousy in othello, works cited.

The play Othello is among the most famous tragic plays written by Shakespeare. The story concentrates on four main characters namely Othello, Desdemona, Cassio and Lago. Due to its varied nature and the fact that it addresses important themes such as betrayal, love, death and jealousy, it is still performed in many theatres today.

It stands out as a unique play with a personal setting describing the aspirations and private lives of the main characters. The jealousy displayed by Othello and the villainous nature of Lago are some of the qualities that impress the readers of the play.

In addition, the relationship among the characters makes the play unique (Sparknotes 1).Othello and Lago show close associations which make it difficult to figure out who has the greatest responsibility in the play. Most importantly, the role played by Lago who is the villain distinguishes the play from others. Shakespeare addresses different themes in the play and this essay will discuss jealousy as one of the themes addressed in Othello by Shakespeare.

Shakespeare was one of the most prominent writers who ever lived. He was known for addressing various themes such as betrayal, death and love in his works as evidenced in his play Othello. However, theme of jealousy stands out from the start till the end of the play. As the play begins, Roderigo is presented as he tries to be close to Desdemona.

The theme runs throughout the play until the end, leaving Othello very angry and envious because he believes that Cassio and Desdemona have been entangled in an affair. The jealousy of some characters in the play is influenced by other characters. Lago is the greatest victim of this and creates lies and presents situations aimed at misleading the other characters. He exhibits jealousy towards Cassio and Othello because he was not appointed as a lieutenant.

Lago can be described as a jealous character since he wishes every other person could share in his feelings so he goes ahead to plant the seed of jealousy in other characters. He is driven by anger and envy and aims at instilling jealousy in all the other characters, an aim he achieves through manipulating and betraying them, particularly Othello.

The play begins with Roderigo’s desperate love for Desmodena after which he decides to pay Lago to take her from Othello. This is an important scene in the play since it depicts Lago as a villainous character.

The deeds of Lago and his words portray him as a manipulative character. He designs a plan to ruin Othello by calling him a thief since he has stolen the heart of Desmodena through witchcraft. He goes on to implore Roderigo to confront Desmodena’s father by telling him, ‘call up her father, rouse him…poison his delights…do, with like timorous accent and dire yell’ (Shakespeare 64).

In actual sense, Lago is not concerned about the heart of Roderigo. This implies that Roderigo’s love for Desdemona and the fact that he wants to be with her means nothing to Lago. His intentions are not geared towards helping Roderigo look for Desdemona but encourage Brabantio to pursue Othello because this would disturb him.

Lago perfects the art of speaking things that people would want to hear hence misleading them and making them react according to his plans. He is so witty in his diction to keep off any possible argument and confrontation.

He treats Othello in a manipulative manner when he convinces Roderigo to confront Desdemona’s father regarding the conduct of the daughter. Brabantio finds it difficult to believe the accusations leveled against her daughter by the two and dismisses them as absurd. He is angered by the two after they disturb him at night when he is asleep.

After this incident, Roderigo tries to justify his accusations but his actions only serve to further anger Brabantio. He refers to Roderigo as a villain while Roderigo calls him a senator. Brabantio is baffled by the remark made by Roderigo and sits back to reexamine the situation once more. After carefully re-examining the situation, his anger subsides and starts considering the stories told by the two especially when he discovers that Desdemona is not in her bed chamber (Sparknotes 3).

Lago chooses his words judiciously and expresses his views carefully. He knows what to say and the most appropriate time to say it in order to convince his listeners. He practices this especially when talking to Roderigo and Othello. He begins his talks with imperatives then follows them with self answered questions and concludes by making daring assertions.

The timing nature of Lago is evident when he speaks to Roderigo about the suspicions of Desdemona being in love with Othello. Lago brings out Othello as a deceitful person whose lies are believed by Desdemona. He then uses these lies to manipulate Roderigo by telling him that he is capable of distinguishing the relationship between Othello and Desdemona. However, what drives Lago to manipulate Othello is the jealousy he harbors towards him.

The actions of Lago and Othello are based on what they say and do. Both have hidden intentions of dominating over each other. Othello is seeking answers while Lago intends to manipulate those he considers to have hurt him. As a result, Lago manipulates the conversations to cause Othello create conclusions that suit him.

