...credulous nature and Iago’s pernicious villainy, the image of jealousy is truly personified as an all-consuming “green-eyed monster”. Because of this venomous nature of the beast of jealousy, the events of the play manage to unfold in Iago’s lustful authority, which bring down the eponymous character to his tragic downfall. In human psychology today, the modern definition of jealousy remains relatively unchanged from Shakespeare’s time, albeit being expressed in more modern scientific terms. It is defined as “a complex of thoughts, feelings, and actions which follow threats to self-esteem and/or threats to the existence or quality of the relationship ... generated by the perception of a real or potential attraction between one's partner and a (perhaps imaginary) rival." (White, 1981, p. 24). In scenes of jealousy, there are typically a triad of people involved: a jealous and threatened individual, a partner of the opposite gender, and his/her third party rival. In the case of Othello, there are certainly three important people involved at the beginning: Iago being the jealous individual, Desdemona being the partner, and Othello being the third party rival. Iago definitely feels threatened by Othello’s dominance over him, both in his military rank and his relationship with Desdemona, as portrayed upon Iago’s words, “I hate the Moor!” (I,iii,377). Iago then manages to spread his jealousy to his impending victims, such as Othello; as the subject of his jealousy is...
Words: 1325 - Pages: 6
...also thickening the plot. Iago develops by the constant use of irony while also mentioning the true nature of jealousy. Jealousy is a cruel thing and Iago plants the evil seed of it into Othello. Shakespeare’s use of Irony in Othello helps to develop Iago’s character as well as show the true nature of jealousy. The Irony in Othello changes or view of Iago’s character and reveals to us how sinister this man is. In Act III scene iii Iago and Othello are having a conversation when Othello says “Think my lord! By heaven, he echoes me, as if there were some monster in his thought to hideous to be shown.” This is verbal irony and since Iago truly does have a “monster in his thought” a sense of villainy is further shown in Iago by letting Othello think him a good man. Later of in the dialogue Iago states that “Men should be what they seem;” which also is ironic because Iago himself isn’t the man he seems to be. The true nature of this conversation is beginning to be revealed and again Iago’s true vile nature is shown because he is misleading Othello and setting him up. The whole conversation Iago is saying how he should not speak badly against his friend and leading Othello on to want more which is human nature. In this situational irony a heightened sense of awareness to Iago’s character is gained because of the revelation to his plot. Iago’s key characteristics are revealed in this section of Othello. Jealousy is a dangerous thing and can drive men mad. Iago plants a seed in Othello’s...
Words: 583 - Pages: 3
...In the play Othello, Iago creates a plot against most characters after his close friend Othello appoints Cassio as a lieutenant instead of himself. This creates a spiral of emotions leading Iago to become very manipulative and hurting most if not all the main characters in the play. Iago's belief in hurting those who have done him wrong and have made him jealous with revenge, resulting in him ruining the trust of relationships between characters. As a result of this, Iago has ruined the relationships of Desdemona and Brabantio, and Desdemona and Othello. Iago’s belief in revenge leads him to wreck Othello and Desdemona's relationship. Iago depicts jealousy as a "green-eyed monster which dock mock the meat it feeds on" when speaking to Othello about Desdemona cheating (III.iii.195-199). By referring to jealousy as a "green eyed monster", Iago is describing jealousy as evil, and it causes...
Words: 505 - Pages: 3
...26/12/13 Othello, Review The National Theatre The Guardian The infamous ‘green-eyed monster’ is back with a vengeance in Hytner’s portrayal of Shakespeare’s Othello! In this tragic tale of trust, deceit and a magical handkerchief, the audience is treated to an interesting and excellent portrayal of Shakespeare’s Othello. Directed by Nicholas Hytner, this play takes a modern day approach, differentiating itself from previous re-enactments. In this interpretation, the cast is dressed in normal, everyday clothing in the scenes that Hytner interpreted as being in “London or a modern cosmopolitan centre”. Followed by a change in costume (for most characters) into military attire when the play is shifted to Cyprus. Hytner’s road to glory was essentially a U-turn from the original text. His focus was to portray the emotions experienced by characters and to downplay the racial differences. Highlighted when Lester emerges, as confidently as President Barak Obama walking into an important conference, wearing a dark/navy blue suit. The integration of Othello into the rest of the community is witnessed on the army base, when Othello is seen wearing attire that is exactly the same as his Caucasian counterparts. Previous versions such as Jonathan Miller’s 1981 film and Oliver Parker’s 1995 film both focus primarily on the racial difference between Othello and the rest of the cast which, reinforced with Othello often wearing light/white coloured, traditional clothing, which was always...
