The Manipulation Of Jealousy In Shakespeare's Othello

“O, beware, my lord, of jealousy;It is the green-eyed monster which doth mock.The meat it feeds on; that cuckold lives in bliss. Who, certain of his fate, loves not his wronger; But, O, what damned minutes tells he o'er. Who dotes, yet doubts, suspects, yet strongly loves” (3.3.163-168). In Shakespeare’s Othello, jealousy is the common theme that becomes Othello’s undoing. Through text in the play, the audience can notice Othello slowly begin to become crazed through his speech. In the opening scenes, Shakespeare portrays Othello as a noble character. When Brabantio seeks vengeance for "stealing" his daughter, Othello expresses his actions with, "tongue out his [Brabantio's] complaints" (1.2.21). Throughout this scene, Othello remains calm …show more content…

Othello was a noble gentleman and was known for his greatness. He never compared people to animals or used animals in his everyday language. This changed once Iago began to manipulate and lie to him. As Othello’s character changed from good to evil, he started to use animal imagery. After Iago planted more lies about Desdemona and her relationships with Cassio, Othello’s lieutenant, Othello said to himself, “O curse of marriage, that we can call these delicate creatures ours and not their appetites! I had rather be a toad and live upon the vapour of the dungeon than keep a corner in the thing I love for others’ uses” (III, iii, 270-5). In this quote Othello is talking very negatively about his wife Desdemona. He says to himself that he would rather be a toad, than stay in a relationship with Desdemona. This show’s how his love for Desdemona slowly …show more content…

She never truly changes, even after all of the hardships that she faces throughout. Her final words illustrate how powerful and loyal she was. She says to Emilia, “Nobody; I myself. Farewell. Commend me to my kind lord. O farewell” (V, ii, 125-6). Before saying this, Othello strangled and tried to kill Desdemona. He thought that she was dead, but just as Emilia came in, Desdemona said her last few words. Emilia asked her what happened and who had done this to her. And in response, Desdemona said that quote above. Although Othello was the one who killed her, she did not want to expose her husband. She remained loyal to him even after all of the terrible things that he did to her. Desdemona never said anything negative about Othello throughout the play, and did not use animal imagery once. Although not every character was evil, the ones who used animal imagery were truly separated from those who never used