Jealousy, the Monster in Shakespeares Othello :: Othello essays

The Monster in Othello This essay is about William Shakespeares Othello. It focuses on Iagos wrangle to Othello, O, beware, my lord, of Jealousy. It is the green-eyed monster. in cause 3, scene 3 and just how historic this warning was not only for Othello, but also for Roderigo and for Iago. Before considering the splendor of Iagos words, it is important to define what overjealousy means. According to The New Lexicon Websters Encylopedic Dictionary of the English Language, jealousy is a state of fear, suspicion, revenge or envy amazed by a real or imagined threat or challenge to ones genitive case instincts. It may be provoked by rivalry, in sexual love, by competition or by desires for the qualities or possessions of another. Roderigo is foolish and even at times unusually feeble-minded. This explained partially by Roderigos jealousy he is monstrous with Desdemona and has been for some time. He is willing to do anything to win her love. He is jealous that De sdemona loves Othello and not him. In accordance with the definition of jealousy, Roderigo desires the possessions of another. It is this jealousy which moves him to do more evil things in the play. He pays Iago large amounts of money to conjure up a scheme to acquire Desdemona. He gives in to Iago at the line of the play. In effect he has become the villians disciple. By doing this, he himself has espouse the green-eyed monster image. In act two, he is prompted by Iago to cause a commotion and begin a fight with Cassio. Later in act four, scene two, Roderigo is convinced by Iago to kill Cassio. In act five, scene one, Roderigo attempts to kill Cassio but only manages to wound him. At the akin time Cassio wounds Roderigo. Iago (who was watching this fight) leaves only to re-enter later and kill Roderigo. Roderigos jealousy brought upon his downfall. Most people do not think of jealousy as Iagos downfall, but in essence, jealousy has many negative effects on Iago. By using Iago, Shakespeare has shown just how powerful jealousy really is. Iago is cunning, crafty, ingenious and intelligent. Despite seeming to be impermeable to negative emotions such as jealousy, the exact opposite seems to happen.