Category: Iago

In Shakespeare’s Othello, it follows a Moorish general’s internal struggle with deciphering between right and wrong. He’s in love with a beautiful Venitain woman, Desdemona, daughter of the Senator. But all odds are stacked against him as his followers try to drive them apart. Eventually, Othello succumbs to all the rage and kills his wife because of an assumed affair between Desdemona and his partner Cassio. Then he kills himself because he realizes her innocence. In Shakespeare’s Othello, Shakespear does not make Othello’s actions excusable because he becomes so easily guided and consumed by jealousy that his lover becomes a fatal attraction.

Othello has deep seated problems regarding identity stemming from not only being the only colored man in Venice but marrying the beautiful Desdemona. He becomes insecure about his worthiness for Desdemona and is easily gullible because he’s become vulnerable in his relationship. Meanwhile, he only considers himself. Desdemona has the view of being a whore, but this doesn’t affect her psyche because she feels loved by Othello. This results in being easily swayed by Iago, Othello’s apprentice, in believing that Desdemona is in an affair with Cassio because of his jealousy of his position. But little does Othello know that Iago is plotting against him and Iago being the manipulator he knows Othello will trust and believe him. ‘He holds me well; The better shall my purpose work on him’ (1.3.390-391). Because Othello is mentally weak he’s easily taken advantage of by Iago’s antics. If he truly loved Desdemona then he would refuse to believe Iago but Othello has an unwavering trust for him constantly referring to him as “Honest Iago”. Iago’s treacherous plot unfolds with a brutal inevitability. He believes Iago so intensely that he kills his wife “Do it not with poison. Strangle her in her bed, even the bed she hath contaminated.” “Good, good. The justice of it pleases. Very good”(4.1.223-229). Othello felt that this was the only way to end the relationship. And at the end that was his own judgment to make, no one else’s.

Ultimately Othello’s thought of Desdemona unfaithfulness begins to intrusively impede his mind and he truly believes that Desdemona is cheating on him. He’s almost incoherent to anything anyone says except Iago. As Othello goes to kill Desdemona he wakes her. He informs her that he’s come to kill her because of her betrayal. But can’t even listen to his own wife as she begs for her life.“I never did / Offend you in my life, never loved Cassio”(5.2). Desdemona’s love for Othello is undying as she was willing to put up with his anger up until this point. But Othello refuses to listen. She begs for one more day. Again he refuses and smothers her to death. Othello’s emotions had gotten the best of him. He had no mercy. Despite death, Desdemona utters her last words as Emilia asks who killed her. “Nobody. I myself. Farewell. Commend me to my kind lord. O, farewell”( 5.2.152-152). Desdemona asks Emilia to commend her “kind lord”. She remains in love with him even though she knows he’s responsible for her death.

Jealousy and rage turn Othello’s love for Desdemona into a fatal attraction. Becoming fatally attracted to someone can result in increased or overwhelming feelings of controlling the other partner for “love”. Othello’s mind has been completely warped, and the thought of Desdemona loving someone else drove him mad. After killing her he sounds in a daze, trying to defend the fact that he did it. “She’s like a liar gone to burning hell, twas I that killed her”(5.2.133). He wants his actions to be just because a woman like her shouldn’t be loved by him. He couldn’t deny his love for her, referring to her as an “entire and perfect chrysolite, I’d not have sold her for it” (5.2.177). Desdemona was a perfect jew but unfaithful in Othello’s eyes. Emilia begins to cry out and grabs the attention of Iago and others. As the dots begin to connect Emilia realizes before Othello that this was all a setup and she was willing to die for the defense of her friend. “O thou dull Moor, that handkerchief thou speak’ st of I found by fortune, and did give my husband— For often, with a solemn earnestness(More than indeed belonged to such a trifle), He begged of me to steal ’t”(5.2.267). The handkerchief that Othello gave to Desdemona as a token ended up with Cassio. But it was all just a set up by Iago. Emilia had found it and Iago demanded that he have it for his little plan. Othello finally understood all at once hitting him like a wave. Once Othello realized Desdemona’s innocence, it was too late. In his heart full despair demeaning himself to hell.“Whip me, ye devils, From the possession of this heavenly sight! Blow me about in winds, roast me in sulfur, Wash me in steep-down gulfs of liquid fire!—Oh, Desdemona! Desdemona! dead! Oh! Oh!” (5.2.286-290). Othello then commits suicide because he was being led this entire time. Like a fish attracted to a hook only to end up dead and eaten.

Othello is just a tragedy that is built upon miscommunication and misunderstanding. Iago subliminally controls Othello without actually doing anything but building on his own self loathing. The rest was up to Othello and he fell right into Iago’s trap. As it is seen though Iago works tirelessly to ruin reputations and perceptions. For example, Iago making Cassio look unprofessional in his drunken state in front of Othello. What’s the matter/That you unlace your reputation thus,/And spend your rich opinion for the name/Of a night-brawler? Give me an answer to it”(2.3.194). But alas Iago confirms with Cassio to get the trust back of Othello he must get it back to Desdemona first. But Iago’s ambitions extend beyond this. Iago alters the meaning of objects, of course, Desdemona’s handkerchief symbolizing the connection between her and Othello.”If it is not for some purpose of import/ Give ’t me again/ Poor lady, she’ll run mad When she shall lack it” (3.3.325-329). Iago knew that by taking the handkerchief and placing it into the hands of Iago would be the perfect set up and then all would fall according to plan. But the play asserts that these misreadings occur not just as a result of the individual action, but also because of social forces. As he became obsessed with the thought of the unfaithfulness of his maiden he became problematic and unhealthy. He assumed that he would never find true love again and Desdemona took that away from him

Throughout the play, Othello has just completely mentally lost himself. He was gullible and vulnerable because of his insecurities. He became jealous and formed a fatal attraction to Desdemona. He killed her and once he realized it, it was too late. In his heart full of despair he killed his own self and thus deeming himself the tragic hero. All could have been avoided if Desdemona and Othello had better communication skills and a better understanding of each other. But in the end, both relied on their hearts too much rather than their head. In this instance, the reader can compare Othello’s tragedy to other characters of Shakespeare’s work such as Romeo and Juliet’s tragic story.

In spite of all that modern critics have said on “Tragedy”, the definition of tragedy in the “Poetics” still remains the best. Aristotle said that “Tragedy is a form of drama exciting the emotions of pity and fear”. Although “Othello” covers the definition of tragedy, given by Aristotle in his book “Poetics”, but it is entirely different from all other Shakespearean tragedies. The reason is, Heroine of play is more tragic then Hero. Tragic flaw is the error of judgement which leads protagonist towards his/her declination.

