The Role of Jealousy in Shakespeares Othello Essay

The Role of Jealousy in Shakespeares Othello In the play, Othello, written by William Shakespeare, there is the classic good against evil conflict. Evil, in this case, was represented by jealousy in every bad situation. The antagonist, Iago, was jealous of Othellos power as a general, and of Othellos relationship with the fair Desdemona. Othello is a powerful general, a Moor, who married Desdemona, the daughter of Barbantio, who was a senator. Jealousy begins the book when every body comes to realize that Othello and Desdemona have eloped. It seems as if every male in the book is in some way in love with Desdemona, whether it is for her looks, for her presence, or because it gives them reason to hate the Moor, Othello, who is†¦show more content†¦To get revenge on Othello for these two things, and for the fact that he loves the Moors wife, Desdemona, Iago devises a plan to turn the Moor against his wife and his lieutenant by making him think that they have been unfaithful. Iago wants Othello to think that Desdemona is having an affair with Cassio. To start it all, Iago goes to the house of Barbantio, who is Desdemonas father, and he tells Barbantio that his daughter has been stolen by the Moor. Barbantio becomes outraged and thinks that Othello drugged Desdemona so that she would marry him without a fight. Barbantio soon realizes that this is untrue, as soon as Desdemona speaks to him. Messengers come to the house because they are to summon Othello to the war in Rhodes. Othello, Cassio, Iago, and Roderigo, who is a gulled gentleman, sail to Rhodes with their ladies. Once there, Iago and Roderigo conspire together against the Moor. This is when they decide that Cassio and Desdemona would be the targets of their hatred for Othello. If I would time expend with such a snipe But for my sport and profit. I hate the Moor; And it is thought abroad that twixt my sheets Hes done my office. I know not if t be true; But I, for mere suspicion in that kind, Will do as If for surety. He holds me well; The better shall my purpose work on him. Cassios a proper man. Let me see now: To get his place and to; plume up myShow MoreRelatedJealousy and Race in Othello 1430 Words   |  6 PagesOthello is one of Shakespeare’s tragedies; originally written as a play and performed to an Elizabethan audience. Othello and many of Shakespeare’s other plays have been performed to various audiences since, and have been adapted into Opera, Ballet, Film and television productions. 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