The Effect Of Jealousy In Othello

Othello by William Shakespeare is a tragic play revolving around the effect that jealousy has over people . In Othello, Othello has married his true love Desdemona, but after listening to the lies of Iago, he begins to believe that Desdemona has been unfaithful. In a series of events, Othello becomes convinced Desdemona was not true to him and tragically murders her. Othello killed his wife Desdemona because he felt jealous and betrayed, he let his emotions get in the way of his responsibilities, and in turn highlighted the evil effects that jealousy has on a man.
In the beginning of the novel, it is discovered that Othello has given the position of lieutenant to an arithmetician, Cassio. Iago hears of this news and begins to plan something that would ruin Othello. Iago used his power of manipulation in order to convince Othello that Desdemona was in cahoots with Cassio. According to Jenny M. Djundjung, “Othello’s honesty will blind him from one’s deceit because he always uses his principle of honor to judge a one’s action that he fails to judge Iago’s motives behind his action.” In the beginning of the play, Othello is …show more content…
In an article from tor.com, it is stated that “Jealousy, or suspicion, burrows into the heart of reason, and perverts it.” This stands very true for the play of Othello, Othello was so easily taken over by jealousy that it affected his very being and those around him. The effect jealousy had on Othello, and Iago for that matter, shows how easily betrayal and jealousy can affect someone. Iago only decided to ruin Othello’s life after discovering he was not chosen for second in command, his jealousy and rage took over that he was able to hurt those around him without any remorse. After being poisoned by Iago’s lies, Othello so easily came to the decision of murdering his wife with the green-eyed monster stuck to his