The tragic flaw of Desdemona is, her “Romanticism”. She puts herself in the world of “Idealism”. That is why when she is going to marry with Moor, she puts the reputation of her father on danger. It is daring step to break all social conventions and go against the will of family. She falls in love with Othello just because of his stories, which Othello told her.

As Desdemona said in ACT 1 Scene 3, to her father in front of Duke “I am hitherto your daughter but here’s my husband, And so much duty as my mother showed to you, preferring you before her father, So much I challenge that I may prefers, Due the moor my lord”.

Desdemona is completely unable to approach life practically instead she sees it as a fantasy. She is very eager to go Cyprus with Othello. As she said in ACT 1 scene 3, to Duke “Did I my soul and fortunes consecrate”. Later on she said “The rites for which I love him are bereft me’. From these lines, we can say that she is more desperate in her nature. She is unaware that Love is not enough for a happy life. Matrimonial life requires mutual and equal understandings between the two. There is a huge difference between ideal and practical life. The error of judgment makes Desdemona blind. She cannot see what is going around herself.

In ACT 2 Scene 1, on the coast of Cyprus Desdemona received Othello and Othello said to her “If after every tempest come such calmness, May the winds blow, till they have wakened death”. Later on he said “if it were now to die, Twere now to be most happy”. After getting this kind of comment form Othello, how can she imagine that Othello will suspect on her. Even no one can imagine it. She has firm faith on her love.

The idealistic approach of Desdemona, stops her to think and see upon the reality. Even she has no idea about conspiracy which is being plotted by so called “Honest Iago”. When she finds change in behavior of Othello, she justifies herself by thinking that it might be happen due to some political or pressure of state affairs. She cannot see the factual reality.

In ACT 5 Scene 2, when Othello is going to kill. She said “I hope you will not kill me. Why I should fear, I know not since guiltiness”. Othello Said “think on thy sins”. On this she said “They are loves I bear to you”. At the end she has no idea that she is going to be killed just because of her blind and idealistic love. She is more innocent. Desdemona’s idealistic world that is her hamartia leads her towards the declination.

Only love and only money is not enough for matrimonial relation. The real thing that is required “understanding between husband and wife”. The story “Button Button” by “Richard Matheson” depicts the example of this. In the last line of the story Mr. Steward (the agent) said “DO YOU REALLY THINK YOU KNEW YOUR HUSBAND?”. Understanding is the basic requirement of any relationship.

The unhealthy relationship between Desdemona and Othello is the major fault in Desdemona’s death. Multiple aspects are involved in it. First of all, a sense of insecurity in Othello is remarkable which influences his intendance at pivotal moments. This insecurity is derived from his race. There is a social gap between Desdemona and Othello which shakes Othello’s faith in Desdemona’s love. He fears that woman as beautiful and polished as Desdemona cannot really love a man of another race. His insecurity has revealed many times in his dialogues. When Iago tries to arise doubt in Othello’s mind about Desdemona’s infidelity in act 3, Othello responses by saying, “Nor from mine own weak merits will I draw / The smallest fear or doubt of her revolt ; / for she had eyes, and chose me.” Othello modestly speaks about his “weak merits”. His insecurity is clearly shown when Iago further talks about Desdemona’s relationship with Michael Cassio. Othello speaks in a monologue “Happy, for I am black / And have not those soft parts of conversation / That chamberers have, or for I am declined / Into the vale of years.” It is evident that Othello is worried about his race. He realized that his wife is white and belongs to respectable class. He feels that he is not capable of Desdemona’s love and she might be involved with someone.

Another fact which make their relationship weak is lack of communication between them. They love each other but love is not everything to spend a whole life with each other. Their supposition about each other drive them into two camps. They do not reveal themselves to one another. Desdemona discusses her domestic problems with others but she does not talk to her husband about the problems. When she lost her handkerchief, she does not share this with Othello but Emilia : “Believe me, I had rather have lost my purse / Full of crusadoes. And, but my noble Moor /Is true of mind and made of no such baseness / As jealous creatures are, it were enough /To put him ill thinking” (act 3. iv. 23-32). Desdemona does not discuss these matters with her husband in order to solve them. The formality of words are seen by readers between them. At the crucial moments, they both treat each other as a respectable strangers and consequently only formal politeness rules in her death scene.

The third aspect which plays role in their fragile relationship is Generation Gap. Othello is an older man, married to a young woman. Othello believes that Desdemona and Michael Cassio are in love with each other because Cassio is younger than Othello, which makes Othello feel threatened. However, age has a little impact on the relationship in contrast to other aspects.

Furthermore, social gap also plays a vital role in their breakable relation. They are from different social classes. Desdemona is the daughter of a senator, an upper class man. While Othello is a general in the Venetian Military. This is also one of the reason for Othello’s inferiority. He thinks competitively not collaboratively. The openness can make a bridge of trust between Othello and Desdemona but they do not reveal themselves to each other which bring disaster to their life in the form of Desdemona’s death.

Iago is presented as a master mind villain in Othellowhile Desdemona is innocent.Othello is heroic but he is simple.Shakespeare has portrayed Iago as a good character full of dutifulness apparently but actually he is full of poison.It is natural to desire human suffers but to leave a desire is also suffering.Iago desires; due ot the rejection by Othello, he feels envy.

An evil mind cannot understand what love is because love cannot exist where evil can. Therefore Iago chooses a bad way to satisfy his emotions filled with jealousy. He for the sake of revenge, uses a deadly way to kill Desdemona by Othello. He wants to destroy Othello by every mean so he finalizes to destroy the married life of Othello. This is possible only through the parting of them and parting comes to an end by death.

It can be expected by Iago to attempt such act because of the way he treats his friendship and women. His treatment to women makes him more unpleasent. He says for Emilia:”It is a common thing…To have such a foolish wife.” It clearly shows that the one who is not loyal with his own wife cannot be with anyone.

He even uses Roderigo in his trick and when he feels no need of him he leaves him. Iago can be explained as Appearance is not reality. He shows his double faces.As he says: “I am not what I am”. He wears a mask of honesty and goodness throughout the play. He has pride as well because of his experiences. He adopts an evil way to take revenge from Othello by convincing him to kill Desdemona. He used Othello for this. Othello is victimized by Iago because he ahs lack of stiffness in his love. He has no intensity in his love as there should be.

Iago is ready to confront that is why he uses such way. He distracts Othello by asking him about Cassio and Roderigo. He moreover tries to convince Brabantio by urging the sense of honour in him. He creates the issues which are irrational according to the vison of love but his cunning nature makes them rational. But he knows that Othello has strong faith in Desdemona and that is not fragile. Othello says:”I’ll see before I doubt, when I doubt,prove; And, on the proof, there is nomore but this, Away at once with love or jealousy.”

