jealousy in othello essay a level

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Iago refers to jealousy as the "green-eyed monster." As this metaphor suggests, jealousy is closely associated with the theme of appearance and reality. For instance, at one point Othello demands that Iago provide "ocular proof" of Desdemona's infidelity—he demands to see reality. But Iago instead provides the circumstantial evidence of the handkerchief, which Othello, consumed by his jealousy, accepts as a substitute for "ocular proof." Othello's jealousy impedes his ability to distinguish between reality and appearance. While the prejudiced characters in the play denigrate Othello as an animal or a beast based on his race, Othello's obvious honor and intelligence makes these attacks obviously ridiculous. Yet when Othello is overcome by jealousy, he does become beast-like, falling into epileptic fits that rob him of the ability to speak intelligibly.

Othello is also not the only character in Othello to feel jealousy. Both Iago and Roderigo act to destroy Othello out of jealousy, with disastrous consequences.

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Othello: Essay Questions

A list of potential essay questions to form revision and speed planning practice:

Jealousy is at the core of all the tragic events that occur in Othello.’ In the light of this statement, explore the dramatic function of jealousy in Shakespeare’s play. In your answer, you must consider relevant contextual factors.

‘Despite his suffering, Othello learns nothing.’ In the light of this statement, explore Shakespeare’s presentation of Othello in the play. In your answer, you must consider relevant contextual factors.

‘Othello depicts a world riddled with corruption and prejudice’. In the light of this statement, explore Shakespeare’s presentation of the values of the world in which the play is set. In your answer, you must consider relevant contextual factors.

‘Irony is a powerful device that Shakespeare uses to heighten the tragedy of Othello.’ In the light of this statement, discuss Shakespeare’s use of irony in the play. In your answer, you must consider relevant contextual factors

‘Othello’s foolishness, as much as Iago’s cleverness, is responsible for the tragedy that unfolds.’ In the light of this statement, explore where responsibility for the tragedy might lie. In your answer, you must consider relevant contextual factors.

‘The settings in Othello are not just times and places in which action happens: they are deeply symbolic and add greatly to the meaning of the play as a whole.’ In the light of this statement, explore Shakespeare’s use of settings in the play. In your answer, you must consider relevant contextual factors.

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Othello Knowledge Organiser

An Othello Knowledge Organiser, based on William Shakespeare’s seminal play, including key vocabulary and crucial literary allusions and comparisons. My knowledge organisers distill important information from the text in clear and manageable pieces of information for both students to revise from, and teachers planning new curriculum content.

The Knowledge Organiser is structured into three key areas: Critical Theory, Intertextuality and Context as well as Biblical Allusions. Whilst also incorporating key quotations for each character in short sharp, high utility phrases which can be used in a range of essays.

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Jealousy in Othello

Journal #3 Role Played By Jealousy in Othello  

In the play Othello, By William Shakespeare, The plot revolves around the emotion of jealousy. Jealousy is the emotion that captivates many characters in the play and causes the plot to develop. Some characters who are captivated by jealousy are Othello, Iago, And Roderigo. Iago’s jealousy towards Othello is the cause for his revenge against him. He displays this jealousy from the very beginning of the play and spawns plots for revenge because of this. Iago feels jealousy towards Othello because he had given the role of lieutenant to Michael Cassio. Michael Cassio was much less qualified than him but even so, he had attained the position. Another reason for Iago being jealous towards Othello is because he had a suspicion that Othello had slept with his wife Emilia. Iago expresses “And it is thought abroad that ‘twixt my sheets/He’s done my office”(I.iii.380-381).This insecurity and jealousy he feels leads him to commit acts of revenge. As he becomes fixed on the idea of revenge, Iago speaks in a soliloquy he will not be satisfied "Till I am evend with him, wife for wife, /Or failing so, yet that I put the Moor / At least into a jealousy so strong / That judgment cannot cure" (I.ii.291-294).