Words: 572 - Pages: 3
...herself determines how they as well as others perceive them. Ultimately, when making decision throughout life a person looks at what they as an individual value, and therefore what they perceive themselves to be influences their decision-making. When one works to destroy the reputation of another they seek to tarnish the way others perceive said person. On the other hand, in Shakespeare’s tragedy we see Iago go a step further, instead of just working to ruin Othello’s reputation, he targets the foundation of Othello’s sense of self. First, Iago plays on Othello’s jealousy by causing him to suspect Desdemona of being unfaithful without presenting any legitimate evidence. This jealousy leads to anxiety from which Iago goes on to insinuate that the very foundations of his love for Desdemona in fact are false and this brings into question everything Othello thought he knew, including his own self. Eventually Othello falls victim to paranoia by completely losing the characteristics that made in noble in the beginning of the drama. By exploiting Othello's jealousy and insecurity, Iago renders Othello victim to paranoia leaving Othello questioning every aspect of his life until he...
Words: 1242 - Pages: 5
... This usurper, possibly the most fascinating character in the play, is known as Iago:...
Words: 1853 - Pages: 8
...Othello and Desdemona, live happily ever after. Therefore, act five of the play would be changed to a complete different story. In the opening of act 5, Rodrigo and Iago would still attempt to kill Cassio. This part of the play where Rodrigo ends up dying would stay the same because there has to be at least one death in the story. Iago would have still murdered him and wounded Iago in the leg without anyone knowing. Once Othello has heard the cries of Cassio screaming “murder, murder,” he then goes off to find his faithful wife, Desdemona, whom he plans to kill. On his way there Othello bumps into Emilia who sees the “green-eyed monster” with in. She then again tries to tell Othello that Desdemona is faithful and the affair between her and Cassio never existed. Othello finally mentions to Emilia about the handkerchief he say in the hands of Cassio. Emilia, shocked, tells Othello that she stole Desdemona’s beloved handkerchief and gave it to her husband, Iago. Furious and confused, Othello screams loud enough to wake the whole town, and storms into the bedroom where Desdemona sleeps. Othello screaming at Desdemona, acts her about the affair and the handkerchief. Desdemona desperately tries to calm Othello and explain to him the affair has never happened between her and Cassio. This loud commotion causes Iago, Cassio, Montano, and Gratiano to enter the room. Othello, seeing that Cassio is still alive, tries to strangle him but is pulled off by Montano and Gratiano. He then...
Words: 398 - Pages: 2
...When ever watching superhero movie It always seems that the main character is always a tragic hero.A tragic hero is someone who has high status a tragic flaw and a downfall. As with superman everything seems to go well for him but because of kryptonite (supermans weakness) things seem to go down hill. In the book othello the main character, othello, is the perfect example of a tragic hero he has a very high status and well respected man. Othello was the general of the army and iago stated that othello is the best for cyprus and no one could take his place.”Another of his fathom they have none to lead their business.” Another example of othello having a high status is that he also married the senator's daughter. He married a high status woman...
