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Theme Of Jealousy And Manipulation In Othello

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Othello is a play driven by jealousy & manipulation

The play, Othello is one of the most famous tragedies composed by William Shakespeare during the Renaissance period. It powerfully portrays a world where the acts of evil ultimately vanquishes fidelity, nobility and integrity. The central themes jealousy and manipulation embodies the foretold tragedies and the downfall tragedies of the characters due to one’s insecurities. Through the use of literary techniques and figurative language, Shakespeare has effectively explored the themes of jealousy and manipulation.

Machiavellian politics, describes how governments attain and maintain their power once they have gained it. In Othello, Machiavellian traits are seen through the villainous character, Iago. He devotedly, manipulates the truth and virtue from the characters, especially the moor, Othello for his own benefits. In the beginning of the play, Iago’s uprising villainous traits and destructive, jealousy is apparent when he was told Cassio, a young Florentine got promoted as lieutenant of Venice instead of him, he retorted; “mere prattle without practice…counter-caster” (Act I.II.27-32). The utilisation of insulting language and alliteration emphasises Iago’s strong belief of Cassio being unworthy of the promotion as he endured experiences in real battles. This reveals the negative possessed qualities; Iago has obtained through his own jealousy that drove him to manipulate the other characters. Through out the

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