Then Iago asks him to observe her carefully with Cassio. Sharp minded Iago is well aware of his surroundings. He has ability to read the characters around him therefore he easily diverts the lovers. Iago has naturally evil in his nature. His eyes can see his master’s good. He is annoyed due to Othello’s decision of not opting him. He does not feel it good that a person who os less worse than him is selected for the rank he should be. That is why he says:”I know my price, I am worth no worse a place.”

For the fulfilment of his evil purpose ,he uses even his own wife. His relation with his wife is not strong so his wife does what he says without saying a word. He asks her to steal the hand kerchief and she does for making his husband happy. She is not proved a loyal driend to Desdemona. Nature od evil in Iago has proved poisonous. Iago is one of the other factors that is included in Desdemona’s death. It is natural to feel jealous but lack of wiseness does not work in life. Iago is dishonest too because all of the words and the reasons that he told Othello were wrong and unreal. He portrays Desdemona a lustful lady actually she is not. The most powerful thing that Iago has is the trust by Othello. He is happy to ruin Desdemona’s happiness because her happiness is in her happy married life. Othello also becomes happy by seeing her happy so Iago holds his strings in his hands and makes Othello act as he wants.

As he won Othello’s faith he won Desdemona’s trust as well. He used to be innocent and loyal before her. She asked for his opinion in her personal matters. She said: “O good Iago, What shall I do to win my lord a”gain?Good friend, go to him; for, by this light of heaven,I know not how I lost him. Here I kneel:If e’er my will did trespass ‘gainst his love”And for ensuring her trust he used manipulative language. He said:”Do not weep, do not weep. Alas the day!

This is how he managed for his plan and wore a mask of goodness before Desdemona and she blindly trusted him.

Roderigo is in love with Desdemona who has married a Venetian army general Othello. Roderigo desires that he should have been the one whom Desdemona should have married. His psychological condition of jealousy arising in his feelings towards Othello relates to his sexual feelings and power of being attracted to her.

When the Duke of Cyprus approves the marriage between Othello and Desdemona, Roderigo wants to give up his chance of being with her and wants to drown himself and commit suicide which adds to his emotional insanity of being passionately in love with her. Iago’s false conviction of Cassio and Desdemona’s secret love affair makes Roderigo more jealous.

Iago’s words, ”Put money in thy purse” which he says to Roderigo highlight his promise that he can have Desdemona even though she is married to Othello. So Iago’s plan is to convince Roderigo to fight with Cassio in order to get Cassio in trouble. Cassio is just a noble Venetian second-in-command lieutenant to Othello from whom Roderigo and Iago are very much jealous and infuriated.

Desdemona is considered to be the most underestimated heroine of Shakespeare.Her character is portraied as a submissive and immature in play.She is non violent as compared to other heroines of Shakespeare.Lady Macbeth in play “Macbeth” helps her husband to kil King Duncan and laterbon she herself kills guards.She is very active in whole play and she is the one who instigate her husband to kill King but in this play Desdemona is passive in her approach. Desdemona is very humble and caring person. This is one of her fault that let herself be killed.

Desdemona loves her her husband. She confesses it when she says,”I did love the Moor to live with him”. This unconditional love leads her to her to her end. Othello also loves her. He even says that his life depends on her faith. Two main characters love each other but miscommunication leads toward tragedy. They do not communicate well in whole play. They learn things from others and do not communicate with each other for that. Lack of communication between husband and wife leads towards death of Desdemona.

Their love is true and faithful but it is highly unlikely. They both belong from different backgrounds. Desdemona is a delicate Venetian beauty and Othello is a Moor. He is a soldier and warrior. He has spent his whole life in battleground. Desdemona is raised as a daughter of Venetian senator. They are unable ti understand each other because of this difference of backgrounds. This is also a reason that leads her to her tragic end.

Her love for Othello is true. She Loves him so much that she ignores the norms and values of Venice. She expects this attitude from Othello but he does not act in this way. He always thinks that she will betray him for a yonug and beautiful man. He thinks that she will like to marry some Venetian noble man. The tragedy depends on the nature of Desdemona’s love for othello. It is unlikelihood of this love that determines it’s end. Othello himself can not believe her.

Iago is indeed most clever and cunning character in play. He does not have to put extra effort to cause chaos in the lives of Othello and Desdemona. He just triggers the weakest part of Othello. He makes him believe that she is unfaithful and she has committed adultery with Cassio. He has manipulated the event of handkerchief And make Othello believe that Desdemona and Cassio are having a love affair. Truthful nature of Desdemona helps Iago to manipulate and expolite this situation. Desdemona has promised Cassio to help him to get his position back as a Lieutenant. Iago has manipulated this whole situation and in the end Desdemona is killed by her husband.

Desdemona is loyal to her husband. She has chosen Othello over her father. Her father does not like that and he has warned Othello abour her attitude. If she can leave her father she can leave her husband. Desdemona proves her love by going with him Cyprus and she consumate her marriage.This is a tragedy of love which does not believe in race, age bad social status but it is ended in disaster. Death of Desdemona is a tragedy of love which is true in it’s nature but socially and racially “beyond belief”.

Othello by William Shakespeare is set during the Elizabethan Period when women and people from other races were segregated and “Othered” due to their sex, race or skin colour. This was a time period when it was extremely rare to see a black man with power. Shakespeare placed Othello, a South African origin, into the high role of Duke of Venice to add more controversy into the storyline. Othello is in large demand by the Venetian government, as shown by Cassio’s response that the senate “sent about three several quests” in the search for Othello. The senate put themselves above Othello and clearly demonstrate this by calling him ‘moor’ but Venetian government trusts Othello enough to put him in full martial and political command of Cyprus and its garrison.

By putting Othello into the high rank, and by making him respected and comptent, Shakespeare recalls the idea that Others may not be as bad as the general population believed. Towards the ending, however, Othello transformed back into the stereotype. He has been removed from all his power and is now considered the devil for murdering his wife. By applying those ideas into questions in the first place, Shakespeare questions the validity of stereotypes. His play focuses on the idea that Others are not as inhuman as they appear; but in an effort keep his audience in a comfortable place, he returns to the stereotypical view of those Others at the end of the play.

Iago is othered from society due to his values. Shakespeare uses Iago to illustrate societies’ beliefs and moral values on a whole. In this novel, Iago is the main antagonist to Othello, and he accomplishes his plan to raze Othello by making him assume that Desdemona is cheating on him. As a result of his success, he was able to accomplish his plan, the reader is able to see the assumptions on society that Shakespeare laid out to demonstrate. These morals and ideas are under three major categories: that people largely use each other, that we should do whatever needs to be done to go for our goals, and that the words of a man and more believable than those of a woman, even when she is a wife.