Words: 372 - Pages: 2
...1020 5, May 2014 The Green Fire of Jealousy In the story Othello by William Shakespeare jealousy rears her ugly head at every aspect of the characters’ lives. Right from the beginning when Roderigo is envious of Othello from his wishes to court with Desdemona, and to the end of the play, when Othello is manic with envy because he believes Cassio and Desdemona have been engaging in an affair. Some characters’ jealousy is fashioned by other characters. Iago is involved in much of this, creating lies and implementing misleading situations. He is consumed with jealousy of Cassio and masked with hatred of Othello because he is not chosen as lieutenant, Cassio was. Iago becomes one of the most evil villains in literature, he wants everyone to feel rage. He very skillfully manipulates the emotions, trust and jealousy of other characters. Iago is a man blinded by envy and anger, with one goal in mind for everyone to become equally jealous, an ambition he completes through his betrayal, deceit, and adept manipulation of characters. The seeds of deception are grown early on with Roderigo confiding in Iago. Roderigo frantically loves Desdemona and he pays Iago to draw her away from Othello. Here we see the malicious intent from Iago and paint him as a villain. Along with his actions, what Iago says also conveys him as a manipulative character. Iago has fabricated a plan to pose Othello as a thief by saying that he has stolen Desdemona’s heart using witchcraft. Iago coaxes Roderigo to...
Words: 2168 - Pages: 9
...his leadership skills. His love for Desdemona caused him to be easily manipulated by Iago. Othello’s fatal flaw is his jealousy. In order for Othello’s downfall Iago must plant the seed of jealousy where there is none. The flame that ignited his downfall was Othello choosing Cassio as his lieutenant. He did not pick Iago, who is experienced in battle and been with him the longest. Iago’s hate toward Othello caused Iago to use Othello’s love for Desdemona against him. Iago wanted everybody to suffer just as much as he has suffered. Iago’s plan was to make it look like Desdemona was cheating on him. He used every one of his assets to help bring Othello’s downfall. He used Rodrigo to get Cassio fired. Then Cassio was tricked by Iago into asking Desdemona to help reinstate him as lieutenant. Now all he had to do was make Othello think every time Desdemona is with Cassio she is cheating on him. He first left clues to make Othello think something is not right. He says” O, beware, my lord, of jealousy! It is the green-eyed monster which doth mock the meat it feeds on.” This made Othello even more curious about what Iago is trying to say. Eventually Othello started to believe Iago more, but, he was not quite convinced yet. Othello told Iago “Be sure of it; give me the ocular proof.” Now all Iago needed to prove Desdemona’s disloyalty was the handkerchief that Othello first gave her. Luckily for Iago, his wife Emilia was able to fetch him her handkerchief. This was the beginning of the...
Words: 559 - Pages: 3
...There are various instances that jealousy has been used in the book. Main Character Othello is battling many things at once, He’s also known as a “Moor” other words for a black African man, that is a leader for the Army, and of that Army, he has many men on his side that are powerful. Iago, He is the antagonist of the novel and is also the main person Othello counts on to command the Army and take care of things. Both Characters in this novel go through a state of jealousy that is never-ending. Othello is shocked when Iago brings to him the news of his wife Desdemona is unfaithful to him and that she may be sleeping with Cassio which gets him convinced that she really is neglecting their marriage. Iago becomes puzzled when he finds out that...
Words: 2132 - Pages: 9
...plays a major role in both Othello and the laboratory. throughout the both of them jealousy is used for destructive purposes only. as an audience we are led to feel that both jealousies are motivated not by hatred but by the passion for one another, crazy as that may seem. Shakespeare uses jealousy as a central theme throughout the play, without this aggressive and destructive emotion, there would be no solid plot. Shakespeare often refers to jealousy as a devouring emotion "Beware, my lord of jealousy! it is the green eyed monster which doth mock, the meat it feeds on" this fits extremely well with Iago's description of Othello being "beaten up with passion". This suggests exactly how strong Othello's monumental jealousy really is, once Othello becomes aware that his wife is unfaithful, Iago continues to feed his jealousy which causes Othello to indeed behave like a monster. however, its dramatic irony that Iago says this to Othello. the audience knows that Iago is perhaps the one "eaten up" with jealousy and Othello is none the wiser he holds; the form of personal and professional jealousy. The jealousy that is portrayed in 'Othello' is very similar to the one portrayed in Browning's poem The Laboratory, it explores the theme of relationship but through jealousy, the speaker of the poem is full of anger and wants revenge, for her rejection, the poem echoes the saying "hell hath no fury like a women scorned" and reminds her of pain she suffered when she was requited, the...