        The most prominent jealousy in the play is of Othello’s jealousy towards Desdemona. Othello goes into a rage after Iago plants the suspicion in Othello’s mind that Desdemona had been unfaithful to him by having an affair with Cassio. Othello is not able to see any reason and claims to Desdemona “I took you for that cunning whore of Venice/That married with Othello”(IV,ii,88-89). The immense love between them, that had caused desdemona to go against the will of her own father, was shattered by the slightest hint of suspicion plotted in Othello’s mind by Iago.

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        Another example of jealousy in the play Othello is in the character Roderigo. Roderigo’s jealousy is due to his love for Desdemona. His love for her spawns his jealousy towards Othello and Iago uses this jealousy to manipulate and use him. To gain desdemona’s love he is willing to give large amounts of money to Iago to woo her on behalf of him. We later find out that Iago has done no such thing and is using the money for himself.

        All in all, The emotion of jealousy in the play Othello is very prominent throughout the play and expressed through various characters. It allows the plot to develop by various events occurring solely based on the emotion of jealousy. Some characters who express jealous are Iago, Roderigo and Othello.

Document Details

• Word Count 455
• Page Count 2
• Level AS and A Level
• Subject English

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Love Through the Ages

The aim of this topic area is to encourage students to explore aspects of a central literary theme as seen over time, using unseen material and set texts.

Love through the Ages

• Students should be prepared for Love through the Ages by reading widely in the topic area, reading texts from a range of authors and times.
• The range of texts (of which Othello is one) allows students to study representations of love by a variety of authors across time.

• One prose text, of which one must be written pre-1900.
• One Shakespeare play ( Othello ).
• You will also respond to two unseen poems in the exam.

Aspects of love to explore

Although not an exhaustive list of Aspects of Love through the Ages, areas that can usefully be explored include:

Romantic love of many kinds

• Othello and Desdemona.
• Iago and Emilia (but failed and damaged).
• Cassio and Bianca.

Love and sex

• Iago and Emilia—and her dissatisfaction.
• Cassio and Bianca—the notion of paying for sex/love.
• Love and Sex in the context of the 1600s in general and the historical period and place the play is set.
• Desdemona’s interest in sex.

Love and loss

• Othello’s suspicion and jealousy, feeling like he has lost Desdemona to Cassio.
• Emilia realising that she has lost Iago.
• Othello killing Desdemona.
• Desdemona (alive enough) to realise Othello’s death.
• The failure of Cassio and Bianca’s relationship.
• Cassio’s injury and Bianca’s reaction.

Love Through the Ages 2

Social conventions and taboos

• The love affair between a white woman and a black man.
• Marrying without the permission of one’s father (Brabantio).
• The age gap between Othello and Desdemona.
• The notion of witchcraft.

History and time

• Conventions during the Renaissance.
• The ability of those at the top of society to do what they want.
• The challenge of the ‘new man’ in the form of Iago.
• The way that relationships are conducted between men and women.
• The legitimacy of courtiers / prostitution.
• The conventions of marriage.

Individual lives

• Othello and Desdemona when younger, but also their maturity at the end of the play - reverting perhaps to childishness once more.
• The impact of thinking one is being deceived.
• The fear that one partner thinks the other partner believes they are having an affair.
• Love and sex, paid for by money.
• The loveless marriage of Emilia and Iago.
• The manipulation of others by an individual.

Jealousy and guilt

• Othello’s misplaced jealousy of Cassio.
• Iago’s jealousy of Othello (he believes Othello once slept with Emilia).
• Iago’s jealousy of Cassio.
• Brabantio’s guilt about his daughter.
• Desdemona’s own guilt over going against her father.
• Othello’s guilt over killing Desdemona.
• Emilia’s guilt at not telling the truth soon enough.

Love Through the Ages 3

Truth and deception

• Iago’s deception of Othello.
• Iago’s deception of Emilia.
• Othello’s realisation of truth about Desdemona.
• The symbol of the handkerchief.