Shakespeare uses Iago to demonstrate all three of these quite well. The very basis of the character Iago is used to demonstrate that a value within society is that it is okay for people to use each other. Iago is made to be constantly using other people, using his so-called friends. He acts as a friend to Othello, gaining his trust, simply so that he will be able to backstab him later. He never intends to be a real friend, and in fact is plotting the entire time. Iago also uses Roderigo, someone that we originally view as his friend. He uses Roderigo for money only, promises him things, but simply takes his money. Iago also uses his wife, Emilia to contribute to his plot. Iago has no real comrades; no person that he meets is not used by him for evilness. Yet, Shakespeare does not have us see Iago’s actions as uncommon.

We accept that he is using Roderigo and Emilia, we accept that he will attempt to gain Othello’s trust simply to backstab him. We are made to believe that this is okay, and even to be expected. This demonstrates societies moral value, that it is okay to use people like this, that it is okay for Iago to act as he has.

I will be discussing William Shakespeare’s play ‘Othello’ alongside the adaptation ‘Omkara’. William Shakespeare’s play surrounds the downfall of the character Othello as a result of his personal flaws. Othello’s jealous nature and weak personality made him an easy target for the antagonist Iago to manipulate him which ultimately led to his demise. The adaptation by director Vishal Bhardwaj, set in rural Uttar Pradesh, North India, also follows the protagonist’s downfall, caused by his personal character flaws. Although the adaptation shares many themes with the original play, including love, prejudice and betrayal, there are numerous differences in the actual events that unfold, which also leads to the character ‘Omkara’s’ downfall.

Although Othello had a tragic ending, the characters were managed gracefully with each being similar but somewhat different to one another. Iago plays a crucial role within the original play of ‘Othello’, not only does he have the biggest share of dialogues but is an archetypal villain. This being, Iago knew the sore points of Othello and was able to manipulate him easily. By this his evilness as well as his angst can be seen throughout the play. The character Othello is a highly egotistical individual and Iago took advantage of this flaw through the use of cunning, carefully planned lies and implications in order to bring Othello to his own downfall. He ingeniously manipulated Othello’s own ego against himself without Othello having a realization. The audience is introduced to Othello when he is at his position as a general and witnessed the journey leading to his tragic fall, with this focus on him portraying him as the main character of the play. Othello overcomes numerous hardships and disadvantages which arise because of the colour of his skin to obtain his respect and power in the beginning of the play.

Whereas the adaptation of Othello, the Bollywood film Omkara, directed by Vishal Bhardwaj, released in 2006, is seen that the characters are an imitation of Shakespeare’s Othello but with a cultural difference and Indian characteristics to them. Omkara was an analytically applaud and awarded movie as it had a rustic look to the story and the language used within the film had plenty of insults in Hindi specifically in the Khariboli dialect which caught the attraction of the local people. The language was appreciated by many of THE LOCAL PEOPLE however there was a vast majority who belittled the dialect as there were many phrases which only on the people of khariboli dialect could comprehend. Race is reframed, in the Indian context it is known as a caste issue, which is a deeply imbedded and unjust social stratification which is still inflicting the social and political constitution of modern day India. Bhardwaj instigated this ongoing issue within the adaptation when the people of the village within the movie tend to look down at Omkara as he is of half-caste. As well as this Bhardwaj implemented the names of the characters from the original play into his film. The character of Othello was known as Omkara, Desdemona was known as Dolly, Cassio was known as Keshav ‘Kesu Firangi’, Bianca was known as ‘Billo’, Iago was known as Ishwar ‘Langda’ Tyagi, Emilia was known as Indu Tyagi and Rodrigo was known as Rajan ‘Rajju’ Tiwari. The names of the characters begins with the same or similar sound as their counterparts from the original text. Bhardwaj would have selected these specific names in order for the film to blend into the adaptation.

The adaptation of Othello, Omkara, remains true to the storyline of the play while also creating several slight differences within the film. Bhardwaj departs Omkara from Shakespeare’s Othello by intentionally taking Iago, the antagonist within Othello, and altering him in a way which portrays him as more ‘human’, and subsequently ‘less’ heinous, character of Langda. Langda, in Omkara, is the equivalent character of Iago in Othello. The film forms a similar correspondence between the characters of Iago and Langda. Langda is the villain of the film, as well as the main cause of destruction and tragedy, just as Iago is in Othello.

Love and Prejudice. Love. The attachment and endearment between two people. Prejudice. A preconception that is not based on actual experience or reason. Desdemona’s relationship with Othello is one of love, and she is loyal only to her marriage. The atmosphere of racial prejudice in Venetian society is present, in which both Othello and Desdemona are aware of. Desdemona handles prejudice by repudiating its access within her own life. Othello on the other hand, is not mindful of how prejudice has infiltrated his own personality. This engrossed prejudice demoralizes him with thoughts similar to ”I am not worthy of Desdemona,’ ‘It cannot be true that she really loves me,’ and ‘If she loves me, then there must be something wrong with her.’ Corresponding the atmosphere of racial prejudice within the play. Dolly’s love towards Omkara is portrayed when Dolly runs away from home in order to be with Omkara. Her love is further proved when, Raju creates accusations of Omkara forcefully taking Dolly, but Dolly responds with that it was her who wanted to willingly be with Omkara. The racial prejudice is further depicted within the movie when Omkara has his second encounter with dolly’s father and omi is seen to touch raghunaths feet as an utmost sign of respect but in return is to be treated poorly due to the fact that he is ‘adha-cast’ which translates into half-cast. Half cast being – Omi’s mother is of a low cast and his father is of a higher cast known as the braahman.

Betrayal is the breaking of trust that produces moral and psychological conflict within a relationship amongst individuals. Betrayal is revealed through the irrational behavior of the characters within the play as well as the film. The betrayal of Desdemona is perceived when she marries Othello without her father’s knowledge or consent. Brabantio (desdemona’s father) goes on and warns Othello,’ “Look to her Moor, if thou hast eyes to see. She has deceived her father and may thee.” act 1 scene 3. Suggesting that Desdemona has therefore shown a potential for disloyalty and betrayal. This was of utmost importance as it was something which stuck within Othello’s mind and was remebered later on. The father of Dolly, in a statement very similar to the one made by Desdemona’s father in Othello, ‘Bahubali, aurat ke tariya charitra ko mat bhulna. Jo ladki apne baap ko thag sakti hai, woh kisi aur ki sagi kya hogi.’. Which translates into May you never forget the two-faced monster a woman is. She who can dupe her own father will never be anyone’s to claim.’ The ‘two-faced monster’ is the term used to describe Dolly. When Raghunath, Dollys father says this, he is looking at Dolly, who is standing on the opposite side of the car. The same words uttered by Raghunath would later come in the way of Omkara’s ability to trust Dolly. Dolly’s father evolved the impression of her untrustworthiness in Omkara’s mind in that very moment. Omkara will later look at Dolly through the views of her father and will see the two apparent faces of Dolly, and is unsure which one is her true one either the one who is supposingly having an affair with kesu behind his back or the one who truly loves him. Raghunath bitterly warns Omkara that the daughter who betrayed him once this easily would one day betray Omkara without a doubt as seen in the play.

