Throughout Shakespeare’s Othello, the major theme of jealousy is apparent. According to Microsoft Bookshelf, jealousy, by definition, means “resentful or bitter in rivalry.” The tragedy Othello focuses on the doom of Othello and the other major characters as a result of jealousy. The theme of jealousy is prominent throughout the play as it motivates the characters’ actions. In Shakespeare’s Othello, jealousy is portrayed through the major characters of Iago and Othello. It utterly corrupts their lives because it causes Iago to show his true self, which in turn triggers Othello to undergo an absolute conversion that destroys the lives of their friends. Iago, “most honest” in the eyes of his companions, is, in fact, truly the opposite. His feelings of jealousy uncover his actual self.
Iago’s dupe, Roderigo, is the only person, in fact, to know this previously; Iago tells Roderigo that he is not what he is. He possesses this jealousy because he is distressed that Othello chose Michael Cassio, a valiant, over himself for the position of lieutenancy. Jealousy divorces Iago…from rationality. This loss of rational causes Iago to make a life of jealousy and plots to destroy Othello. Although Iago has a reputation of being full of love and honesty, he is responsible for destroying many lives and is considered perhaps one of the most villainous characters in all literature. Iago alludes to Othello that his wife, Desdemona, has been unfaithful with Cassio. Iago initially intends to hurt Othello and make him regret appointing Cassio as his lieutenant; however, he ends up hurting others in the process. Iago’s jealousy causes his true character, one of viciousness, to become noticeable. This, in turn, creates a new Othello to emerge, one utterly possessed, and calling out for blood and vengeance.
Othello is one of the most romantic figures among Shakespeare’s heroes and a “dignified poet, quickly becomes entranced by Iago’s vengefulness. Othello, placing entire confidence...