Theme of Jealousy in Shakespeare’s ‘Othello’

Jealousy is a parasite on the soul, and feeds on self-gratification. Othello in Shakespeare’s ‘Othello’ is susceptible to narcissistic thoughts that cloud his judgement and opens a door for Iago to plot revenge. It ironic that Iago already had everything he needed to exact revenge inside of Othello. Othello has spent his whole life trying to cultivate a reputation as an esteemed general and a powerful man regardless of his race. However, this path leads to a weak identity, based on shallow externals and lacks humility. It’s not surprising that Iago uses this to seduce Othello by playing to his vanity, directing him to only believe his first instinct because it won’t lead him astray, and to not accept explanations because that will give that person a chance to take advantage of him. Jealousy is present all throughout ‘Othello’ and exponentially grows by the character flaws of many in the play. Eventually leading to death in many cases, jealousy proves to be a powerful motivator due to its trait to inhibit rational thinking and strengthen blind passion. Roderigo’s jealousy leads him to being murdered, Othello’s – to commit suicide, and Iago’s sparks the entirety of this tragedy and even the death of his self. Many others were also cursed by untimely deaths, unfortunately due to proximity. The most tragic of which is Desdemona’s because of her complete innocence during the whole story, her lack of character flaws protects her from Iago directly. In this essay I will explain just how jealousy plays in to the death and destruction of so many. Shakespeare coins the term ‘green eyed monster’ in this play to describe jealousy. This is to give the audience a sense of how powerful jealousy can be. It is more than just a feeling; jealousy is another creature all together that is manifest in a person who is weakened by thoughts of doubt. The best in example in ‘Othello’ is that of Iago who is a human representation of the green-eyed monster. He is persistent in his attempts to destroy Othello’s whole life. This leads to infecting Othello’s mind with words that hurt more than a thousand swords, words that his wife is unfaithful. This is far more effective than going at the esteemed general with brute force. Jealousy can bring down anyone in its path and that is why the theme of this play is so complicated.

The best way to dissect jealousy as the main theme is start at the end where it is fully manifest. “Yet she must die, else she’ll betray more men”. Othello, the esteemed general, is willing to kill the love of his life as a result of rumors. Regardless of his reputation as an intelligent and collected man throughout most of his story. Jealousy does not have a tamer manifestation, it is only furious, him being a general allowed his mind to justify murder since he had done its hundreds of times before. It is dangerous and must not be allowed to linger even for a moment or risk the destruction of all those involved. Which is exampled in the end, after Othello murders his wife, he says, “Had she been true, if heaven would make me such another world of one entire and perfect chrysolite, I’d not have sold her for it”. This is what he thinks is correct justification for death as the penalty for cheating. He is so blinded and believes he is right even when the audience knows he is wrong. It is painful to read, because earlier Desdemona defended Othello’s jealousy: “Beshrew me, if I would do such a wrong for the whole world” (Act 4, Scene 3, p.4), as her servant states that some circumstances allow cheating. So how did this come to be? The couple seemed as if they could alone take on the world with an unshakeable love. It is difficult at times to understand motives of a jealous person, they could possibly be of the most stubborn states of mind. That is why only a master criminal, a silver tongue and a trusted man, Iago, could carry out a plan to fulfill the downfall of such a heroic and pure symbol of hope. “The thought whereof doth, like a poisonous mineral, gnaw my inwards, and nothing can or shall content my soul till I am evened with him, wife for wife” (Act 2, Scene 1, p.13). Although Iago is seen as the master manipulator in the plot, and is the reason for everything, he is still controlled by a force stronger than the strings he pulls. Jealousy takes over the good in people and corrupts them, tears down those around them and always comes to a bitter end. The real monster inside of us, perhaps that is why it is one of the ten commandments, rules of the utmost importance. ‘Do not covet’. Jealousy is seen very closely tied with manipulation or lying. The traits are always a package deal, for example, when someone is jealous, they will lie to others about how bad it is, feeding off of assumptions and Madsen’s two rumors. That is how to story begins, with assumptions, the lies Iago fed to Brabantio, “that tells you that the Moor is having sex with your daughter right now” (Act 1, Scene 1, p.5). The most pivotal moment in the play happens in Act 3, Scene 3, when Iago lays the groundwork of convincing Othello. He begins with bold claim and extremely unreliable evidence. He convinced Othello: “That lov’st to make thine honesty a vice! O monstrous world!” (p.56). Idaho does this to be over dramatic about how honest he is, and threatens to never be honest if it doesn't work this time. After he does this, Othello and other characters from them on believe that he is honest. Now he can come up with evidence that Cassio must've slept with Desdemona no matter how fake. Which is what he does, he starts with saying that he slept next to Cassio, and Cassio talked in his sleep and tried to roll over onto him, thinking he was Desdemona. How does this work? Iago uses the perfect balance, he offers the suggestion, and then proceeds to state how impossible it is to create tension, because Othello is the kind of person that has to take the truth by force. A treasure isn't as valuable if it isn't locked away.

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That brings me to the conclusion, that jealousy is blinding, in every way, Othello even watched Iago and Cassio have a conversation and still believed Cassio was admiring to stealing his wife without remorse. At the end of the play, Othello finally realizes he has been controlled by what could only be described as the devil: “Will you, I pray, demand that demi-devil, why he hath thus ensured my soul and body”. Jealousy is truly the most heartbreaking tragedy.