The historical play of Othello made by Shakespeare within the 17th century alongside the adaption Omkara released in 2006 has shown the conversion of the periodic era and the modern day era altered and made into a Bollywood film without the disappointment to both the 21st century and the 1600’s, allowing the excitement of both a Shakespearean fan and a Bollywood fan to flourish.

Tim Blake Nelson’s modern film, O, and William Shakespeare’s classic play, Othello, both involve Othello (Odin) handing the lieutenant position to Michael Cassio instead of Iago (Hugo). The main difference comes between the two settings, Othello representing an army and O representing a basketball team. Iago knows he deserves the promotion because he had some experience in the war, unlike Cassio. Hugo persuades Roger (Roderigo) to call Desi’s (Desdemona’s) father and explain to him that Desi is seeing Odin. The conflict among the characters rises to a sky-high level because they do not necessarily feel comfortable in their own skin. The characters have self-doubt about their actions, yet they go through with them anyway. Both the film and the play have intertwining similarities that have aligning impacts on the characters’ rises and falls. On the other hand, they differentiate between the characters’ motivations and the strong feelings they have for each other, both positive and negative.

The smallest drop of jealousy can implant toxic thoughts that can manipulate someone’s mental state and cause them severe distress. It can greatly harm and influence an individual’s decision-making and also affects the environment that surrounds them. Jealousy is displayed in Othello and O, where characters betray each other and perform unethical tasks under the strong influence of jealousy. The unavoidable thought of jealousy can be used to drive a person’s motive, develop the flow of a plot, or alter the way a person is depicted. If a person has something that another feels they deserve, there is some heavy bitterness that does not usually end up in a positive situation. Jealousy stops the brain from thinking clearly, and in the case of Iago and Hugo, their minds are wrapped up in misleading their counterparts. Iago and Hugo do not focus on having a close relationship with everyone around them as much as using others to increase their chance of success.

Othello’s Iago and O’s Hugo are almost identical and are driven purely by jealousy to create the downfall of Othello/Odin. The outcome of the decisions that Iago and Hugo make heavily change the flow of the plot and are responsible for the events that occur within the play and film. Iago’s first decision was the beginning of his plan to overthrow Cassio in lieutenancy and was evident when he said, “One Michael Cassio, a Florentine, (A fellow almost damned in a fair wife) That never set a squadron in the field, Nor the division of a battle knows More than a spinster” (1.1.1157). Iago questions Othello’s decision to appoint Cassio and he feels that his experience on the battlefield must not have been part of the decision, even though it is imperative to be prepared for the lieutenant position.

The death of Othello, Emilia, Roderigo, and Desdemona are all caused by Iago’s actions and his plan to reach his ultimate goal. O’s version of Iago, Hugo, followed the same characterization of Iago and had the same intentions but instead, he feels robbed when Odin shares his MVP award with Micheal instead of him. This quote explains the jealousy Hugo has towards Odin and how he is the “hawk” that grabs all the attention around him. Hugo desires that same attention, but he achieves it by making unethical decisions. In the same manner, as Iago’s plan, Hugo tries to use deception against Othello and change his perspective on Micheal. The decisions done by Hugo and Iago had the same repercussions and caused the death of Othello, Emily, Rodger, and Desi. All in all, the decisions Iago and Hugo make under the influence of jealousy helps create an advancing plot and, as a result, they are responsible for most of the events that occur within the film and play. Iago/Hugo, specifically, act on what they feel at the moment rather than what the repercussions would be down the road. Split-second decisions do not seem to bode well for any of the characters, but Iago’s/Hugo’s motivations are justifiable to them, no matter how they affect the people around them.

The worlds for Othello/Odin are changed completely when jealousy starts to feed onto their mental state. The personalities of both characters differ from when they were introduced as the plot advanced. The protagonist, Othello, and Odin were both deceived by Iago/Hugo, who plan out certain events to convince their partners of having an affair behind their backs. The protagonists both come to a hasty conclusion and end up executing both of their lovers. After learning the truth, both characters mentally break down and clear up the situation surrounding them. This was evident when Odin stated, “I loved that girl, I did, he twisted my head up, it was that white, prep school boy standing right there” (Nelson, O, Hugo). This quote happened after the death of Desi and showed that Odin fell into Hugo’s hole of lies and was influenced into making a life-changing decision. If Odin had really loved Desi, he would have sought out for more proof and put more faith into her rather than Hugo. His gullibility led to the death of several friends.

Odin’s mistakes were transferred over to Othello and could have prevented a tragic ending for him and his friends. In Othello, Iago pointed out when he detected jealousy within Othello when he stated, “O, beware, my lord, of jealousy! It is the green-eyed monster, which doth mock The meat it feeds on” (3.3.1196). In this quote, Iago pretended to warn the damage jealousy could do to a man’s heart but could have ironically stopped the destruction he had caused if Othello took his advice more seriously and taken things into his own matter. Instead, Othello fed into Iago’s words and made inalterable decisions. The ending of both Othello and O were both appalling due to the heavy presence of jealousy which caused both characters to quickly jump to conclusions and make irrational decisions that were life-changing. The characters did not care to ponder the pros and cons of making their decisions, even if they cost someone’s life. This shows the disinterest and the carelessness that the characters feel for one another. Emotions rise to an extreme level, jealousy is ever-present, and self-inflicted actions are made by the characters and prove their respective roles in both plays.

In addition to how jealousy was developed and used within the play and film through the plot, jealousy was what motivated and pressured Roderigo and Roger into achieving his desired goal of dating Desi/Desdemona. In the opening act of Othello, Roderigo seemed hopeless and was on the edge of throwing his life away when she had her heart stolen and eloped with Othello. Roderigo is expressing his jealousy and suffering when Desdemona is in love with another man and would like to end it by taking his own life. Jealousy is also what keeps him alive as he is desperate to find enteral love and to take the place of Othello. The plot surrounding Roderigo emphasizes his jealousy, and as the plot advances, it starts to take over his mental state and decision making. At first, Roderigo does understand Iago’s exploits, which try to trick Roderigo and make him look like a fool. Roderigo eventually notices Iago’s intentions but is too caught up in his emotions to take action. He is in disbelief about Iago’s malicious nature and realizes that he will never get what he wants as long as Othello and Iago are around.