By using this strategy, Lago waits for Othello’s answer for him to craft a response that will increase his jealousy. For example, when Desdemona is seen with Cassio in a private place, Othello asks Lago about it. Lago answers Othello by telling him that he believes it was Cassio. Clearly, Lago evades the question asked by Othello but instead frames his own answer hence manipulating Othello to answer his own question (Shakespeare 65).

Lago employs suspicion, forestalled criticism, hints and twists reality. He frames the relationship between Cassio and Desdemona for the sake of convenience. He is so determined to ensure that Othello develops unending jealousy for Desdemona by insinuating that Desmodena is unfaithful.

The chance presents itself when Cassio and Desmodena are spotted together. Lago slyly comments about the behavior of the two, a comment that elicits serious thoughts in Othello and wonders what their intentions were. When Othello tries to get more information from Lago, he declines to give any information and this makes Othello more suspicious.

As a result, his jealousy towards Desdemona continues to grow. Lago uses implied communications to make sure that he achieves his goals. He manages to change the perceptions that Othello has towards Cassio and leaves him asking for more information. Othello tries to understand whether the accusations of unfaithfulness made by Lago against Desmodena are right.

Lago tells Othello that he should not continue thinking about the adulteries committed but instead Othello thinks about them deeply. He is persuaded by Lago and he develops jealousy towards Desmodena but never questions the two about the affair. Othello adheres to what he is told by Lago and relies on available predetermined evidence. For instance, when a handkerchief that belongs to Desdemona is found on the bed chamber of Cassio, he is convinced that Desdemona is unfaithful.

Othello’s jealousy towards Desdemona continues to increase and to him the only person who can be trusted is Lago because he seems concerned about his life. Lago is engaged in many secret strategies and manipulates him to move in the direction he wants by pretending to be an innocent person. This is a scheme that portrays Lago as a person who sympathizes with Othello but the case is different.

The deceitful nature of Lago is exhibited when he tells Othello that Desdemona lied to his father about marrying Othello. When Lago points out the past deeds of Desdemona, Othello continues developing jealousy towards her because she lied to her father regarding the marriage (Sparknotes 5).

Desdemona is represented as a mere pawn to Lago. In the first episodes of the play, Lago is not so much interested in her. He only mentions her when talking to Othello about her unfaithfulness.

Later in the development of the play, Lago feels threatened after Desdemona asks about his perception of women and how he depicts them. This compels Lago to express love that is not genuine simply because he has been forced to do so. However, this makes him angered and expresses his jealousy towards Desdemona till the end of the play.

The motivation of the evil acts that are perpetrated by Lago in the play is not brought out clearly in the play. He is angered and harbors intense jealousy towards other characters just because Cassio was appointed a lieutenant despite the fact that Lago was more experienced.

He too becomes jealous of Othello although his manipulative character is not justified by this jealousy towards Othello. The truth of the matter is that Lago is very jealous and strives towards developing the jealousy he has in other characters. He believes that he is the person undergoing a lot of suffering and wants other characters to develop anger and jealousy.

Lago comes out as one of the villainous characters in the works of William Shakespeare. What brings out this character is the fact that he secretly creates the trouble happening in the play but he pretends to be innocent and blameless such that nobody suspects him. He achieves this by applying manipulative strategies that end up betraying other characters.

He always tells lies that cause serious consequences but he expresses sympathy and is ever ready to share his secrets with somebody. It is not clear why Lago acts the way he acts and this makes him even more frightening. He is full of jealousy and wants every other person to feel as jealous as he is. The jealousy of Lago and his efforts to develop the same jealousy in others eventually leads into the deaths of many people and his own downfall.

Shakespeare, William. Othello. New York: Plain Label Books, 1968. Print.

SparkNotes. Themes, Motifs & Symbols . 2011. Web.

