In Shakespeare’s Othello, the author uses jealousy as a prominent theme throughout. The main characters in Othello are all plagued by jealousy. It propels the play forward, affecting each character in different ways. As the play progresses it becomes clear that jealousy is a cycle causing tragic events to take place. Shakespeare uses jealously as a means of conflict and destruction in the play. Shakespeare implies that jealously is powerful force and a cycle, and that takes advantage of people with insecurities.
Shakespeare presents the idea that jealously is a cycle, that always leads to more jealousy. Emilia describes the cyclical nature of jealousy as a “monster / Begot upon itself, born on itself” (III.iii.170-171). The reader is presented first with the initial jealousies of Rodrigo and Iago. Iago’s jealousy of both Othello and Cassio give rise to most of the subsequent jealousy that occurs in the play. Jealousy causes Iago to hatch a plan to inflict more jealousy upon Othello, consequently leading to the ruination of all. Iago gradually leads Othello to believe that Desdemona is sleeping with Cassio. This causes Othello to be filled with sexual jealousy that he cannot control. He kills Desdemona, completing the cycle and showing how strong jealousy is and the destruction that it can cause.
Shakespeare implies that jealousy is more powerful than love. Using jealousy as a weapon, Iago leads Othello to kill the woman he loves. The power of jealousy blinds the main character to all reason. There is very little evidence to prove that Desdemona was unfaithful but Othello’s jealousy takes over. He cannot even consider another possibility and won’t listen when Desdemona pleads her innocence. The jealousy gradually eats away at his ability to reason. When Desdemona suggests something reasonable, that Othello confront Cassio directly, he ignores the opportunity, suggesting that he has all the evidence he needs. Sadly, Shakespeare seems to suggest...