Like Roderigo, Roger undergoes through the same situations where he has a crush on Desi, but she is already dating Odin. Roger is not as dramatic compared to Roderigo but is proved to be jealous when Iago asked, “Do you want Desi or not?” (Nelson, O, Hugo) and Roger responded with “Yes!”(Nelson, O, Roger). Roger is then pressured by Hugo to perform multiple tasks under the influence of jealousy which secretly helped Hugo. Like Iago, Hugo used the plot to influence Roger into achieving his goal of gaining all the attention as he knew Roger would help him no matter what when he felt jealous. Iago and Hugo use the plot to highlight jealousy within Roger and Roderigo for their own personal use to achieve their goal and to leave both (Roger/Roderigo) in the dust. Roger and Roderigo are being exploited by their counterparts to gain an advantage and to be held in higher standing. Iago and Hugo care deeply about how they are seen as opposed to how they feel about themselves. They are insecure and prideful, and as a result, they feel they can do no wrong. Iago and Hugo do not let anyone challenge them because they feel superior and deserving of everything. Roger and Roderigo are unaware of Iago/Hugo’s intentions because they are clever and misleading.

There is extreme envy that is constant throughout the film and serves a distinct purpose despite the differences they both have. They both provided the same conflict and plot, which are strictly influenced by resentment. The jealous, driven decisions Hugo and Iago make get many characters killed and pressure Roger/Roderigo to perform amoral tasks, only done when jealous. It was also able to mimic the mental state of Othello/Odin, causing him to make decisions that are out of his character. Many of these characters are controlled by jealousy, which pushes an individual’s thought process, builds up the conflict within the plot, and alerts the manner in which an individual is portrayed.

Firstly, love. To Othello, love needs passion and trust to maintain. As a black man, even if he was the general, falling in love with Desdemona goes against the traditional 16th century Venice notions. They fell in love just because of passion, with Desdemona disobeying her father and not considering the importance of filial obedience. “O heaven! How got she out? O treason of the blood!” shows how angry Brabantio, Desdemona’s father is when he found out Othello and Desdemona’s relationship. He could not believe that his own blood and flesh betrayed him.

Othello also has trust. He believes in their love. “She loved me for the dangers I had passed, / And I loved her that she did pity them. / This only is the witchcraft I have used.” indicates that he is confident that people around them will trust in their true love as well.

On the other hand, Iago sees love as leverage, which he can use for his own good. He uses Othello and Desdemona’s love to ruin Othello’s success and both of their reputations. Iago catches Brabantio’s attention and exposes their relationship by calling out, “Thieves, thieves! / Look to your house, your daughter, and your bags! / Thieves, thieves!” He also uses Desdemona’s love in friendship for Cassio to make her appear to be disloyal. “Be thou assured, good Cassio, I will do / All my abilities in thy behalf.” is where Desdemona promises to help Cassio. Iago also took advantage of Cassio’s courtesy of “takes her by the palm”.

He persuades Cassio to have interaction with Desdemona by saying, “Our general’s wife is now the general.” With Cassio and Desdemona’s interaction, Iago convinces Othello that they are having an affair. “She did deceive her father, marrying you;” is when Iago pointed out Desdemona once lied to his father, so she may betray Othello too.

Secondly, appearance versus reality. Othello believes that evidence will prove the truth. He stays calm when others accused him of his love story with Desdemona as he knows that she will speak the truth. His evidence for everyone is “I do beseech you / Send for the lady to the Sagittary / And let her speak of me before her father.” and “Here comes the lady: let her witness it.”

However, for Iago, due to his loss of moral compass, what he desires, and imagines is the truth instead. He then spreads his own imaginations to lead others into believing his lies. “And what’s he then that says I play the villain, / When this advice is free I give, and honest,” and the repetition of “How am I then a villain,” shows that Iago cannot distinguish between good and bad.

Christianity was the main religion at that time. Affected by the Great Chain of Being, Iago is envy of Othello’s power, status and position as a general. All of his lies come from this jealousy, he begins to plot to take revenge. As a part of his plan, the person he portrays to everyone else is not who he really is, as shown in “I am not what I am.”

Iago with his manipulative nature, tells Othello to imagine Desdemona and Cassio together: “What, / to kiss in private?” “Or to be naked with her friend in bed / An hour or more, not meaning any harm?” With these imaginations, Othello’s jealousy has ramped up already.

Iago fails to understand Othello’s view and values, insisting that everything he did is for a good deed. Eventually, Othello fell for his lies, resulting in his own downfall and the tragedy of the whole play.

In William Shakespeare’s classic tragic play ‘Othello’, published in 1622, the dangers of illusion and deception develops in the play as Iago manipulates his appearances and works to fool Othello who has trouble differentiating between what appears to be true and what really is true. Iago adopts his preferable style of speech to conceive images in characters’ minds which are distant from reality. Throughout the play, every character views him as an “genuine” and “honorable” friend, who consistently gives valuable advice. However in reality, only the audience who observed his soliloquies in which he says, “I am not what i am”, recognizes what his true intentions are, thus forming tragic tension in the play. Opposed to Iago, Othello is generally characterized as virtuous and honest in every way. Unfortunately for Othello, he sees both Cassio and Desdemona as the duplicitous ones which sooner leads to his downfall, as well as arising in Desdemona’s death. Iago being two-faced and back-stabbing, the other characters’ willingness to believe him before thinking twice is the active strength of the play and it’s plot.

Iago, the main antagonist of the play, is a man with an obsession for control and power over others, who had let this delusion take over his life. He is a character who constantly “embraces” the shadow rather than direct exposure. In addition he triggers other individuals insecurities and doubts. He exhibits the ability of mastering manipulation and duplicity over people who had formerly believed and trusted him. As well as having the greatest talent of differentiating his manipulative plans of sabotaging and deceiving the ones around him with what he leads people to suppose as honesty. He utters the words, “I am not what I am” which essentially interprets to “i am not what i appear to be” meaning that he fools others into believing that he is a servant to Othello when in reality he is a slave for himself.

Throughout the play, he depicts himself as a devil figure. He has proven himself to be a master of deception. He slanders to everyone to cover his own thoughts. In Act 1, he addresses very aggressive language when conveying his feelings towards Cassio, when talking to Othello. He lies during the whole speech pretending loyalty to a soldier. He recites the saying, ‘I had rather have this tongue cut from my mouth. Than it should do offense to Michael Cassio’. This falsehood persuades and satisfies Othello that his officer is a valuable and devoted soldier. Iago also benefits in deceiving Cassio. After Cassio’s drunken battle, Iago supports him to plead to Desdemona to convince Othello to rehire him as lieutenant. Seemingly, Cassio is capable of being deceived by Iago. During the play Iago gives a statement of his strategy of deception in a soliloquy. He describes how the devil uses the display of something good to deceive the desires that we know are evil. He informs how he will accomplish the same while Cassio is pleading to Desdemona. Through deception, Iago established the appearance of good, which is what tricked people around him into thinking he is honest and sincere.

