Essay, Research Paper: Jealousy In Othello
Shakespeare
Free Shakespeare essays posted on this site were donated by users and are provided for informational use only. The free essay on this page was not written by our writers and should not be viewed as a sample of our writing service. We are neither affiliated with the author of this essay nor responsible for its content. If you need high quality, fresh and competent research / writing done on the subject of Shakespeare, use the professional writing service offered by our company.
Jealousy is not inherited in a person, but developed from
the fatal factors of their character. In Shakespeare's Othello,
the destruction of the fleet clears away all other tension,
leaving only mannerisms to be a cause of conflict. There is a
common archetype that Othello, Iago, and Roderigo follow:
jealousy is produced by a character held in high respect that
seems to prefer another.
Othello is plagued with his ego and pride, diseases that
contribute to his demise. Believing he is immortal, Othello
scoffs, "My parts, my title, and my perfect soul/Shall manifest
me rightly" (I,ii,31-32). Othello is devastated and crumbles when
he is cut down by Iago. Nothing could be worse than "To lip a
wanton in a secure couch/And to suppose her chaste!" (IV,i,72-73)
The general is brought down to a level of mortality that he
refuses to accept; a man of lower rank has "conquered" his wife.
Iago's jealousy is also attributed to Cassio. The Florentine
seems to surpass him in every way: looks, virtue, charm, and "all
those requisites in him that folly and green minds look after"
(II,i,247-248). But Iago's love of his reputation and ego leads
him to believe that he is more deserving because of his
intelligence and experience. Paralleling Macbeth, Iago's self-
serving interests lead him to ambition. In both cases, Othello
and Iago feel a sense of possession, a fear of neglect, and a
need to be held in high respect.
Putting Othello's and Roderigo's trust into Iago's hands
allows them to be entangled in Iago's web of deception. Believing
any of "honest" Iago's lies shows a plethora of faults:
gullibility, desperation, even impatience. Iago is such a master
of guile, he is able to even fool himself. He believes virtue is
a mere "fig," and that reason should guide. A complete
contradiction of himself, Iago is the initial character that lets
his passion overrun his good judgement (I,iii,322). All the
characters that suffer from jealousy are driven to make hasty,
harsh decisions which eventually lead to unfortunate
consequences, following the pattern of the Shakespearean tragedy.
No one thinks before acting, and even when Othello asks for a
second opinion from Emilia, he shuns her as a "simple bawd"
(IV,ii,22). Quick assumptions dictate most of the story and most
of the deaths.
Character flaws may start out as little weaknesses,
sometimes even positives. But gradually, as the plot unravels,
they are magnified and nurtured by Iago. The essential nature of
man is that no one is perfect, due to original sin. For the vile,
abominable Iago, his job is made easier, and he almost mocks
himself. Most of his friendly advice consists of self-
confessions, but his victims are either too proud, too credulous,
or so blinded by passion that they don't notice.
the fatal factors of their character. In Shakespeare's Othello,
the destruction of the fleet clears away all other tension,
leaving only mannerisms to be a cause of conflict. There is a
common archetype that Othello, Iago, and Roderigo follow:
jealousy is produced by a character held in high respect that
seems to prefer another.
Othello is plagued with his ego and pride, diseases that
contribute to his demise. Believing he is immortal, Othello
scoffs, "My parts, my title, and my perfect soul/Shall manifest
me rightly" (I,ii,31-32). Othello is devastated and crumbles when
he is cut down by Iago. Nothing could be worse than "To lip a
wanton in a secure couch/And to suppose her chaste!" (IV,i,72-73)
The general is brought down to a level of mortality that he
refuses to accept; a man of lower rank has "conquered" his wife.
Iago's jealousy is also attributed to Cassio. The Florentine
seems to surpass him in every way: looks, virtue, charm, and "all
those requisites in him that folly and green minds look after"
(II,i,247-248). But Iago's love of his reputation and ego leads
him to believe that he is more deserving because of his
intelligence and experience. Paralleling Macbeth, Iago's self-
serving interests lead him to ambition. In both cases, Othello
and Iago feel a sense of possession, a fear of neglect, and a
need to be held in high respect.
Putting Othello's and Roderigo's trust into Iago's hands
allows them to be entangled in Iago's web of deception. Believing
any of "honest" Iago's lies shows a plethora of faults:
gullibility, desperation, even impatience. Iago is such a master
of guile, he is able to even fool himself. He believes virtue is
a mere "fig," and that reason should guide. A complete
contradiction of himself, Iago is the initial character that lets
his passion overrun his good judgement (I,iii,322). All the
characters that suffer from jealousy are driven to make hasty,
harsh decisions which eventually lead to unfortunate
consequences, following the pattern of the Shakespearean tragedy.
No one thinks before acting, and even when Othello asks for a
second opinion from Emilia, he shuns her as a "simple bawd"
(IV,ii,22). Quick assumptions dictate most of the story and most
of the deaths.
Character flaws may start out as little weaknesses,
sometimes even positives. But gradually, as the plot unravels,
they are magnified and nurtured by Iago. The essential nature of
man is that no one is perfect, due to original sin. For the vile,
abominable Iago, his job is made easier, and he almost mocks
himself. Most of his friendly advice consists of self-
confessions, but his victims are either too proud, too credulous,
or so blinded by passion that they don't notice.
Cedrice J. dennard said...
05 November, 2007 9:27 AM
1
2
GOOD or BAD? How would you rate this essay?
Help other users to find the good and worthy free term papers and trash the bad ones.
Help other users to find the good and worthy free term papers and trash the bad ones.
Need a Custom Written Essay on Shakespeare: Jealousy In Othello
Free papers will not meet the guidelines of your specific project. If you need a custom essay on Shakespeare: Jealousy In Othello, we can write you a high quality authentic essay. While free essays can be traced by Turnitin (plagiarism detection program), our custom written papers will pass any plagiarism test, guaranteed. Our writing service will save you time and grade.
Related essays:
15
7
Shakespeare / William Shakespeare
William Shakespeare
English 8
Moira Triste
An English dramatist and poet, by the name of William Shakespeare, has touched society from the Elizabethan age, to Gene...
3
0
Shakespeare / Responsibility ?
By Oliver Palmer 10A (ollee@untergrund.org)
?No pulse shall keep his native progress, but surcease. No warmth, no breath, shall testify thou livest. And in this borrowed likeness of shrunk death th...
2
0
Shakespeare / Shakespeare And His Theatre
Compared to the technical theaters of today, the London
public theaters in the time of Queen Elizabeth I seem to be
terribly limited. The plays had to be performed during daylight
hours only and...
3
0
Shakespeare / Hamlet Analyzed In Terms Of Aristotle's Poetics
Aristotle's Poetics is considered the guide to a
well written tragedy; his methods have been used for
centuries. In Aristotle's opinion, plot is the most
important aspect of the tragedy, all oth...
0
1
Shakespeare / Hamlet - Indep-endence And Failure
Peasants of the early sixteenth century are often pictured carrying a bundle of limbs
tied with vines on their backs. This is a perfect metaphor for the events in Macbeth.
Macbeth is one of many t...
