Jealousy in othello

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 affection. This desperation eventually leads to his downfall as his attempt to kill Cassio ends in the loss of his own life. Bianca’s jealousy originates from the discovery of the handkerchief in Cassio’s chambers. Her jealousy amasses as Cassio requests she make a copy of it for him. Thinking it is a token from another woman, she becomes jealous and refuses to copy it. She expresses anger, but is able to repress her jealousy and desires to talk about it with Cassio. Othello’s jealousy against Desdemona is perhaps the strongest emotion incurred in the play. The jealousy he experiences turns him insane with rage, and he loses all ability to see reason. The first instance that instills doubt in Othello’s mind is Brabantio’s warning ” Look to her, Moor, if thou hast eyes to see:/She has deceived her father, and may thee” (1. 3. 292-293). This early seed of doubt allows Iago to play on Othello’s jealous nature, and concoct a plan to take advantage of Othello. Iago slowly leaks his poison into Othello and soon has the result he desires, Othello is overcome with jealousy. Othello continuously denies his jealousy, but it is apparent that he is losing his mind with the thought of Desdemona’s unfaithfulness. He speaks to Iago saying ” No Iago;/I’ll see before I doubt; when I doubt, prove;/And on the proof, there is no more but this,–/Away at once with love or jealousy!” (3. 3. 189-192) The fact that he believes that his wife is unfaithful with only insinuations put forth by Iago shows the fact that he is prone to jealousy. Soon after, with Iago’s ” help” he believes to see undeniable proof that Desdemona is unfaithful with the loss of the handkerchief. Othello experiences jealousy so strong that he delves into a fit of epilepsy. This epilepsy fit is proof that Othello is now consumed with jealousy and from henceforth on cannot be convinced Desdemona is faithful. Othelllo’s jealousy soon turns to anger as he struggles to cope. He accuses her of infidelity and though she adamantly denies it, he is not convinced. Othello believes he has no other way to resolve his doubt than to murder Desdemona. After Desdemona’s death, the truth is uncovered, and Othello chooses to commit suicide. He speaks in his death speech that he wants to be remembered as one who was not easily jealous, but one who was perplexed and misled. The play Othello demonstrates the power jealousy can hold over people. At one point or another, every person experiences jealousy, and whether it is sexual or otherwise, jealousy can be a very dangerous emotion. Because jealousy plays on the trust one develops in relationships, it easily can result in feeling violated and betrayed. The feeling of betrayal by someone who we trust is one of the most hurtful emotions humans can feel. The way we react to these feelings though, some may experience uncontrollable anger, while others become depressed, still others may internalize the feeling and not deal with it at all. The play Othello, though written hundreds of years ago, still captivates audiences with it’s portrayal of the desperation one feels when jealousy is present. Although many years have passed since written, people can still relate to Othello because human nature does not change. We all question those who are close to us, and whether or not they are loyal. Othello demonstrates the disastrous consequences that may ensue when a person capitalizes on the jealous nature of another human.