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The Role Of Jealousy In Othello

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The Role of Jealousy in Othello.
The drama “Othello”, is well known, for the way Shakespeare was able to make the audience focus on the destructive and corrupting power of jealousy.
The theme “jealousy” in the drama “Othello” causes the major problems for the characters in the story. Jealousy in the story can be seen in two different views, which are:
a) The destructive power of sexual jealousy.
b) The jealousy of power and position.
Sexual jealousy was exhibited as one of the destructive factors of jealousy that leads to tragic occasions for characters in the play. Othello was made to be sexually jealous by Iago about the way Desdemona was cheating on him with Cassio. For instance, when Iago told Othello “Well, there you have it! Here’s a …show more content…

Roderigo was lustful for Desdemona, and was jealous of Othello for marrying her.
For instance, when Roderigo was discussing how much he hated Othello for marrying Desdemona with Iago “ Here is her father’s house ; I’ll call aloud “ (Shakespeare 1.1.70). This quote helps to shows how jealous Roderigo was for Othello marrying Desdemona, that he planned trouble with Iago to causes trouble for with Brabantio and the Senates because if he can’t have Desdemona, someone like Othello does not disserve to her. It goes without saying that Iago is also another victim of sexual jealousy, due to the fact that he got an anonymous tip that Othello had sex with his wife. For example, during Iago Soliloquy, he says “…He has done my office” (Shakespeare 1.3.408). This helps to explain Iago’s sexual jealousy for Othello, and also shows the reason for his revenge on Othello, as a for in that time a man who has being cuckold by his wife is not fit to be a man, and he is a disgrace to the community. In conclusion to what was stated earlier, Sexual jealousy can be seen to be one of the causes of jealousy. Another Destruction that jealousy has caused in the play is the jealousy of position and …show more content…

In the first seen, Iago shows of his jealously was right at the beginning of the play, he said “Mere prattle without practice is all his soldier ship. But he sir, had th’ election” (Shakespeare.1.1.26-27). This helps to show Iago’s jealousy towards Cassio as he wanted to be the Lutenant to Othello, for all his service he has done for Othello.
Also, Iago was jealous of Othello’s relationship with Desdemona. For instance when Iago says “It cannot be that Desdemona should long continue her love to the Moor/She must change for youth” (Shakespeare 1.3.378-382). This quote furthers shows how Iago was jealous for Othello and Desdemona’s love. Desdemona is the daughter of a well-respected Senate, and she is much known for her beauty, and it seems like all the men in Venice in one way wanted to her as their wife, and Othello, who is a moor cannot just marry Desdemona.
Furthermore, Iago was jealous of Othello from the fact that he hated him, even if he was given the position or not. For instance where Iago said “Though I do hate him as I do hell pains, yet, for necessity of present life, I must show out a flag and sign of love which is indeed but sign”(Shakespeare (1.1.171-174). This quote helps to show how Iago will always hate Othello no matter what happens, he will always seek pleasure going against

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