The Destruction Of Jealousy In Othello By William Shakespeare

To learn a lesson is to gain insight on matters from mistakes or past experiences. Everyone can learn from others to avoid mistakes that can be stressful. In the play Othello, written by William Shakespeare, the main characters demonstrate actions that we all can learn from so we do not end up in uncomfortable positions. In the beginning, an evil plan is made out of jealousy in hopes to hurt others and their reputations. The gullible protagonist quickly believes the lies of others, betrays his friend and orders his death. The antagonist convinces a fool to chase after a married women knowing that money can be extorted. In the play, we can learn to control our jealousy unlike the awful Iago, not to betray our peers the way Othello betrays Cassio,
He had no self-control which led to his demise. Othello gives the well-deserved promotion to Cassio instead of Iago. Overcome with jealousy, Iago hates the fact that Othello overlooks his experience. He devises an evil plan that would allow him to watch Cassio suffer. After Othello decided Cassio as his lieutenant, Iago says to Roderigo on the street of Venice, “I know my price; I am worth no worse a place.”(1.1.11) bitterly because he believes that he was cheated out of the promotion since Cassio had better connections. Out of sheer hatred, Iago wants both Othello and Cassio to regret their actions. Othello, who falls prey to deceit, drowns in jealousy. Othello begins to allow Iago to talk poorly of Desdemona as his resentment grows toward her. He wants her to himself; no other man should have her attention. Now that he believes Desdemona is impure, his ego starts to wither. Witnessing Cassio beg Desdemona, he says to Iago, “Think’st thou I’ld make a life of jealousy, / to follow still the changes of the moon” (3.3.178-179) with his pride hurt he begins to doubt himself as a husband. He decides to take action and act on his twisted thoughts and now hates Cassio. Othello is now completely enveloped in jealousy. Iago and Othello both prove the cause and effect of jealousy and how it needs to be
If Othello had learned to not be gullible, this would help him see though Iago’s treachery. Othello eagerly accepts the advice from people he has wronged in the past. His trust is obliterated when he learns that Desdemona has been with Cassio, though a lie. Othello’s judgement is clouded with lies and he hurts his loved ones. Filled with hate, he says to Desdemona, “Lest, being like one of heaven, the devils themselves / should fear to seize thee.” So he can show her that his hatred for her is beyond heaven. Othello lest the words Iago planted in his mind poison his love for her as he decides to sacrifice her to atone for her sins. The foolish Roderigo also accepts the empty promises of Iago and meets his fate. He was desperate for Desdemona but couldn’t seem to get her himself. Roderigo’s lust took control of his judgement when Iago made him promises of Desdemona and he followed him then agreed to help Iago in a planned murder which cost him his life. The moment Iago stabs him, Roderigo says, “O damn’d Iago! O inhuman dog!”(5.1.63) because he was in realization that he was exploited by Iago. Roderigo now lies on a street in Cyprus with his life fading because he was too