Proximity and distance

• Desdemona and Othello’s initially close marriage and eventual distance.
• Iago’s enforced distance from Emilia.
• Bianca’s distance from Cassio.
• The distance from Cyprus (away) to Venice (home).

• Desdemona and Othello’s marriage and how it declines into chaos.
• Iago and Emilia’s failed marriage.
• Cassio and Roderigo’s incapacity to marry.

Approval and disapproval

• Social approval of Othello and Desdemona’s marriage by the Senators.
• Brabantio’s disapproval of Othello.
• Iago’s disapproval of Othello and Desdemona’s relationship.
• Iago’s anger over Emilia’s past relationship with Othello.
• The general disapproval of mixed race love and marriage in the society at the time.

1.1 Introduction

1.1.1 Specifications

1.2 Background

1.2.1 Shakespeare

1.2.3 Tragedy

1.2.4 Historical Context

1.3 Othello

1.3.1 Setting

1.3.2 Social Issues

2 Act One: Summaries & Themes

2.1 Act and Scene Summaries

2.1.1 Structure

2.1.2 The Exam

2.2 Scene One

2.2.1 Key Events

2.2.2 Key Themes

2.2.3 Key Ideas

2.3 Scene Two

2.3.1 Key Events

2.3.2 Key Themes

2.3.3 Key Ideas

2.4 Scene Three

2.4.1 Key Events

2.4.2 Key Events 2

2.4.3 Key Themes

2.4.4 Key Ideas

3 Act Two: Summaries & Themes

3.1 Scene One & Two

3.1.1 Scene One: Events

3.1.2 Key Events 2

3.1.3 Key Ideas: Love & Tragedy

3.1.4 Scene Two: Events

3.2 Scene Three

3.2.1 Key Events

3.2.2 Key Ideas

4 Act Three: Summaries & Themes

4.1 Key Events

4.1.1 Scene One & Two

4.1.2 Scene Three

4.1.3 Scene Three: Key Ideas

4.1.4 Scene Four

5.1 Scene One

5.1.1 Key Events

5.1.2 Key Ideas

5.2 Scene Two

5.2.1 Key Events

5.2.2 Key Ideas

5.3 Scene Three

5.3.1 Key Events

5.3.2 Key Ideas

6.1 Scene One

6.1.1 Key Events

6.1.2 Key Ideas

6.2 Scene Two

6.2.1 Key Events

6.2.2 Key Ideas

7 Character Profiles

7.1 Major Characters

7.1.1 Othello

7.1.3 Desdemona

7.1.4 Emilia

7.1.5 Cassio

7.2 Minor Characters

7.2.1 Roderigo & Brabantio

7.2.2 Other Characters

8 Key Themes

8.1 Love & Tragedy

8.1.2 Love 2

8.1.3 Tragedy

8.1.4 Tragedy 2

8.2 Other Key Themes

8.2.1 Public versus Private

8.2.2 Appearance & Reality

9 Writing Techniques

9.1 Writing Techniques

9.1.1 Structure

9.1.2 Genre

9.1.3 Form & Language

9.1.4 Language & Imagery

10 Critical Debates

10.1 Criticism & Performance

10.1.1 Shakespeare's Legacy

10.1.2 Traditional

10.1.3 Modern & Contemporary

10.2 Approaches

10.2.1 Feminist Approach

10.2.2 Psychoanalytic Approach

10.2.3 Marxist Approach

11 Approaching AQA English Literature

11.1 Specification A

11.1.1 Specification A

11.1.2 Love Through the Ages

11.2 Specification B

11.2.1 Specification B

11.2.2 Aspects of Tragedy

12 Issues of Assessment

12.1 The Exams

12.1.2 Mark Scheme

Jump to other topics

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Othello Exemplar Essays and Essay Plans (A-level)

Subject: English

Age range: 16+

Resource type: Assessment and revision

Last updated

24 April 2023

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From AQA A-level English Literature A ‘Love through the ages’ (7711, 7712) -*I sat my exams in June 2018 and achieved an A grade. *