Othello, a moor in the play, is an appointed general in the Venetian army. He serves as the hero with minor flaws of jealousy and suspicion. Shakespeare introduces Othello, as a noble, ethical, and dignified man, but because of his insecurities and good humor, he is exploited easily and influenced by his peers and supposed friends. The effective of Othello’s character undoubtedly shifts throughout the play. The disparity is most definite from the beginning of the play to its conclusion, changing from being patient and moderate to acts of rampant hateful fury. Othello’s ambition in the play emerges to be his admire and worry for his wife Desdemona, which supposedly, ends up being his downfall in the end. In the play, Iago skillfully composes his plot of destroying Othello by influencing the character’s perceptions of Desdemona. Othello, not aware that Cassio was speaking with Desdemona in desire of being rehired as Lieutenant, falsely believes that the two are having an affair and that Desdemona has lost her purity. Iago then exploits the situation by expanding his attack deeper: “She did deceive her father, marrying you”. Othello initiates to see Iago’s argument: if she could deceive her father, she could just as freely betray her new husband.

In act 5 scene 2 of Othello, Iago had chosen to stay silent when confronted by Othello, after he was caught manipulating him into killing Desdemona. He had done this for various reasons which included keeping Othello and others thinking about his motives, having accomplished everything he had wanted to from the start, and the realization of what he had done and what consequences that lie ahead of him. Iago’s choice had helped Iago as it kept everyone, mainly Othello, in a state of confusion as to why Iago wanted to ruin his life. It had inflicted more pain among others as well, which were his intentions from the start. Iago usually used his words to carry out this job but in this case, silence had worked just as well.

By not choosing to answer Othello’s question and promising to remain in a state of silence Iago knows that this will lead to regret along with questioning from Othello. It shows this in the text when Othello asks on page 125 of act 5 scene 2 “Why he hath thus ensnared my soul and body?” (5.2,298) In the following scene, Othello is questioning Iago as to why he chose to ruin his life which Iago responds by saying that he shall not answer his question and from now on he shall stay silent. As a result of this response, Othello wouldn’t be able to figure out Iago’s true motives behind his plan and will spend the rest of his life (which wasn’t very long) thinking about Iago and the way he had manipulated himself. He will also live with misery considering the fact that Othello had murdered his innocent wife who had done nothing but love and cherish him while he doubted her honesty and neglected her. A plan that was carried out well by Iago which had harmed many people.

Iago had also stayed silent because he had done what he had set out to do from the start. He ruined Othello’s life and there was nothing else for him to accomplish. All the way back in act 1 scene 1 we see this when Iago claims on page 3 “I know my price; I am worth no worse a place…” (1.1, 9-14) In the following conversation, Iago was explaining that he hated Othello due to the position Iago was put in which was one of the lowest there was. The position he wanted was taken by Cassio who Iago believed had no place in. As a result, Iago had decided that he would ruin these people’s lives, which he did. Iago causes Othello to kill his wife which lead to Othello suiciding. He nearly killed Cassio as well, as he stabbed him in the leg. There was nothing else for him to do or achieve and as a result, he chose to stay silent which ended up causing harm as well. He had done everything he set out to do so there was no point in doing anything else.

Finally, Iago had stayed silent because of the death of his wife Emilia and the life of punishment he was waiting. We see this occur on page 124 of act 5 scene 2 when Emilia says “Moor, she was chaste… So speaking as I think, alas, I die.” (5.2, 246-248) In the scene, Emilia had come to the defense of Desdemona as she was trying to prove that she was innocent. Emilia had tried to expose Iago as the fraud that he was and the one who was behind this foolery which Iago responded to by stabbing her and running away. This seemed to be a panic move by Iago, which he may have started to regret after he had gotten caught, causing his silence. Emilia had wanted to make sure that Desdemona wouldn’t be viewed as the cheater she was being claimed to be, and before she died, she had convinced everyone of who Iago truly was which got him captured. As a result of his actions, Iago had lost his wife who he may or may not have had a love for, his career, and would now be punished for as long as he would live. It seemed as if he realized what was in store for him and didn’t have anything to say. His plan went right at first but went completely wrong towards the end. He understood the true extent of what he had done and how his life would be filled with punishment and sorrow. There was no going back and as a reader Iago looked to be in a state of anger and shock.

Considering all of Iago’s manipulation and Othello’s final speech it still doesn’t make up for the fact that Othello was wrong for committing murder on his wife Desdemona. Othello was continually told by his wife that she had committed no sin to him and he continually ignored her and believed Iago for his word. We see this shown in the text on page 116 when Desdemona claims “… No, be my life and soul… and ask him..” (5.2, 48-49) In the following scene Desdemona is trying to explain how she had no such affair that Othello claimed she had with Cassio however he didn’t believe her. Othello gave her no chance to explain and assumed that whatever Iago had stated/claimed was true which ultimately became his own enemy. He viewed only one side to the story which is the main reason why he shouldn’t be redeemed. He realizes his faults at the end which is the reason why he gives his speech. Unfortunately, he could not take back any of the sins he had committed and the life in hell that he was waiting.

In conclusion, Iago had stayed silent for three reasons which were to continue to torment Othello, a realization of what he had done and what was soon to come for him, and the fact that he had accomplished his goal which was to demolish Othello’s life. Unfortunately for Iago, the worst is still to come as he will be punished for all the horrible acts he had done and shall spend the rest of his life in misery.

Many characters in the play Othello, reveal many different characteristics and qualities. Of these characters is Iago. Due to his jealousy, he is vengeful as he lays out selfish desires which lead to tragedy. He also betrays his friends and lies to them. The end of the play is tragic due to the lack of his good morals and standards.

The overall goal and desires in the play caused turmoil.The cause of the deaths at the end of the story was because of the revenge that Iago desired. Iago was seeking out revenge on Othello because he chose Cassio to be the lieutenant over him. He thought that he should have been chosen and because of this, he became angry. There was only one way that he thought he could solve his problem. He would get back at Othello for taking what he desired most. His character was very selfish in thinking that everything should revolve around him. Because he had evil desires and an overall foolish goal, he caused the most harm ever imagined.

Throughout this play many different characteristics are shown, both good and bad. In Iago’s case, he is jealous. Because of his jealousy, he hurt many people. There is always someone in our lives whom we know is two faced. In this case, Iago is that person. He acts as a person’s friend and then goes behind their back. An example of this would be when he lied to Roderigo about him being able to win over Desdemona. Iago said that if he went off to make more money that Desdemona would eventually forget about Othello and would be with Roderigo instead. After Roderigo returns from trying to “put money in his purse” to win over Desdemona, he says to Iago “I’m like a dog that runs after the pack of hounds-not lie one of the dogs hot on the trail, but only as one that barks a lot. My money is almost gone, I have been horribly beaten, and I think that all I will have gained for my pains is considerable experience. And so, with no money at all and only a little more sense, I will return to Venice.” In this scene Roderigo returns and realizes that the advice Iago gave him was not helping him. Iago was pretending to help his so-called friend but was only using him to get what he wanted; Revenge. Lying to achieve his wants and selfish needs was deemed far more important than maintaining a strong and healthy relationship with his peers even if it meant in the end they would die.