Words: 641 - Pages: 3
...embodies the themes of jealousy and deceit, which are the two themes undoubtedly and effectively shown in the film. * I. Iago explains his tactics to Roderigo. Envy drives him to follow Othello not out of “love” or “duty,” but because he feels he can deceive his general. * 1. “Were I the Moor I would not be Iago. In following him I follow but myself; Heaven is my judge, not I for love and duty, But seeming so for my peculiar end.” (I.i.57–60) 2. Iago is continually playing a game of deception, even with Roderigo and the audience. II. Othello is poisoned by Iago’s herbaceous manipulation; therefore, Othello becomes blind to Desdemona’s loyalty. 1. Many of Iago’s references of deception concern poison. 2. “I’ll pour this pestilence into his ear” (II.iii.330); “The Moor already changes with my poison. / Dangerous conceits are in their natures poisons, / . . . / . . . Not poppy nor mandragora / Nor all the drowsy syrups of the world / Shall ever medicine thee to that sweet sleep” (III.iii.329–336). Iago breeds his “conceits” so that they become fatal toxins and then plants their seeds in the minds of others. III. 1. Iago tells Othello to beware of jealousy, the “green-eyed monster which doth mock/ The meat it feeds on” (III.iii.170–171). 2. Likewise, Emilia describes jealousy as dangerously and uncannily self-generating, a “monster / Begot upon itself, born on itself” (III.iv.156–157). The imagery of the monstrous and diabolical takes over where the imagery...
Words: 804 - Pages: 4
...At the beginning of 3.3, Othello is completely in love with Desdemona. By the end of that scene, 480 lines later, Othello is ready to murder her for having an affair with Cassio. How have we gone from the first position to the second position so quickly? How does Iago plant the idea of Desdemona’s infidelity in Othello’s mind, and how does he make it grow? In Act 3 Scene 3, the storyline races extremely quickly and so does Othello’s mind, all thanks to Iago’s manipulation and careful planning. First, in Act 2 Scene 1, Iago has orchestrated the brawl. He gets Cassio drunk and has Roderigo pick a fight with him. Iago gives a falsely sympathetic account of Cassio’s behavior “I had rather have this tongue cut from my mouth than it should do offence to Michael Cassio”, and Othello is taken in by Iago’s cunning words and confirms that his “honesty” and “love” have made it “light to Cassio”.Othello then decided to fire Cassio, “Cassio, I love thee but never more be officer of mine.”, which is a stepping stone for Iago’s plans. Afterwards, Iago convinces Cassio to let Desdemona convince her husband to grant him his lieutenancy back again, “Our general’s wife is now the general…Confess yourself freely to her, importune her help to put you in your place again. She is of so free, so kind, so apt, so blessed a disposition, she holds it a vice in her goodness not to do more than she is requested.” However, in Iago’s soliloquy a few lines after, Iago’s intention becomes crystal...
Words: 1025 - Pages: 5
...struggles to see the true character of those around him. Iago his close friend was driven by jealousy to manipulate everyone he came in contact with. Othello is accepted by the Venetian leaders because his dedication to their military. When the story starts Othello’s strengths can be described as self-sacrificing and loving Desdemona wholeheartedly. Desdemona is quickly enveloped by this and expresses her love for Othello; “My heart’s subdued/Even to the very quality of my lord. / I saw Othello’s visage in his mind, /And to his honors and his valiant parts” (1.3.253-256). Desdemona is in love with Othello’s commitment to war and even points out that she was truly in love when she knew his thoughts. Othello is too trusting, insecure about himself, and he makes snap judgments. All of these weaknesses are used against him by Iago. “Chaos is come again” transforms Othello from a strong black warrior, loving husband, and trusting man into a cynical shell of his former self. Iago uses ethos to make Othello believe that he is trustworthy which helps him continue to make Othello doubt his wife. Othello's inclination to trust Iago is easily perceived, “The Moor already changes with my poison" (3.3.325), saying this shows that he thinks he can corrupt Othello’s mind easily because the doubt he feels has weakened him as person. Iago assumes the role of a master manipulator, delighting in the pain he quietly inflicts on Othello. When Iago says “My noble lord-“(3.3.101), “My lord, you know I...
Words: 1096 - Pages: 5