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Essay: Jealousy and Envy in Othello

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To understand the many dramatic occurrences that happened in this tragic story, A person must understand the motives of every character in the book. In the play Othello, jealousy and envy are prominent themes within the characters from the beginning to the end (Shmoop Editorial Team). As the play slowly unfolds it is evident that jealousy is the cause of most of the dramatic scenes. There are plenty of characters that are affected by jealousy and resentment in the play but, most importantly one of the main characters Othello. There is an antagonist character named Roderigo, who also suffers from jealousy. Roderigo is very eager to be with Desdemona, who is Othello’s wife. He refers to Othello as “thick lips” because Othello is a black man. Using a racist comment also shows how much Roderigo envy’s Othello as Desdemona loves him and not Roderigo. Also Iago’s scheme would not have worked without the underlying atmosphere of racial prejudice in the society, a prejudice of which both Desdemona and Othello are very aware. Shakespeare’s Desdemona copes with prejudice by denying it access to her own life. Her relationship with Othello is one of love, and she is deliberately loyal only to her marriage. Othello is not affected by the jealousy instantly. It shows that his love for Desdemona is true. Although people have doubted if their love for each other is true. Brabantio refers Othello’s love for Desdemona as “if she in chains of magic were not bound” this shows that Brabantio is also feeling jealousy. Brabantio’s relation to Desdemona is her father and he thinks that Desdemona is showing Othello more love than she is showing to him. He is saying that Othello has used some sort of “magic” to make his daughter fall in love with him. Nevertheless, Othello has used nothing because their love is true. Othello’s jealousy and envy comes from his public insecurity due to the fact that he’s black, and wont have the same treatment or level of respect as the other characters. Which makes him jealous of Cassio. Othello’s envy is so strong that It allows him to believe that Cassio has slept with Desdemona. What is fascinating about Shakespeare’s Othello is the way in which jealousy between the major characters is sexualized. That’s what makes Othello so disturbing is how quickly this sexualized jealousy turns into hate. For Othello and Iago love becomes hate, and hate becomes love and the difference between the two feelings are always being blurred. The reason that Iago hates Othello is because Iago hates himself. He hates himself because he is jealous of all the things that other people have in their lives and he doesn’t. Iago’s ambition in the play shows that he will do almost anything in order to get what he wants. Iago’s jealousy fuels his fiery hatred towards Othello and Cassio, as well as all of the other people in his life. At first Iago is jealous of Cassio’s position as lieutenant, but then it turns into more than that. Cassio had violated Desdemona’s purity and ruined the bond between Othello and himself. The bond between Othello and Cassio is symbolized by the way in which Othello makes Cassio his second wife after Desdemona. Cassio and Desdemona serve the same role in Othello’s life. Othello loves them both because he believes both possess what he lacks: culture, and noble blood. And both Desdemona and Cassio bring the respectability that Othello so desperately seeks out. It is important to note that Cassio and Desdemona provide no emotional support to Othello. This is because Othello’s idolization of both Desdemona and Cassio prevent him from confiding in them. Othello in the end comes to turn his love and admiration of Cassio into hatred in the same way he turns his feelings toward Desdemona into such a hatred that he was willing to kill her. Iago becomes jealous of Othello and Desdemona’s relationship doing anything he can to put a stop to it. Iago sees qualities that are in Othello and Cassio that aren’t in him and it makes him hate himself. In Othello, Cassio is the first person that Iago becomes jealous of. Cassio gets promoted to lieutenant, which angers Iago. It is because of that situation Iago dislikes Cassio. There really is no indication of why Iago acts in such a way which causes him to be even more frightening. He is masked with jealousy to which he wants everyone else to feel. In doing so, Iago causes the deaths of many and the downfall of himself. Although he hates him, Iago hates himself even more for not being able to secure his spot as lieutenant. Iago, being the villain of this tragedy, appeared to have a desire to reach out and destroy the loving, as well as the good in everything. For example, after he unsuccessfully tried to enrage Brabantio with Othello and Desdemona’s secret, he began the endless web of lies. As a result of all of Iago’s lies, each character gains a false feeling of jealousy. The reason the feelings are false are because, none of the lies are even close to being true. All of the characters are jealous for no reason considering everyone was innocent. Iago noticed Othello’s tendencies about his insecurity and overreaction, but not even Iago imagined Othello would go as far into jealousy as he did. Jealousy forces Othello’s mind so tightly on one idea, the idea that Desdemona has betrayed him with Cassio, that no other assurance or explanation can peek through. Such an obsession shows Othello’s reason, his common sense, and his respect for justice. Up to the moment Othello kills Desdemona, Othello’s growing jealousy maddens him. Upon seeing that she was innocent and that he killed her for no reason, Othello recovers. He can again see his life in proportion and grieve at the terrible thing he has done. Once again, he speaks with calm rationality, and finally killing himself. That’s what’s so tragic and also dramatic about the play. Othello didn’t deserve to die because of Iago and Cassio’s lies. In Othello, love is a force that overcomes large obstacles and is tripped up by small ones. It provides Othello with intensity but no direction and gives Desdemona access to his heart but not his mind. Types of love and what that means are different between different characters. Othello finds that love in marriage needs time to build trust, and his enemy works too quickly for him to take the time. The main attraction between the couple works on passion, and Desdemona builds on that passion. Which Othello cannot equal. Iago often falsely professes love in friendship for Roderigo and Cassio and betrays them both. For Iago, love is leverage. Desdemona’s love in friendship for Cassio is real but is misinterpreted by the jealous Othello as adulterous love. The true friendship was Emilia’s for Desdemona, shown when she stood up witness for the honor of her dead mistress, against Iago, her lying husband, and was killed for it. Appearance and reality are important aspects in Othello.Also they play a key role for the jealousy in Othello. For Othello, seeing is believing, and proof of the truth is visual. To “prove” something is to investigate it to the point where its true nature is revealed. Othello demands of Iago “Villain, be sure thou prove my love a whore, be sure of it, give me the ocular proof” (Act 3, Scene 3). What Iago gives him instead is imaginary pictures of Cassio and Desdemona to feed his jealousy. As Othello loses control of his mind, these pictures his thoughts. He looks at Desdemona’s whiteness and is taken into the traditional symbolism of white for purity and black for evil. Whenever he is in doubt, that symbolism comes back to haunt him and even with his experience, he cannot help but believe it. In Conclusion Shakespeare’s Othello takes the readers and audience though an emotional journey. Anyone who reads the book can look back on what they have gained from each aspect of the play and apply it to modern day times. The way Shakespeare’s play intertwines with modern day society makes the book valuable no matter what time period a person is in. It holds the issues of jealousy and how it will always be around. I think Shakespeare play could possibly expand the minds of everyone and show how real jealousy can get and how it can get fuled in all different kinds of ways. It is shown that basically, Shakespeare has included the antagonist nature of Iago, and the destructive, powerful nature of Othello to show a “theme and variation” on the typical image of jealousy the “green eyed monster” feeds on. Because of the powerful toxic nature of this beast of jealousy, the feelings of jealousy are able to be spread rapidly and contagiously in the different events in the play, from character to character, in Shakespeare’s play, Othello.