One’s actions can reveal the heart of the character. For Iago, this meant that he would do whatever it took to get his way. His actions were not deemed worthy and destroyed so many relationships. Iago used and lied to many people. In return for his actions, no one could trust each other. Towards the end of the play, everyone finally realizes that he has been lying to them and that his actions have caused so much more damage than they could have ever imagined. Iago tells Othello that Cassio has Desdemona’s handkerchief because they were sleeping together. “By heaven, I would most gladly have forgotten it. Thou saidst (O, it comes o’er my memory, As doth the raven o’er the infectious house, Boding to all) he had my handkerchief.” Because of the lies that Iago spread, he was able to manipulate Othello into killing his beloved wife Desdemona. Amelia (Iago’s wife) realizes what her husband was trying to do, and tells the truth for the first time in a great while. After Othello realizes what Iago has convinced him to do, he is greatly sorrowed and stabs himself. Because of Iago’s actions, he should have been killed. He caused so much heartache and turmoil. This goes to show that the actions of Iago truly reveal the evil intentions within his heart.

Iago’s intentions ruined people’s lives. He destroyed relationships and was able to get away unharmed. His lying character had selfish desires and showed hatred towards everyone around him. Because of his actions, he caused the tragic ending in the play Othello.

Jealousy has been around since the beginning of time. It starts when you are born. Jealousy comes from insecurity, bitterness and obsessive caring. It also comes from wanting something that belongs to someone else or wanting someone who is in a relationship with another person. Most of us have experienced jealousy at some point in our lives in some way or another. All jealousy is not negative. Jealousy that is kept at a minimum can help an individual’s life balance things in keeping things in perspective, on the other hand out of control jealousy can be harmful and dangerous.

Jealousy takes many forms and when kept at a minimum it is harmless while other times it can be destructive. In William, Shakespeare’s play “Othello” there is a man named Iago who hates and is jealous of the protagonist Othello because Otello chose someone else instead of Iago to promote to position of Lieutenant, so Iago decides to try and kill Othello. This is all because he is jealous and angry that he wasn’t chosen as the one who got the promotion. He used his anger and decided to get revenge because he felt like he was stolen from the promotion and wasn’t getting the credit he deserved. First, he convinces Roderigo to help him because Roderigo is in love with Othello’s wife Desdemona and Iago promises Roderigo that he can get him together with Desdemona if he helps him. With Roderigo helping Iago, Iago is able to plot a series of events which eventually leads to convincing Othello that his wife Desdemona is having an affair with Cassio, this not only causes conflict in their marriage but this causes Othello’s desire to kill Cassio. Jealousy caused Iago to do all this and this is shown when Iago says “Oh, beware, my lord, of jealousy! It is the green-eyed monster which doth mock the meat it feeds on Act 3 Scene 3. Iago is really saying ‘I hope you become jealous and kill your wife, because that would, ironically, fulfill all my plans.” a lot of the power behind this quote lies in the fact that Iago is being very ironic here. We know he’s malicious and nasty. We have heard of his plan to take down Othello. And we even know how he’s going to do it. But Othello doesn’t know any of that. In actuality, he thinks Iago is just the best guy he’s ever met. This relates back to the thesis as everything that Iago does is because of his jealousy and anger, this is a very good example of how out of control jealousy is harmful and destructive.

Furthermore, jealousy can be seen throughout Othello, in this passage “Trifles light as air Are to the jealous confirmations strong As proofs of holy writ.” Iago delivers these lines in a short soliloquy where he tells the audience of his plan to plant Desdemona’s handkerchief in Cassio’s room. Here, the handkerchief being the “trifle light as air.” In itself the handkerchief represents nothing. However, knowing that Othello’s jealousy has already heightened, Iago predicts that he will overestimate the handkerchief’s significance, taking it as a “proof of holy writ” all this planning of Iago is coming from the jealousy and the anger that he has inside of him since he was not chosen to be promoted to aid Othello by his side. Another passage showing jealousy in “Othello” is “But jealous souls will not be answered so. They are not ever jealous for the cause, But jealous for they’re jealous. It is a monster Begot upon itself, born on itself.” This quote is when Emilia says these words to Desdemona in an attempt to explain the irrational nature of jealousy. Even though jealousy comes to people with their own specific reasons, jealousy has no cause but itself. Emilia suggests that the logic of it is as a monster that gives birth to itself. Emilia recalls Iago’s “ green-eyed monster”. She also recalls the ancient symbol of the ouroboros, which is a snake that is swallowing its own tail and therefore stuck in a loop. This foreshadows that Iago’s plan will backfire on himself in the future, this also tells us that when someone is really jealous they will do anything till they get what they want no matter what, till they are satisfied with the result. This relates back to the thesis as jealousy that is not controlled can be destructive, here we see it is destroying Iago’s mindset slowly till his plan backfires on to himself. As the snake swallowing its own tail, here Iago is destroying his own life and reputation.

To add on, Roderigo can also be seen showing major jealousness in “Othello”. Roderigo is helping Iago with his plan to kill Othello not because he wants to help Iago with his plan, because of his own reasons that he is in love with Othello’s wife Desdemona. This is all because after seeing Desdemona marrying a black man this fuels Roderigo with jealousy. This is the sole reason that convinced him to help Iago with this plan to try and get rid of Othello in an attempt to win over Desdemona. He first helps Iago telling Brabantio that his daughter had a secret marriage with a black man as they wake him up one night by saying “What, ho, Brabantio! Signior Brabantio, ho!”. He then helps Iago by starting a fight with Cassio wounding another man, as a result Othello had no other option but to demote Cassio. Roderigo jealousy is heightened when Iago tells him if he kills Cassio, Desdemona will sleep with him, Roderigo’s jealousy is very clear as he actually plans to go kill Cassio, his attempt obviously fails, as Cassio is wounded Iago stabs Roderigo in the back and it leads to Roderigo’s death. This whole scene shows that several characters did what they did because of jealousy, jealous of their reasons caused someone to die, a broken marriage and ruined one’s reputation. This relates to the thesis as jealousy can control people’s thoughts and actions when it is not controlled.

In conclusion, jealousy can motivate people to do such things they wouldn’t do when not jealous of something or someone. It cant get to your head and it can take over and take control of you as a person making you believe what you want to believe without looking at the reasons or even attempting to look at it from another perspective.