Othello's Jealousy

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Othello’s Jealousy

Jealousy is a major theme in Shakespeare’s Othello. It destroys both Iago (jealous that Michael Cassio has received an appointment over him) and Othello (jealous that his wife may love Cassio). Jealousy is a powerful emotion, one that can destroy relationships, and consume the mind. Jealousy can easily turn into anger, and overwhelm its victim making them obsessed with the notion. Iago, Roderigo and Othello all display jealousy throughout the play, though each finds resolution in a different way. Whether sexual or platonic, once the seed of jealousy is planted it can lead to devastating consequences. Iago displays jealousy from the very beginning of the play. His jealousy quickly spawns thoughts of revenge, and he soon develops a plan to achieve revenge on those he feels have wronged him. From the start of the play, Iago expresses his jealousy of both Cassio and Othello. He is jealous of Cassio for securing the job of lieutenant Iago feels he deserved, and jealous of Othello not only from the promotion of Cassio, but also from his belief that Othello has slept with Emilia. This insecurity and jealousy he feels leads him to commit acts of revenge. As he becomes fixed on the idea of revenge, Iago speaks in a soliloquy he will not be satisfied "Till I am even with him, wife for wife, or failing so, yet that I put the Moor At least into a jealousy so strong that judgment cannot cure".
Roderigo’s jealousy also starts from the very beginning of the play. He has paid Iago to steer Desdemona’s feeling towards Roderigo. He begins to become disgruntled when he has seen no progress. Because of his obsession with Desdemona he allows Iago to manipulate him. He falls victim to Iago's plot as he allows his jealousy to obstruct his view of reality. He is desperate enough to sacrifice all his money and even murder to eliminate all competition for Desdemona's
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