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Othello Essay Topics on Jealousy

Clio has taught education courses at the college level and has a Ph.D. in curriculum and instruction.

Table of Contents

Jealousy in othello, topics about characters, topics about plot, topics about themes.

If you've just finished reading Shakespeare's Othello with your students, you know that the play opens up possibilities for thinking about many literary themes and motifs. Othello deals with issues of vengeance, valor and racial isolation. This play can be challenging to read, so you've probably spent a lot of your instructional time scaffolding students' comprehension.

However, once you have finished the reading, it can be helpful to assign essay topics to promote critical thinking about Othello. One theme of the play that you might want students to think about is jealousy. Students can benefit from thinking about the ways that jealousy drives the plot and characters, and they might be able to make important connections to their own lives or other literary works. The topics suggested in this lesson will help your students think about jealousy in Othello.

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This section offers topics to help students figure out the impact of jealousy in the lives of various characters in Othello.

The Most Jealous of All

Who do you see as the most jealous of all of the characters in Othello? Provide specific evidence to show how this character is jealous. Then, explain how jealousy impacts his or her behavior, motivations and outcomes. Consider what Shakespeare is trying to say about jealousy through this character.

Othello's Jealousy

Write an essay about the ways Othello seems to experience jealousy over the course of the play. Explain whether you think his relationship to jealousy changes over time, and why or why not. Show how his relationship to jealousy helps you understand other aspects of his character and personality.

Jealousy in a Woman's Life

Choose one of the female characters to focus on, such as Desdemona or Bianca. Analyze the role of jealousy in this woman's life. Think about how her gender might be influencing her relationship to jealousy. Write an essay describing what jealousy looks like for this woman in the broader context of the play.

Iago's Jealousy

Consider Iago as the biggest villain in Othello. To what extent is his villainous behavior influenced by jealousy? Who is he most jealous of, and why? What actions does jealousy lead him to take? What do you think Shakespeare shows about the nature of jealousy overall through Iago's evil doings and character?

