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Othello theme summary- Jealousy
An A* grade, cohesive summary of jealousy in Shakespeare's Othello for English Literature A level.
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Othello: key theme – JealousyJealousy
Jealousy and Destruction
Jealousy is a form of tyranny in the play. It is a force that destroys love, honour and nobility.
As is the nature of jealousy, it is never satisfied; Iago continues plotting against Othello and
Cassio even after he has achieved his initial aims. He is not content with disturbing Othello’s
peace of mind, but continues until the Moor has killed his own wife. Othello’s jealousy is
characterised by violent thoughts/ actions towards Desdemona: ‘tear her all to pieces.
Violence and death are the main products of jealousy in Othello.
Imagery of Jealousy
The imagery used by Shakespeare of ‘the green-eyed monster, which doth mock the meat it
feeds on’ and ‘a monster begot upon itself, born on itself’ suggest jealousy as an all-
consuming, self-destructive force. The imagery creates a strong sense of devouring/being
devoured, which fits with Iago’s description of Othello being ‘eaten up with poison’ when he
believes Desdemona has been unfaithful.
Jealousy and Madness
Iago makes explicit connections between jealousy and madness. When Othello has a fit in
Act 4 Scene 1 after learning of Desdemona’s apparent infidelities, Iago observes: ‘he foams
from the mouth and (…) breaks out to savage madness.’ Also in Act 4 Scene 1, Iago
comments ‘as he (Cassio) shall smile, Othello shall go mad.’ This connection between
jealousy and madness portrays Iago’s goals; to use jealousy to cause Othello’s madness.
Professional Jealousy
Iago’s jealousy of Cassio getting the job as lieutenant is central to the play, he believes
Cassio has ‘daily beauty in his life that makes me ugly.’ This jealousy of Cassio’s promotion is
a sustaining cause for Iago’s destruction of those around him. Essentially, professional
jealousy is the catalyst for the tragic events of the play.
Sexual jealousy
There are three main examples of sexual jealousy in the play (from Bianca, Iago and
Othello). All of which are unfounded. As well as professional jealousy, sexual jealousy
contributes to Iago’s motives, as he believes Othello has had sex with Emilia, ‘the lusty moor
hath leapt into my seat.’ Iago is cool and calculated in his jealousy, while Othello exhibits
impassioned rage. This is because Othello’s jealousy stems from love, love he believes has
been violated. Whilst Iago’s jealousy stems from a sense of possessiveness and competition.
However, elements of this are also seen in Othello, he cannot bear the idea of Desdemona’s
‘stolen hours of lust.’ This shows that Iago and Othello share a trait, male possessiveness of
women motivates both their jealousy.
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