Essay Othello: Othello and Desdemona

Submitted By arizmendez582
Words: 837
Pages: 4

Suspicion the weakness of the brave

Othello is famous art of work that focuses on the dangers of jealousy. The play is a study of how jealousy can be fueled by mere circumstantial evidence and can destroy lives and change people’s integrity. In Othello, the hero succumbs to jealousy when Iago convinces him that Desdemona has been an unfaithful wife and in the end Othello murders his wife and then kills himself. It is interesting that Iago uses jealousy against Othello, yet jealousy is likely the source of Iago's hatred in the first place. In Othello, jealousy takes many forms, from sexual suspicion to professional competition, but it is, in all cases, destructive.

Of all the emotions humans show, jealousy is one of the most common and unsettling of our emotions. It tends to bring out the worst out of one, even though most know better, because it’s a delicate emotion that sometimes renders one weak or revengeful. It's an age-old problem, having been recorded since biblical times, and subjectively we can see this play out through the characters of Othello. Iago is the best example of that, the character of Iago is very revengeful but jealous to an extent of Othello. Iagos obsession with destruction and manipulation though out, give a sense that there lie’s an inner desire for Othello’s life or Othello’s popularity and stature. Iago manipulates tactfully slithering words to achieve his revenge towards Othello. Although jealousy is something relatable to human beings, this is an experience that is repetitive at times in life when we fear the losing something important or precious to us. In Othello, jealousy is a whisper of suspicion and with just a hint of that can cause the tallest of the brave to fall. . The ability to be a hypocrite to a noble friend and falsify truth, while hiding behind a truthful honest identity gives one the ability to see how Iagos jealousy turn so evil and amplifies throughout.
Now Othello has some accountability for the events that transpired throughout. He has great potential to lead legions of soldiers but is a weak and troubled man with the trustful bond of Desdemona and him. He commands so much from his subjects, as respect and obedience, yet he is indifferent to the relationship that Desdemona and Cassio create and conduct themselves with such a charming manner towards each other. Understanding that there needs to be a high level of respect for one’s husband or wife, so insecurities and jealousies are never ignited by ones inconsistency to be true in all aspects, and that is one thing that Desdemona lacks and therefore it creates a sparks of suspicion, a Trojan Horse paving the way for an idea to slip in. The actions and barriers she fluctuates between her, her husband and Iagos friendship and never questioned by Othello. She involves herself in matters that Othello commands, but yet he allows comments of persuasion, dealing with matters that don’t concern her, to be repeated and influence his judgment. So his jealousy blinds him to see that not only is it suspicion that breaks him down but he is also guilty of not controlling what is within