Othello

Essay by EssaySwap ContributorHigh School, 11th grade February 2008

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The Green Eyed Monster Attacks! Jealousy is the main theme emphasized in the tragedy of Othello, by William Shakespeare. This emotion is what appears to destroy Othello, the valiant and honorable moor. The menacing emotion hinted by Iago, Othello's ancient, in his phrases, "It is the green eyed monster which doth mock the meat it feeds on," (3.3.196-197) and "She did deceive her father by marrying you," (3.3.238). Iago is jealous of not only Othello but of Cassio, Othello's lieutenant, " For I fear Cassio with my {night cap} too," (2.1.326).

Iago's clever phrases at the right time helps to bring out the beast that lurks inside of Othello, jealousy. When Iago and Othello walked in on Cassio and Desdemona, Othello's wife, Iago remarks cleverly "Ha, I like that not," (3.3.37), which gets Othello questioning what Iago says and his wife's relationship with Cassio. Iago then uses a handkerchief, which was the moor's first gift to his wife, and sets it in Cassio's chambers.

He now tells the moor of it, "I know not of that; but, such a handkerchief- I am sure it was your wifes- did I today see Cassio wipe his beard with," (3.3. 496- 498), which in turn enrages Othello even more.

Iago is jealous of Othello's position as the moor and Cassio's as his lieutenant. He is also jealous of their status with Emilia, Iago's wife, so he says to Roderigo, the trash of Venice, "Twixt my sheets 'has done my office. I know not it be true, but I, for mere suspicion in that kind, will do as if for surely," (1.3. 430-433). By that he means that Othello has had his wife, and believes it to be true, which makes him insanely jealous. He wants Cassio's position as...