The author gives each character a fatal flaw that develops gradually throughout the play and has a detrimental impact on the outcome. “Othello” is a prime example of Shakespeare employing his preferred writing method. Yet, the two lovers could arguably handle fate’s shenanigans had they, not such personal qualities that doomed their romance before it even began. Thus, Othello and Desdemona confront external forces seeking to harm their love. At the same time, he makes a conscious effort to destroy his lord’s marriage by leaving Desdemona’s handkerchief in her former lover’s bedroom, for “ trifles light as air / are to the jealous confirmations strong / as proofs of holy writ” (3.3.323-325). The deceptive ensign warns Othello about the dangers of being jealous by saying “ O, beware, my lord, of jealousy! It is the green-eyed monster” (3.3.165-166). His insecurities allow Iago to manipulate him and play with his feelings. Othello is already somewhat disadvantaged: despite his high social status, he doubts Desdemona’s motives and whether the entire venture was nothing more than a youthful rebellion. This essay will discuss why the relationship between Othello and Desdemona was doomed from the start and how their tragic fate relates to the topic of jealousy.įirst, as in his other tragedies, Shakespeare puts his characters in a hostile milieu or at least, in an environment that does not foster their aspirations. By tying a knot with someone so racially different, the woman defies social expectations and goes against her family. As a black man in 16th century Venice, Othello finds himself in an unlikely romance and later, a secret marriage with Desdemona, the daughter of a wealthy senator. The plot of Shakespeare’s 1603 tragedy revolves around two main characters: Othello, a Moorish general drafted to the Venetian army, and Iago, who disguises himself as Othello’s friend but is treacherous. Othello and Desdemona: Relationship Built on Jealousy “Speak of me as I am / nothing extenuate, nor set down aught in malice: / then must you speak of one that loved not wisely but too well / Of one not easily jealous, but being wrought perplex’d in the extreme” No, Iago I’ll see before I doubt / when I doubt, prove / and on the proof, / there is no more but this,- / away at once with love or jealousy!” ‘Tis not to make me jealous to say my wife is fair, / feeds well, loves company, / is free of speech, sings, plays and dances well / where virtue is, these are more virtuous: / nor from mine own weak merits / will I draw the smallest fear or doubt of her revolt / for she had eyes, and chose me. “Why, why is this? / Think’st thou I’d make a life of jealousy, / to follow still the changes of the moon With fresh suspicions?/ No to be once in doubt Is once to be resolved: / exchange me for a goat, when I shall turn the business of my soul to such exsufflicate and blown surmises, / matching thy inference. “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 vapors of a dungeon, / Than keep a corner of the thing I love / For others’ uses.” It is a monster / Begot upon itself, born on itself.” They are not ever jealous for the cause, / But jealous for they’re jealous. “But jealous souls will not be answered so. “Trifles light as air / Are to the jealous confirmations strong / As proofs of holy writ.” “O, beware, my lord, of jealousy! / It is the green-eyed monster”
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