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Jealousy In Othello Research Paper

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Jealousy as just another human weakness.
Jeal•ou•sy noun: unhappy or angry feeling of wanting what someone else has; also commonly used to describe the unhappy feeling caused by the belief that a lover is liked by or likes someone else. While some use jealousy as a driving force to better themselves, this is clearly not the case in Shakespeare’s Othello. As a major theme, jealousy is essentially the cause that pushes the characters to their tragic demises. Interestingly, the play portrays jealousy in two forms, fear versus envy; personified in Othello and Iago, respectively. There being two forms of jealousy present is not immediately evident. Upon analyzing, one notices the distinct differences between Iago and Othello’s jealousy. Often …show more content…

As he nears his goal, he is even more motivated to “bring this monstrous birth to the world's light” (1.3.447). Initially, he is angry at Othello for promoting Cassio to a position he believes he is far more worthy of. Iago, who “had seen the proof At Rhodes, at Cyprus and on other rounds Christian and heathen” (1.1.25-27) feels a certain entitlement to the position, over Cassio who “never set a squadron in the field, Nor the division of a battle knows” (1.1.19-20) and is supposedly just a “bookish theoric” (1.1.21). This arouses envy in Iago and he holds Cassio as both a target and chess piece. Unlike Othello, the envious Iago is not hesitant; he is certain of his desires and is ruthless delivering them. Cassio and Othello both have things he wants; therefore, he wants them dead in order to attain those things for himself. Roderigo, as Desdemona’s suitor, envies Othello for marrying her; and plays Iago’s henchman for most of the play. Iago assures him repeatedly that Desdemona will come to love him and not Othello, Iago then proposes a procedure that Roderigo is manipulated into following. Despite his better judgment and morals, his lasting feelings for Desdemona and his envy towards Othello cause him to constantly allow himself to be led by Iago. There are instances when Roderigo rejects Iago “I have heard too much, and your words and performances are no kin together.”) (4.2.180-81) followed by stating “I think it is scurvy, and begin to find myself fopped in it” (4.2.193-93) only to be sucked back into Iago’s spell at the mention of Desdemona from Iago’s empty promises “If thou the next night following enjoy not Desdemona,” (4.2.215) This is precisely when Iago persuades Roderigo to kill Cassio. He refuses initially, but eventually relents when he thinks he may still have a chance with

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