Jealousy in Othello
Shakespeare is well for his ability to compose plays full of deceit, revenge, and jealousy. Othello, one of Shakespeare’s most recognized tragedies, was consistently evolving around the central theme of jealousy. As these lies are unraveled the central theme of his play became distinct, and clearly visible. Furthermore the theme of jealousy goes hand in hand with love, as often is the case in real life. Love consumes all those who take part in it, and in Othello’s case his flaws lie in his loving Desdemona so blindly.
It is for that single reason that Iago knows that such a naive man as Othello, who loves his wife so blindly and unrealistically, can be corrupted.
Just as Othello’s flaws lie within his inability to see past his jealous feelings, so does many of the other characters, no matter what social ranking they are classified in. Even from the well-developed characters, such as Othello, to the lesser figures, such as Roderigo, envy and lust are feelings all of Shakespeare’s characters are accountable for holding at one time or other in the play. Within each of the characters in Othello is a level of jealousy, which Iago creates by testing their pressure points for his benefit.
In Act 1 scene 1, Shakespeare opens up to his audience a level of jealousy that goes hand in hand with feelings of greed. This is the moment in which Iago expresses his animosity for Othello.
Iago is sub. . Works Cited and Consulted
Bradley, A. C.. Shakespearean Tragedy.
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Di Yanni, Robert. “Character Revealed Through Dialogue.” Readings on The Tragedies. Ed. Clarice Swisher.
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http://www.eiu.edu/~multilit/studyabroad/othello/othello_all.html No line nos.