This resource contains a list of 25-mark essay plans (fully-written essays as well as structured plans), and a list of key quotations:

Discuss how Shakespeare presents the relationship between Othello and Desdemona in this extract and elsewhere in the play (25 marks)

'As lovers, Othello and Desdemona either worship or despise one another. There is no middle ground.’ In light of this view, discuss how Shakespeare presents Othello’s and Desdemona’s attitudes towards one another in this extract and elsewhere in the play. (25 marks)

‘Paradoxically, texts present jealousy as a destructive force existing within the deepest of love’. In light of this view, discuss how Shakespeare presents Othello’s feelings for Desdemona in this extract and elsewhere in the play. (25 marks)

Structured plans

• ‘Bleak, pessimistic view on love: it is a cause of misery and sadness’
• Typically, love is presented as an all-consuming, malicious force’. In light of this view, discuss how Shakespeare presents love in this passage and elsewhere in the play.
• In Othello, females are presented as weak-minded and subservient in their relationships with their husband’. In light of this view, discuss how Shakespeare presents marital love in this extract and elsewhere in the play.
• ‘Shakespeare presents love as successfully transcending boundaries and difficulties’. In light of this view, examine the relationship between Othello and Desdemona in this extract and elsewhere in the play.
• ‘Typically, texts present men as unable to control their emotions or act rationally upon them’. In light of this view, discuss how Shakespeare presents Othello’s emotions in this extract and elsewhere in the play.

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Essay: The theme of jealousy in the play Othello

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• Subject area(s): Literature essays
• Reading time: 5 minutes
• Price: Free download
• Published: 22 January 2022*
• Last Modified: 1 August 2024
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• Tags: Othello essays

Text preview of this essay:

This page of the essay has 1,518 words.

Othello, written by William Shakespeare is the story of sexualized jealousy. Jealousy and envy take a toll on the story from beginning to end. Jealousy is the “green-eyed monster” that is inherently unreasonable. Othello, as well as, the other characters feature jealousy as the dominant motive for their actions. Shakespeare portrays sexual and romantic jealousy, as well as professional jealousy as the evident cause of self-destruction. Othello’s insecurities drive him to be jealous of Cassio. Iago’s jealousy of Othello urges him to shatter Othello’s relationship with Desdemona. Throughout Othello, Shakespeare idolizes that love becomes hate, and hate becomes love. For the characters, the distinction of these feelings is being blurred. Jealousy amongst the characters is the causation for their consequential actions. “In the early modern period, to be envious of something was to want something you did not have, and to be jealous was to fear losing something that you did’ (Olson 8). William Shakespeare proves through his literary work Othello, that if jealousy becomes part of ones’ personality, it can control us and once it does, one loses the ability to ration.

Roderigo is a minor character, who carries out the thematic desire of jealousy. However, Roderigo’s jealousy does not change the way he acts and behaves. His purpose in Othello is carried out through the manipulations of Iago. Iago realizes that Roderigo is in love with Desdemona, so he convinces Roderigo that he can make Desdemona fall in love with him. Roderigo is jealous of Othello for having Desdemona, the girl he thinks he cannot have. Roderigo sees Othello as an opponent, which he has to compete with in order to win Desdemona’s heart. “What a full fortune does the thick-lips owe, / If he can carry it thus,” Roderigo says expressing his emotions of Othello having Desdemona out of luck (Othello 1.1.67-68). It is because of this Roderigo continues to seek Iago’s advice. Iago uses Roderigo’s jealousy to his advantage. Iago persuades Roderigo to confront Desdemona’s father, Brabantio. He tells Roderigo “Call up her father, Rouse him…poison his delights…do, with like timorous accent and dire yell,” (1.1.64-65). Iago is not concerned with how Roderigo truly feels. “His intentions are not to help Roderigo seek Desdemona but to have Brabantio after Othello because it will cause him, Othello, distress” (Putnam 43). Roderigo’s love for Desdemona has clouded his judgment which leads him susceptible to Iago’s manipulation. Roderigo falling into Iago’s plan, is betrayed and killed by Iago, leading to his downfall.

