Othello Paper

Ashley Ducrepin
H.E 10 – Mr. George
02.06.09
Othello


The renowned American journalist Helen Rowland once said, “Jealousy is the tie that binds, and binds, and binds.” Jealousy is one of the most terrible emotions to possess and once it is acquired, it is certainly difficult to conquer. It is also dangerous, because as it continues to accumulate it causes one to perform atrocious acts. In Shakespeare’s work, Othello, jealousy is a major theme that ultimately determines the course of actions throughout the play. At the start of the play we are immediately introduced to Iago, who is infuriated that his friend Othello nominated Cassio as his lieutenant. The thought of being less worthy of the position provokes a feeling of jealousy towards Cassio. Once that jealousy is established, he develops a resentful attitude towards Othello and attacks. This “tie” evolves into the thought of seeking revenge. While Iago’s actions seem unclear, his motive throughout the play is to satiate his envy and carry out a vengeance by corrupting Othello. He is under the impression that Othello slept with his wife, Emilia so he’ll stop at nothing to see Othello suffer. His first order of business, however, is to get Cassio out the picture and get closer to Othello. As the famous saying goes; “Keep your friends close and your enemies closer.”

Iago has his mind set on obtaining that role of lieutenant no matter what. He believes he is much more worthy of the position than Cassio: “Michael Cassio…that never set a squadron in the field,/Nor the division of a battle knows more than a spinster” (Shakespeare 1.1.17-21). Driven by jealousy and feeling more commendable of the position, Iago concocts a mischievous plan to cause Cassio’s displacement. Iago, well aware of Cassio’s low tolerance for alcohol, pressures him into drinking. After turning him down a couple of times, Cassio finally gives in and becomes drunk. He is so intoxicated that he picks a fight with Montano and stabs him. Othello comes out to see what all the fuss is about and is fuming that he’s been interrupted from a wonderful night with his wife, Desdemona. After learning what happened, Othello reluctantly informs Cassio, “Never more be officer of mine” (2.3.247). Not too long after Cassio is dismissed, Othello appoints Iago as his new lieutenant. It seems that Iago has accomplished what he sought out to achieve. However, Cassio was only a hindrance that he eliminated to gain something much greater than the responsibility of Othello’s lieutenant.

Being in the presence of Othello is an honor since he is such an admirable man in Cyprus. Despite the disapproved color of his skin, he is still respected especially for his service in war: “Othello, the fortitude of the place is/best known to you” (1.3.219-220). He has done so much for the city and Othello is aware of his power: “My parts, my title, and my perfect soul/shall manifest me rightly” (1.2.30-31). Any man would be happy to be in his shoes and those who failed to admit it were jealous. Iago remains the man to convey his detestation for Othello: “I do hate him [Othello] as I do hell-pains” (1.1.151). Iago uses the term “hell-pains” as a simile to show how much he hates Othello. The amount of hate Iago has for Othello is so great, it’s unimaginable. He has no respect for this honorable man and refers to him as, “the thick-lips” (1.1.62), “an old black ram” (1.1.85), and “a Barbary horse” (1.1.108-109). This hatred arises from his increased jealousy of Othello. As the jealousy accumulates, Iago looks to chastise Othello for supposedly sleeping with his wife.

Iago knows Desdemona is one of the most important factors in Othello’s life – if not the most important. Othello loves Desdemona very much, so Iago takes advantage of Othello’s vulnerability. Iago’s only chance of corrupting Othello is by damaging his relationship with her: “Nothing can or shall content my soul/Till I am evened with him, wife for wife …I put the Moor/At least into a jealousy so strong/That judgment cannot cure” (2.1.298-302). Iago uses his deceiving personality to make Othello believe Desdemona is committing adultery with the strapping Cassio. His reason for this horrid action is to satisfy his soul by becoming even with Othello. He wants Othello to know what it feels like to be betrayed. Unfortunately, Iago’s plan works out and it leads to the tragic deaths of many characters, including Desdemona and Othello.

While Iago’s actions seem unclear, his motive throughout the play is to satiate his envy and carry out a vengeance by corrupting Othello. Although his plan to get Cassio in trouble was knavish, it is clear why he did it. If one believes they truly deserve something and do not receive it, they have a right to be angry. Iago just went a little too far. He realized that if he could devise a plan to corrupt Cassio, then he can certainly corrupt Othello. Using his intelligence, Iago knew the only way he could heal his emotional wounds was to see Othello’s heartbroken. Just the thought of Desdemona with another man made Othello’s blood boil. In the end, Iago successfully corrupts Othello however he gains nothing out of it.