preview

Theme Of Jealousy In Othello

Decent Essays

Jealousy. The fuel for destruction.
Throughout Oliver Parker’s 1995 film ‘Othello’, jealousy is apparent. Parker displays the possessive theme of jealousy throughout the entirety of the film while also demonstrating how it may also lead to acts of revenge; being another vital theme in ‘Othello’. The tragedy Othello focuses on the catastrophe of Othello and many other characters in the film as a result of jealousy.
I was fortunate enough to sit down with the well-renowned director, Oliver Parker, to discuss his film adaptations of William Shakespeare’s tragic play, ‘Othello’ as well as the dangers of Jealousy in his film on certain characters.”

Mr. Parker, your film has been critiqued for focusing so heavily on jealousy. How did you manage to portray the idea of jealousy as a theme in your film?

“I have represented jealousy in the film, as one of the most corrupting and destructive theme. It is jealousy that encourages Iago to scheme Othello's downfall. Through the juxtaposition of Othello's naive nature and Iago's spiteful villainy, the image of jealousy is truly personified as an all-consuming "green-eyed monster".”

“Other characters such as, Roderigo and Bianca demonstrate jealousy at various times in the film, and Emilia demonstrates that she too knows the emotion well. Only Desdemona and Cassio, the true innocents of the story, seem beyond its clutches.”

“Since it is an emotion that everyone shares, we watch its destructive influence on the characters with sympathy and horror.”

“The final scenes are significant and essential in conveying jealousy as they show the consequences and horrific outcome it has had on many characters. A number of characters are killed because of jealousy consequently making it one of the most destructive themes in the film.”

“The theme of jealousy is clearly prominent throughout the film as it influences the characters’ actions. The major characters of Iago and Othello clearly possess this jealousy and express how it affects them. Iago is forced to expose his actual nature and Othello undergoes a total transformation from a normal human to a spiteful monster. Evidently, jealousy does cause people to change in horrific ways.”

How have you used the characters throughout the

Get Access