“Iago is a man blinded by envy and anger, with a goal in mind for everyone to become equally jealous, which aim he completes through his betrayal and manipulation of characters” (43). Iago can identify the weaknesses of the other characters and uses their weakness to harvest jealousy within them. Iago provides a distinction of envy and jealousy. He is envious, rather than jealous, of Cassio, who earned the position of lieutenant rather than himself. Iago believes he should have earned the position rather than Cassio because he is more experienced. Iago plans to disrupt and destroy the life of Cassio. While in Cyprus, Iago urges Cassio to drink a lot of alcohol to disprove his position in front of Othello. Iago conceives a plan for Roderigo to attack Cassio. Roderigo falling into Iago’s plan, attacks Cassio, leading to the demotion of Cassio. Iago reveals his evil capabilities after he successfully gets Cassio fired. Iago is however, sexually jealous of his wife Emilia. Emilia is rumored to have been sleeping with Othello. Iago is an inherently jealous character, yet he does not seem convinced: “I know not if’t be true, / But I, for mere suspicion of that kind, / Will do as if for surety” (Othello 1.3.369-72). His jealousy develops which grows into greater hatred for Othello. Iago’s rejection for the position of lieutenant is not the reason for his manipulation. However, it is that Iago wants everyone to feel the jealousy and anger that consumes him. In Iago’s soliloquies, Shakespeare conveys Iago is not driven by reason but by passion. According to Marcia Macaulay, Iago “is consumed by a desire to best those whom he feels rightly or wrongly have wronged him” (4). Iago’s jealous rampage has affected his relationships with Othello, Roderigo, and Cassio. Iago is not affected by jealousy personally, however, his jealousy has affected the other characters. It has destroyed lives and relationships. Iago’s jealousy of Othello and Cassio have made him responsible for the deaths of Emilia, Desdemona, Othello, and Roderigo. William Shakespeare portrays Iago as one of the evilest villains.

Othello is not an inherently jealous character; however, Iago drags out the jealousy within him. Othello is a confident and dignified character; however, the audience sees a transformation in his personality as he begins to use bestial language and make accusations. “Iago so desperately wants Othello to become insane with jealousy, and he initiates this envy and rage by creating lies of Desdemona’s unfaithfulness” (Putnam 45). He conceives a plan and delivers a story of betrayal to Othello in which destroys the matrimony between Othello and Desdemona. Iago does so by deceit and trickery fueling a jealous rage within Othello. Iago learns that Cassio has been appointed lieutenant instead of himself and seeks revenge on Othello. Iago convinces Othello that Desdemona is having an affair with Cassio. Iago chooses Cassio to be the victim because he is consumed with so much jealousy of not being appointed lieutenant. “When initially confronted with Iago’s suspicions, [Othello] boldly rejects the imputation that he possesses a jealous disposition” (Olson 12). However, when Desdemona becomes relentless at dinner about reinstating Cassio Othello’s jealousy grows. “Give me a living reason she’s disloyal,” Othello demands, threatening Iago that he must prove of Desdemona’s affair (Othello 3.3.61). As Othello’s jealousy rages, Iago offers many ‘proofs’ in which is the beginning of his plan to enrage Othello. Desdemona drops a handkerchief which Othello gave her, and Iago uses it for his own deceit. Iago plants the handkerchief in Cassio’s room and proclaims to Othello he has seen Cassio with such a handkerchief. “Othello turns the appraising gaze at himself and begins to doubt Desdemona’s attraction to him” (Olson 14). Othello’s jealousy develops as the audience learns his mind is being controlled by Iago. Iago’s words of Cassio talking in his sleep confessing his love for Desdemona burned into Othello’s brain. Othello’s perception of Cassio has completely changed because of Iago. Othello has ordered Iago to murder Cassio. Pretending to have doubts of Othello’s wish, Iago has asked him to reconsider. In response Othello says:

Never, Iago… Even so my bloody thoughts, with violent pace, Shall ne’er look back, ne’er ebb to humble love, Till that a capable and wide revenge Swallow them up (Othello 3.3.454, 458-461).

