Theme of Jealousy in Othello by Shakespeare (Free Essay Example)

Othello is a play written by William Shakespeare in 1603. The story revolves around Iago and his quest for revenge against Othello. Throughout the story of Othello, Iago lies to the other characters in order to get his way, making manipulation and jealousy some key themes of the story.

In the play Othello, Iago says jealousy is a “green-eyed monster”. The green represents the color of envy and jealousy. Jealousy in Othello intertwines its way throughout the play, intruding with all the relationships. Iago says to Othello “O beware, my lord, of jealousy;

It is the green-eyed monster which doth mock the meat it feeds on."

In Othello, the first time that Othello has had doubt in his head is when Brabantio’s caution “Look to her, Moor, if thou hast eyes to see: She has deceived her father, and may thee” was conveyed in act one, scene 2. This early seed of doubt allows Iago to play on Othello’s jealous nature and develops a plan to take advantage of Othello. Iago wants to ruin the relationship between Desdemona and Othello because Iago is jealous that Cassio was promoted to lieutenant and Othello might have slept with his wife. Furthermore, Iago slowly starts deceiving Othello and soon has the results that Iago has been looking for. Othello speaks to Iago saying “No Iago; I’ll see before I doubt; when I doubt; prove; And on the proof, there is no more but this, Away at once with love or jealousy!” in act 3, scene 1. Othello believes that his wife's infidelity with only suggestions brought forth by Iago proves that Othello is super prone to jealousy. Soon after, he believes to see undeniable evidence that Desdemona is not loyal to the loss of the very important motif, the handkerchief.

Later in Othello, Iago manipulates Cassio to drink and get drunk. Cassio got into a fight and got fired. Iago tells Cassio to seek out Desdemona’s help knowing that he will tell Othello to watch them carefully because they might have an affair, and he will become insecure and will get suspicious about their relationship.  Iago has been pestering Emilia to steal the handkerchief. The handkerchief is a very important motif because it shows the fidelity of Desdemona and if she loses it that Othello will start to question how loyal she is. Emilia finally gets it when Desdemona drops and foolishly gives it to Iago.  “Trifles light as air Are to the jealous confirmations strong As proofs of holy writ”. He put the handkerchief in Casio's room. Othello is a very jealous person and Iago learns that Othello is having doubts about the fidelity of Desdemona and hopes that the Handkerchief can show Othello that Desdemona is having an affair and is not loyal. This all ties back to the main point and how Iago is essentially lying and manipulating people in order to get revenge and his way.

The author uses Jealousy to deceive but in the end, Othello did this to himself. This story shows that no matter how resilient you are still prone to the little things in life. As much as our technology and society have advanced, at the end of the day, the emotions that affected us at the end still control humanity in us today.