Jealousy is a huge topic in the play. The Stage directions and quotes about jealousy make it very obvious that Shakespeare wants to show how dangerous jealousy can be. Othello is supposed to demonstrate how, out of all emotions, jealousy is one of strongest and most upsetting. “Othello’s own words claim that his mind creates these images because he’s jealous- if he wasn’t experiencing those feelings, he wouldn’t see Desdemona with Cassio”.
Othello’s mind is so consumed by the images that he has lost touch with reality to some degree. Othello’s increasing use of the word “jealous” shows his obsession with the emotion. Othello is not only jealous of Cassio, but also of Desdemona’s father, Brabanzio. Othello is jealous of the father because he has what Othello wants, which is Desdemona. Othello’s jealousy leads to his downfall and the death of those around him.”
The theme of appearance vs. reality is also present in Othello. The characters are not always what they seem. Othello appears to be a noble and fearless general, but he is actually quite gullible and easily manipulated. Iago appears to be a loyal and honest friend, but he is actually a devious liar with ulterior motives. Desdemona appears to be a naïve and innocent young woman, but she is actually quite strong-willed and capable of disobeying her father and eloping with Othello. The theme of appearance vs. reality is explored through the use of irony, symbolism, and foreshadowing.
The theme of love vs. hate is also present in the play. Othello claims to love Desdemona, but he actually hatest her when he is consumed by jealousy. Iago claims to love Othello, but he actually hates him and wants to destroy him. The love between Othello and Desdemona is eventually destroyed by the hate that Othello feels towards her.
Jealousy is what compels Iago to scheme against Othello, and it’s also the means by which Iago stokes Othello’s passions. Throughout the play, both Roderigo and Bianca exhibit jealousy at various points, while Emilia demonstrates that she too knows the emotion well—calling it a creature “born upon itself”. Othello’s fatal flaw is his inability to understand human nature; if he could recognize his own jealousy, much of tragedy might have been avoided.
Othello’s tragic flaw is his jealousy, which leads him to believe that Desdemona is cheating on him and prompts him to take her life. Othello is not the only character in the play who experiences the emotion of jealousy; several other characters exhibit signs of this green-eyed monster.
Jealousy is one of the play’s major themes, as it motivates several of the characters’ actions.
Racism is a prominent motif in Othello as it largely affects how the characters interact with each other. Those who are racist, like Iago, tend to dislike individuals like Othello simply because of their skin color. Additionally, racism dictates how Othello views himself; he perceives himself as an outcast even though he is nothing of the sort. His race sets him apart from everyone else and makes him very self-conscious; therefore, he works hard to maintain his reputation and be seen as equal to those around him who are not black.
Othello’s insecurities about his race cause him to doubt Desdemona’s love for him, which is Iago’s main goal. Othello’s tragic flaw is insecurity, and this is what leads to his undoing.
Jealousy is another significant theme as it leads to Othello’s downfall. Othello is repeatedly referred to as “the Moor,” which emphasizes his difference from the other characters in the play. This otherness makes Othello feel insecure, and he becomes consumed by jealousy when Iago tells him that Desdemona has been unfaithful. Othello’s lack of self-confidence leads him to believe Iago’s lies, and he becomes consumed by anger and jealousy. Othello’s tragic flaw is his insecurity, which leads to his undoing.
The theme of appearance vs. reality is also significant as it is Othello’s inability to see beyond appearances that causes his downfall. Othello is deceived by Iago because he does not look beyond the surface of things. Othello takes people at face value, and this makes him gullible. He does not suspect Iago of deception because he appears to be honest and trustworthy. Othello’s tragic flaw is his gullibility, which leads to his undoing.
The theme of love is also significant as it is Othello’s love for Desdemona that leads him to his downfall. Othello is consumed by jealousy and anger when he believes that Desdemona has been unfaithful. Othello’s tragic flaw is his insecurity, which leads to his undoing.
The theme of pride is also significant as it is Othello’s pride that leads him to his downfall. Othello is proud of his military accomplishments, and this makes him overconfident. Othello’s overconfidence leads him to believe Iago’s lies, and he becomes consumed by jealousy and anger. Othello’s tragic flaw is his overconfidence, which leads to his undoing.
Othello’s tragic flaw is his insecurity, which leads to his undoing. Othello is proud of his military accomplishments, and this makes him overconfident. Othello’s overconfidence leads him to believe Iago’s lies, and he becomes consumed by jealousy and anger. Othello’s tragic flaw is his overconfidence, which leads to his downfall.
Iago’s racist tendencies toward Othello are made clear when he says, “Even now, now, very now, an old black ram/ Is tupping your white ewe” (1. 1. 87-88). This statement both degrades and demeans Othello as Iago is comparing him to a livestock animal. As black people were often associated with demons during Shakespearean times due to the color of their skin, the origins of Iago’s racism become evident. Animal imagery is used throughout the play to show Iago’s continued contempt for Othello – telling Brabantio that his daughter and Othello are nothing more than animals copulating.
Othello’s tragic flaw is his lack of self-confidence which allows Iago to take advantage of him. Othello is consumed by jealousy and insecurity, allowing Iago to convince him that Desdemona is cheating on him. Othello’s tragic downfall is a result of his own actions and choices, not because of Iago’s manipulation. Othello ultimately kills himself out of guilt and shame for murdering the woman he loves, revealing the play’s themes of love, death, and betrayal.
Othello is a tragedy written by William Shakespeare that tells the story of Othello, a Moorish general in the Venetian army. Othello is manipulated by his ensign, Iago, into believing that his wife, Desdemona, is cheating on him. Othello ultimately kills Desdemona and himself, revealing the play’s themes of love, death, and betrayal. While racism and insecurity are major themes in Othello, it is ultimately Othello’s choices and actions that lead to his tragic downfall.