Othello has turned his love and respect for Cassio into hatred. Othello has become jealous and begins to suspect Desdemona’s intentions. Iago has power over Othello because of trust, loyalty, and evidence of infidelity. Othello does not need to be jealous but is because he allows Iago to manipulate him. Othello only takes into consideration what Iago has said and presented to him. He had the choice to ask Desdemona of the affair but chooses to trust Iago. Othello’s jealousy has worked him into trance leading him to smothering Desdemona to death. His feelings of love for Desdemona has turned into murderous hatred. As Othello is being consumed by jealousy, he speaks such words, “Yet she must die, else she’ll betray more men” (5.2.7-8). Othello believes he cannot have Desdemona anymore and commits an act of murder so no one can have her. Only after murdering Desdemona, Othello discovers the truth of Iago’s intentions allowing Othello to return to the man he once was. Othello, a tragic hero , takes his own life and asks to be remembered as “not easily jealous.” William Shakespeare has conveyed that personal weakness and insecurities can drive oneself to be incapable of rational thoughts. Shakespeare has portrayed through Othello that jealousy is a personal flaw.

William Shakespeare has explored the theme of jealousy in the play Othello. With Iago, Othello, and Roderigo, Shakespeare conveys the effects of jealousy. Shakespeare portrays how human emotions can be manipulated leading to self-destruction. Jealousy is what drives the character’s lives from beginning to end of Othello. Othello and Roderigo’s jealousy are not self-inherited, rather fashioned by Iago. Othello, written by William Shakespeare conveys a story of sexualized and professional jealousy. Self-inflicted insecurities and self-inherited jealousy are the prominent causes of self-destruction throughout the play. With the characters Othello, Iago, and Roderigo, Shakespeare idolizes love becoming hate, and hate becoming love. To be envious was to want something one did not believe they could have, and to be jealous was to lose something you had. William Shakespeare conveys in Othello, jealousy can consume a person through manipulation, and once it does, a person loses ability to think clearly and reason.

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This text is included in  Paper 1 . You can find notes and guides for it below.

• Literary Form

Additional Reading & Videos:

• Essay: Homosocial Desire and its Conversion to Homosexual Desire
• Essay: The Symbolic Significance of Desdemona’s Handkerchief
• Essay: Men, Women and War: An Examination of Gender Conflicts within Othello
• Thesis: Courtship, Love, and Marriage in Othello: Shakespeare’s Mockery of Courtly Love
• Essay: Too Gentle: Jealousy and Class in Othello
• Video: Racism in Othello
• Video: The Question of Race in Othello
• Film: Othello (modern-day adaptation, dir. Geoffrey Sax 2001)
• Film: Othello (filmed theatrical production, 1965)

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Key Themes (Othello)

This section explores the key themes  in Othello by William Shakespeare. The key themes in the play include: jealousy, race, manipulation, love, honour, appearance vs reality, and gender roles. These themes interweave to create a tragic narrative that explores the darker aspects of human nature. Shakespeare’s portrayal of these themes provides insight into the complexities of relationships, power, and identity, making the play a powerful exploration of the destructive potential of emotions and societal pressures.

Overview: Jealousy is the central theme of the play, driving the tragic plot and shaping the actions of key characters, especially Othello and Iago.

Othello’s Jealousy: Othello’s intense love for Desdemona is poisoned by jealousy when he begins to suspect her infidelity. Iago exploits Othello’s insecurities, manipulating him into believing that Desdemona is having an affair with Cassio. Othello’s descent into jealousy transforms him from a composed and noble man into someone capable of murder.

Iago’s Jealousy: Iago’s own jealousy is multi-faceted. He feels slighted when Cassio is promoted over him and harbours unfounded suspicions that Othello has had an affair with his wife, Emilia. This jealousy fuels his desire for revenge and his manipulative actions.

