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Feelings Of Jealousy In Shakespeare's Othello

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Othello is a play written by William Shakespeare. In which Othello, the protagonist, is overcome by feelings of jealousy which is a common theme throughout the play. Jealousy can be very healthy. However, if out of control, it can lead to violence. It can take control of the mind. In some cases, it can even lead to terrible illness and death, much like it did with Othello who committed suicide. Jealousy is a completely necessary human emotion and a common passion. It exhibits many forms but it is not simply defined. Untamed jealousy can turn dangerous. Jealousy is completely normal while in control Jealousy is a “base” passion (III, iii, 366) that often exists between the couple and the so called rival (Todd, Dewhurst, 1). It is part of human …show more content…

It is a natural part of human nature that stems from the evolutionary past of humans (Buss, 1) Psychologists deduct that jealousy is distinct from a conscious experience. It is mainly affected by how the situation is viewed (Salovey, 1), it is a subconscious feeling that is completely natural. Any human in normal mental condition is susceptible to jealousy. It is, in simple terms, an anxious insecurity (Buss, 1). Jealousy is the need to be needed (Tov, Ruach, 1980) and includes fear of loss, anger over betrayal and insecurity (Adams, Davies, 1985). These are all defining aspects of our nature. They are what set us apart and make us …show more content…

Iago is perhaps one of the most notorious villains in the entire shakespearean canon. This evil mastermind uses the possessive properties of the human psyche to bring ruin upon the lives of the protagonist Othello and his lovely wife, the fair Desdemona. He accomplished this feat through his insight on the destructive powers of jealousy, which he put to use in making Othello a pawn in his plan. Iago managed to gradually make Othello suspect that his innocent wife Desdemona was cheating on him with lieutenant Cassio who, in Othello’s mind, had taken the shape of the rival. Iago did this by showing Othello that Cassio was in possession of Desdemona’s handkerchief, a gift which Othello had given to Desdemona on the night they fell in love, when Othello asked for ocular proof (III, iii, 360) of the affair. All while have stolen the handkerchief and hidden it in Cassio’s possession himself. But this process awakened the dangerous form of jealousy in the heart and soul of

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