Here are topics that help students understand the way jealousy affects the plot of Othello.

How Jealousy Drives Events

Write an essay that describes two events in the plot of Othello that you feel are driven by the jealous feelings and actions of different characters. Describe each of these events in detail and show how jealousy influenced what happened. Speculate what might have happened in an environment with less jealousy.

How Jealousy Drives Othello

Describe exactly what happens in the plot as a result of Othello's jealousy. How does Iago finally get him to cave into this feeling? How does this lead to the tragic outcome of the play?

Jealousy in a Scene

Choose one passage or scene from Othello in which you feel jealousy plays a major role. Offer a careful analysis of this scene, focusing on how jealousy is communicated and what it does to move the plot forward.

Finally, this section offers topics that help students make connections between jealousy and other themes in the play.

Jealousy and Love

What is the relationship between jealousy and love in Othello? To what extent is jealousy presented as an inevitable part of a loving relationship? To what extent does it represent other flaws or problems in the characters' lives?

Jealousy and War

How does war and violence influence the growth and flourishing of jealousy in Othello? Write an essay that documents the connection between jealousy and war as presented by Shakespeare in this play.

Shakespeare's View of Jealousy

How, precisely, do you think Shakespeare would define jealousy, based on your reading of Othello? Describe how this is similar to and different from your own definition, and why?

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Works Cited

  • Shakespeare, William. Othello. Edited by Edward Pechter, 2nd Norton Critical Edition, W.W. Norton, 2017.
  • Mukai, Taijiro. "Tiapride for Pathological Jealousy (Othello Syndrome) in Elderly Patients." Psychogeriatrics, vol. 3, no. 3, 2003, pp. 132–134., doi:10.1111/j.1479-8301.2003.00019.x.
  • Gard, Carolyn. "Taming Jealousy -- ‘The Green-Eyed Monster.'" Current Health 2, vol. 25, no. 7, Mar. 1999, p. 26. EBSCOhost, search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=f6h&AN=1632356&site=eds-live.
  • "Othello's Jealousy." Daily Times (Pakistan), 9 June 2014. EBSCOhost, search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=n5h&AN=BKM2DTP20140609.XIII.158.00016&site=eds-live.

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  1. Jealousy Theme in Othello

    Iago refers to jealousy as the "green-eyed monster." As this metaphor suggests, jealousy is closely associated with the theme of appearance and reality. For instance, at one point Othello demands that Iago provide "ocular proof" of Desdemona's infidelity—he demands to see reality. But Iago instead provides the circumstantial evidence of the handkerchief, which Othello, consumed by his ...

  2. How does Shakespeare portray jealousy and deception in Othello

    Most famously, Othello's regrets over killing his wife are expressed in visual terms in his soliloquy (Act V, Scene 2). Shakespeare uses double meanings regarding light/good, pointing to ...

  3. Othello Jealousy Character Analysis: [Essay Example], 545 words

    Jealousy becomes the lens through which Othello perceives the world, distorting his judgment and leading to tragic consequences. 2. The transformation of Othello's character: As the play unfolds, Othello's character undergoes a dramatic transformation under the influence of jealousy. Initially, Othello is portrayed as a respected military ...

  4. Essay: The theme of jealousy in the play Othello

    Othello's jealousy develops as the audience learns his mind is being controlled by Iago. Iago's words of Cassio talking in his sleep confessing his love for Desdemona burned into Othello's brain. Othello's perception of Cassio has completely changed because of Iago. Othello has ordered Iago to murder Cassio.

  5. PDF Jealousy

    This means that jealousy is central in driving most characters' actions. The revenge plot of Iago is driven by both jealousy towards Cassio, who was made lieutenant by Othello, and sexual jealousy through the assumption that Othello slept with his wife. Additionally, it is sexual jealousy that causes Othello to kill Desdemona, making their love ...

  6. Othello Navigator: Themes: Jealousy

    Othello is overwhelmed by his jealousy, but not Bianca. Iago makes insinuations about what Cassio and Desdemona might be doing in bed until Othello is so overcome by imagined "Noses, ears, and lips" (4.1.42) that he " Falls in a trance ." Later in the scene Bianca deals with her jealousy by confronting Cassio.