Impact: The theme of jealousy shows how destructive and irrational emotions can be. It corrupts Othello’s judgement and leads to tragedy, serving as a warning about the dangers of unchecked jealousy.

Race and Racism

Overview: Othello, as a Moor, is an outsider in Venetian society, and his race is a significant factor in how he is perceived by others. Shakespeare explores the prejudices and racial tensions that affect Othello’s position.

Othello’s Status: Although Othello is respected as a military leader, his race sets him apart. Characters like Iago and Brabantio express overtly racist views, referring to Othello as "the Moor" and using animalistic imagery to dehumanise him. Iago’s racism is evident in his repeated references to Othello’s skin colour and his belief that Desdemona’s love for Othello is unnatural.

Internalised Racism: Othello’s own insecurities about his race contribute to his tragic downfall. He is aware that he is an outsider in Venetian society, and Iago exploits this, making Othello doubt Desdemona’s love for him, implying that a young, white Venetian woman could never truly love someone like him.

Impact: The play reveals the destructive effects of racism, both overt and internalised. Othello’s tragic end is influenced not only by Iago’s manipulation but also by the racial prejudices of the society in which he lives.

Manipulation and Deceit

Overview: Deceit and manipulation are central to Iago’s character and his ability to control and destroy those around him. Iago's duplicitous nature is the driving force behind the tragic events of the play.

Iago’s Manipulation: Iago manipulates Othello, Cassio, Roderigo, and even his wife, Emilia. His skill lies in exploiting the weaknesses and desires of others: Othello’s insecurity, Roderigo’s infatuation with Desdemona, and Cassio’s honour. Iago’s deceit is so effective because he presents himself as honest and trustworthy, earning the nickname "Honest Iago."

The Handkerchief: The handkerchief serves as a symbol of Iago’s manipulation. He uses it to plant false evidence of Desdemona’s infidelity, further convincing Othello that she has betrayed him. This small, seemingly insignificant object becomes the linchpin of Iago’s deception.

Impact: The theme of manipulation highlights how easily truth can be distorted and how dangerous false appearances can be. Iago’s web of deceit ultimately leads to the play’s tragic conclusion, demonstrating the devastating consequences of lies and manipulation.

Love and Betrayal

Overview: The theme of love is presented in several forms, from the romantic love between Othello and Desdemona to the toxic, manipulative relationship between Iago and Emilia. However, love in the play is often tainted by betrayal.

Othello and Desdemona’s Love: Othello and Desdemona’s love is initially portrayed as strong and true. Despite societal expectations and Brabantio’s disapproval, they defy the odds to be together. However, this love becomes corrupted by Iago’s manipulation, leading Othello to doubt Desdemona’s fidelity and ultimately kill her in a jealous rage.

Betrayal: Othello’s belief in Desdemona’s betrayal is the result of Iago’s lies. Iago betrays the trust of every character in the play, especially Othello, who considers him a close friend. Emilia, too, is betrayed by Iago when he uses her to further his plot and later kills her when she exposes him.

Impact: The play portrays the fragility of love and the ease with which it can be destroyed by mistrust and betrayal. Othello’s tragedy is not just the result of jealousy but also of the betrayal of trust, both between husband and wife and between friends.

Honour and Reputation

Overview: Honour and reputation are key concerns for many characters in the play, particularly Othello and Cassio. The theme explores how personal and professional honour affects individuals’ actions and how reputation can be easily damaged.

Othello’s Honour: As a general, Othello’s reputation for honour and integrity is central to his identity. His fear of being dishonoured by Desdemona’s supposed infidelity contributes to his jealousy and eventual downfall. His final act of suicide is an attempt to regain his lost honour after realising he has been manipulated.

Cassio’s Reputation: Cassio is also deeply concerned with his reputation. After being dismissed from his position following a drunken brawl, his primary goal is to regain Othello’s trust and restore his honour. Iago uses Cassio’s concern for his reputation to manipulate him into unwittingly helping to fuel Othello’s jealousy.

