Jealousy
I think that this is one of the main themes in Othello and the play focuses on the dangers of jealousy. The play is a good example of how jealousy can be fueled by circumstantial evidence and how it can destroy lives. For example in this play: Othello succumbs to jealousy when Iago convinces him that his wife is having an affair with her friend Cassio which leads to Othello murdering his wife for her betrayal and then commits suicide.
In my opinion it is interesting that Iago uses jealousy against Othello because jealousy is the source of Iago's hatred in the first place. The play takes on many forms of jealousy such as sexual suspicion, professional competition with …show more content…
(1.3.12)
In the beginning of the play Iago states that he hates Othello because 'the Moor' passed him over for a promotion yet here Iago says he hates Othello because he's heard a rumour that Othello has been having an affair with his wife Emilia. Even though Iago says he doesn't know if the rumour's true he continues with his plan to destroy Othellos life anyway.
I think at this point Iago has listed a couple of incompatible motives for seeking to destroy Othello such as Othello failing to promote him and a suspected affair however I think planning to destroy his life shows how overcome with jealousy Iago is.
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Cassio's a proper man: let me see now:
To get his place and to plume up my will
In double knavery--How, how? Let's see:--
After some time, to abuse Othello's ear
That he is too familiar with his wife.
He hath a person and a smooth dispose
To be suspected, framed to make women false.
The Moor is of a free and open nature,
That thinks men honest that but seem to be so,
And will as tenderly be led by the nose
As asses …show more content…
Good night. (2.3.2)
At this point in the play Othello talks about sex in positive terms, as a fruit to enjoy or something that 'profits' both man and woman. I think that Othellos tendency to use financial metaphors such as 'purchase' and 'profit' shows that his view on marriage is that his wife is his possession.
I think it is also clear that Desdemona an Othello havent consummated their marriage since Othello says it is 'yet to come' however when Othello says good night to his attendants it appears that him and Desdemona are going to have sexual relations but their evening is interrupted when Cassio gets drunk and gets involved in a brawl to which Othello is called upon to mediate.
In my own opinion I believe Othello and Desdemona do end up consummating their marriage which may leave Othello feeling as though he has contaminated his wifes sexual and racial purity. After Othello sleeps with his wife she suddenly becomes a 'whore' in his mind which I think may support the fact that Othello is so quick to believe she is capable of having an affair with Cassio.
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Why do you speak so faintly?
Are you not