The Role Of Jealousy In Othello

The Tragedy of Othello, the Moor of Venice by William Shakespeare has been influential for many years. It may be a play made for enjoyment, but it actually holds many truths of the human nature within it. The story takes a simple emotion and turns it into a conflict involving great tragic endings.Othello explores the themes of how strong jealousy can become, how manipulation can be created even by most honest people, and how betrayal is seen even in loved ones. The play begins with Iago’s jealousy over the position Cassio received instead of him. His jealousy caused him to create a contrivance to destroy Othello for not giving the job to him. Iago needed help so he went to Roderigo, who was desperate to be loved by Desdemona, and used his jealousy of Othello to help get him on Iago’s side. As Emilia declares, “But jealous souls will not be answered so. They are not ever jealous for the cause, but jealous for they are jealous. It is a monster begot upon itself, born upon itself,” (III.iv.160-163) jealousy continues to grow. The quote is communicating that though jealousy may start off small it will continue to grow even with nothing to engulf it. The monster is always there and once it is fed with a small portion of jealousy it is able to grow on its own. Jealousy is a strong emotion making it easy for one to …show more content…
Brabantio believes that Desdemona has betrayed him when he finds that she is in love with a Moor. As Othello’s jealousy drew him apart from Desdemona she stayed faithful to him. Othello was driven to insanity and killed Desdemona. He asserts, ”Ay, let her rot and perish and be damned tonight, for she shall not live.” (IV.i.181-182). Othello is stating how he must betray her before she betrays anyone else. However, in the end when Emilia comes in just before Desdemona dies Desdemona trembles out how she did it to herself. Although Othello betrayed her, Desdemona was still so innocent she could not go against her