Impact: The theme of honour highlights the societal pressures placed on men to maintain their status and reputation, particularly in the male-dominated world of Venetian military and political life. It also shows how fragile reputation can be and how easily it can be destroyed by lies and manipulation.

Appearance vs Reality

Overview: The theme of appearance versus reality runs throughout the play, as characters are often deceived by false appearances. This is most evident in Iago, who presents himself as honest while secretly plotting the downfall of those around him.

Iago’s Deception: Iago’s manipulation depends on his ability to present a false image. He is repeatedly referred to as "honest Iago," even though he is anything but. His skill at appearing trustworthy allows him to deceive Othello and the other characters easily.

Othello’s Misjudgement: Othello is deceived by Iago’s appearance of honesty and by the false evidence of Desdemona’s infidelity. He fails to see the reality of her loyalty and love because of Iago’s lies. This theme emphasises how perception can be manipulated and how reality can be obscured by deceit.

Impact: The theme of appearance versus reality underscores the play’s exploration of trust and deception. It shows how people can be blinded by what they expect or want to see, rather than the truth.

Gender Roles and Women

Overview: The play reflects the patriarchal society of the time, in which women are often seen as property and are expected to be obedient and chaste. The relationships between men and women in the play reveal the unequal power dynamics and the limited agency of women.

Desdemona’s Role: Desdemona is presented as a virtuous and loyal wife, yet she is ultimately powerless in the face of Othello’s jealousy and Iago’s manipulation. Her love for Othello and her attempts to mediate between him and Cassio are misinterpreted as deceit, and her voice is silenced by Othello’s violent actions.

Emilia’s Role: Emilia, though more outspoken than Desdemona, is similarly trapped by the expectations of her role as a wife. She is manipulated by Iago and ultimately killed for exposing his deceit. However, she also delivers one of the play’s most powerful speeches, condemning the double standards placed on women and highlighting the injustices they face.

Impact: The play’s treatment of women reflects the patriarchal values of the time, but through characters like Emilia, Shakespeare also critiques these values. The theme highlights the vulnerability of women in a male-dominated society and the consequences of their lack of power.

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Othello Themes: Jealousy

• English Literature
• Created by: mhannah
• Created on: 27-04-18 00:20
• Bianca, Iago and Othello all believe that that they have been betrayed by those they love and they are all wrong
• Their sexual jealousy is a response to feelings of genuine love when the believe their partners have been unfaithful
• Perhaps Othello's insistence on proof might suggest that this jealous husband is a nobler man than Iago
• In 'Othello' sexual jealousy seems to be the flip side of boundless
• Iago's motives for revenge are inadequate and the proofs he provides flimsy
• Humiliating that Othello, a renowned and experienced soldier, should kill himself and his wife over a handkerchief which has absurdly come to symbolise his own and Desdemona'shonour
• Iago envies Cassio primarily because he is promoted to a post Iago has coveted
• Marxist approach could say that Iago is pushed to immorality due to the overwhelming/overbearing pressures of Venetian society
• Does Iago wish to destroy Othello's military reputation, as well as his marriage?
• "he foams at mouth, and...Breaks out to savage madness"
• "As he [Cassio] smile, Othello shall go mad"
• Emilia makes a connection between madness and jealousy when she describes how husbands "break out in peevish jealousies"
• If jealousy is associated with madness, to what extent is Othello responsible for the actions he commits when he is under its influence?
• "green-eyed monster"
• Fits with Iago's description of Othello as being "eaten up with passion"
• Jealousy is a form of tyranny; destroys love, honour and nobility in those it afflicts
• Othello wants to torture and kill his supposed rival Cassio, and once his jealousy has been proven false, Othello turns the sword on himself
• Iago continues plotting against Cassio after he has disgraced him and is not content with disturbing Othello's peace of mind: he must continue until Desdemona is dead
• Othello puts his "life upon [Desdemona] her faith"
• Othello's trust in cunning Iago, and his own quick decision making all conspire to make a jealous man out of him

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