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The Theme of Jealousy in Othello by William Shakespeare Essay

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The Theme of Jealousy in Othello by William Shakespeare

Othello is a unique tragedy in that it focuses on the destruction of love through sexual

jealousy. Jealousy is not inherited in a person, but developed from the fatal factors of their

character. Othello is plagued with his ego and pride which contributes to his demise. Othello is,

however, a truly romantic character because he is very passionate and full of deep feelings. It keeps

a person wondering what could have possibly brought the sweet Desdemona to be his wife. Was it

because he has lived a life of adventure and war and he is somewhat exotic due to his origins and

dark complexion? On the other hand, is it because she fell head over heels in love …show more content…

The Duke, like all of the characters in the play, respects Desdemona and her wishes and

allows her to leave with Othello.

Desdemona is given a handkerchief with strawberries on it on her wedding day from

Othello. This wedding gift ultimately destroys her. It is wrapped up in Moorish mysticism and

deep meaning for her husband. She adores it and keeps it with her at all times. The issue of the

handkerchief and its ownership easily becomes one of the most crucial plot points of the play.

Although the actual occurrences are only mentioned in the play, an Egyptian first gave the

handkerchief to Othello's mother, and she then gave it to her son upon her deathbed to give to his

future wife. "She told her, while she kept it would make her amiable and subdue my father Entirely

to her love, but if she lost it Or made a gift of it, my father's eye Should hold her loathed, and his

spirits should hunt After new fancies". Little does Desdemona realize the true meaning of the

handkerchief. As long as his mother had the handkerchief, his father would remain happy. The

parallel to her life becomes self-evident unfortunately for her too little too late. When the

handkerchief disappears so does Othello's trust in her. When Othello and Desdemona marry, he

gives it to her. In this instance, the handkerchief symbolizes the love a wife holds for her husband

and how to lose it or give it

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