Othello Essay - Jealousy

In Shakespearean plays jealousy usually plays a considerable role in the causing the tragedy. Shakespeare shows great understanding in human nature and human tendencies. One aspect of human nature that he has a lot of insight on is jealousy. Shakespeare understands jealousy well, and is able to illustrate how jealousy can bring out the worst in people. In Othello , it is clear that in law relationships will fail because jealousy makes both parties of the relationship act evil. In addition, jealousy can cause the downfall of a marriage. Moreover jealousy can initiate the downfall of a friendship. Jealousy can bring out the evil and irrational actions in a relationship, resulting in the failure of the relationship. Family (In Law) relationships will fail due to both parties acting evilly and irrationally because of jealousy. Jealousy can cause the destruction of a good father daughter relationship causing a father to betray his daughter. Desdemona and his daughter had a good relationship because Barbantio says, "I therefore vouch again/ That with some mixtures powerful o'er the blood,/ Or with some dram, conjured this effect, He wrought upon her" (Act 1 scene 3, line 103-105). This shows that she would never have wanted to leave her father of her own free will before. However due to the jealousy towards Othello for winning his daughter, Barbantio betrays his own daughter when he says, "God be with you! I have done. (act 1 scene3 line189). This quote shows that Barbantio disowns and betrays his daughter because he is jealous that she has chose Othello over him, ending their father daughter relationship. Moreover, Barbantio and Othello had a good relationship until jealousy caused Barbantio to become racist. Othello says, "Her father loved me, oft invited me" (Act 1 scene3 line128), this shows that Barbantio and Othello had a good relationship. Afterwards, Barbantio exclaimed that, "I'd rather adopt a child then get it." (Act 1 Scene 3 line