  7. Themes Jealousy Othello: Advanced

    Jealousy. The imagery associated with the central theme jealousy suggests the destructive, terrifying and perhaps unnatural qualities of this emotion. It is the green-eyed monster, which doth mock / The meat it feeds on (III.3.168-9), a monster / Begot upon itself, born on itself (III.4.161-2). There is a strong sense of devouring and being ...

  8. Themes Jealousy and destruction Othello: A Level

    Jealousy and destruction. Jealousy is a form of tyranny in Othello. It destroys love, honour and nobility in those it afflicts. It makes both male protagonists murderous and violent. It also seems that it is the nature of jealousy not to be satisfied. Iago continues plotting against Cassio after he has disgraced him and is not content with ...

  9. PDF jealousy Shakespeare: Critical essay on Ot hello's

    Othello is a much richer, more complex play than I have detailed here, but its heart lies within the. inner framework of its main character. Finally, when jealousy has destroyed everything he has worked. for, everything he has loved, and finally himself, Othello asks that the state remember the service he has given it. But it is too late.

  10. Themes Jealousy and madness Othello: A Level

    Study focus: Jealousy and madness. Iago makes explicit connections between jealousy and madness. When Othello is overcome by jealous thoughts he falls down in a fit. Iago observes how 'he foams at mouth, and …. Breaks out to savage madness' (IV.1.54-5). Later Iago feeds Othello's jealousy as Othello watches Iago's conversation ...

  11. ealousy in Othello

    The theme runs throughout the play until the end, leaving Othello very angry and envious because he believes that Cassio and Desdemona have been entangled in an affair. The jealousy of some characters in the play is influenced by other characters. Lago is the greatest victim of this and creates lies and presents situations aimed at misleading ...

  12. The Theme of Jealousy in Shakespeare's Othello

    English Literature. In summary, it is apparent that ultimately, Shakespeare has included the demon-like, pernicious nature of Iago, and the destructive, powerful nature of Othello to demonstrate a "theme and variations" on the classic image of jealousy: the "green eyed monster/ which doth mock the meat it feeds on".

  13. Essay: Jealousy and Envy in Othello

    For example, after he unsuccessfully tried to enrage Brabantio with Othello and Desdemona's secret, he began the endless web of lies. As a result of all of Iago's lies, each character gains a false feeling of jealousy. The reason the feelings are false are because, none of the lies are even close to being true.

  14. Jealousy Othello Essay Plan Flashcards

    Jealousy essay plan. 10 terms. Freya123098. Preview. Othello- reputation essay plan. 6 terms. Niamh580. Preview. MAAN - LOVE . 9 terms. Am_Whitts. Preview. Valentine . 11 terms. ... Othello is jealous of Cassio, but it is more his anger and temper to Desdemona which fuels his jealousy (more fear/ anger of being humiliated by Desdemona)

  15. Othello Essay Topics on Jealousy

    Othello's Jealousy. Write an essay about the ways Othello seems to experience jealousy over the course of the play. ... Describe each of these events in detail and show how jealousy influenced ...

  16. Othello's Jealousy

    Abstract. This chapter examines the chief subject of Othello —sexual jealousy. Most dramatic representations seize upon and emphasize the way this condition, like a fatal disease, grows on the hero and destroys him until the recovery of sanity and dignity at the tragic end. The great reserve of the play as we read it, and even the reserve of ...

  17. Othello- Jealousy Essay Plan Flashcards

    Othello- Jealousy Essay Plan. Get a hint. 1. Jealousy is a key aspect of Othello, and like its characters the theme has many dimensions. 2. The jealousy surrounding the female characters is based on misogynistic traditions of the Shakespearean era and results in Desdemona being treated as a possession, whose ownership can be bartered with. 3 ...

  18. The Theme of Jealousy in Othello Free Essay Example

    Views. 4538. In regard to appearance versus reality, the theme of Othello is jealousy. One can reach this theme through analyzing different scenes throughout the play. Evidence for this is found in other characters and events all throughout the story. This paper will explore different ideas that cement the theme of this tale.

  19. Themes Sexual jealousy Othello: A Level

    Their sexual jealousy is a response to feelings of genuine love when they believe their partners have been unfaithful. Perhaps Othello's insistence on proof might suggest that this jealous husband is a nobler man than Iago. Iago's sexual jealousy is prompted by rumours that 'the lusty Moor/ Hath leaped into my seat' (II.1.293-4).