This paper expatiates on the topic of jealousy and revenge as it emanates from the play. Lily B. Campbell labels Othello “A Tragedy of Jealousy”.9 Certainly, for most recipients, Othello is about jealousy and, thus, “shocking, even horrible”.10 Harold Bloom announces that Othello’s “name in effect becomes jealousy” (Fernie 19). Critics characterise Othello as not smoothly jealous, inherently jealous, and too eagerly beguiled 1 For so that he becomes fervently resentful (cf. Davison 13). While Davison regards jealousy as a calamitous vigour in Othello, Mason grants the mastery of maleficence.11 I will verify my thesis that the envious Iago causes Othello’s jealousy which culminates in frantic reprisal. Hence, I retain that Iago’s malice and fake honesty annihilate Othello’s bond. To fathom the tragedy of Othello, it is indispensable to specify the cognitive theory of jealousy and envy which eventuates from psychology’s interest in anthropoid liaisons, and is primordial and reiterative in literature. Tales of cruel jealousy appealed to Elizabethans on account of the notion that women are impious and that the husband’s reputation is contingent on his wife’s celibacy. Shakespeare’s interest in jealousy stems from Elizabeth Cary’s (c. 1585-1639) closet drama Mariam (1603/1613). Traditionally, jealousy supervenes in comedy and is linked to sexual possessiveness.12 The theory of humours13 defines jealousy as “a species of envy, which is in turn a species of hatred” (Honigmann 33). Although jealousy has come to be used frequently for envy, both terms should be separated. While jealousy connotes what you own and do not fancy to be deprived of, envy is what you would like to retain but do not have. Spinoza specifies jealousy as “the hatred towards an object loved […] with the envy of another”.14 In 2.1., I will discuss Othello as domestic and revenge tragedy. For Stanley Wells explains that Shakespeare fosters “the emotional response of his audiences”,15 in 2.2., I will convey Othello’s origin within Elizabethan theatre. In 3.1. and 3.2., I will scrutinize Iago’s vice tradition and motivation. This is vital for the temptation scene which I will analyse, in 3.3. For “the study and the stage” are “often separate” (Matteo 1), I will include the stage. In 4., I will reflect my results.
Table of Contents
- 1. Introduction
- 2. Othello within the Historical Context of the Elizabethan Age
- 2.1. Othello and Elizabethan Tragedy
- 2.2. Othello's History of Origin and Elizabethan Theatre
- 3. Jealousy and Revenge in William Shakespeare's Othello
- 3.1. Machiavel's Supreme Descendent - Iago the Intriguer
- 3.2. Iago's Motivation for Envy
- 3.3. Iago's Iniquitous Cajolery of the Suspicious Othello
- 4. Conclusion
- 5. Bibliography
Objectives and Key Themes
This paper aims to explore the themes of jealousy and revenge in Shakespeare's Othello, examining Iago's manipulative influence on Othello and the resulting tragedy. The analysis will consider the play within the context of Elizabethan tragedy and theatre, investigating Iago's motivations and the psychological aspects of jealousy.
- Iago's manipulative nature and his role in driving the plot.
- The psychological exploration of jealousy and its destructive consequences.
- The play's position within the conventions of Elizabethan tragedy.
- The impact of theatrical performance on the understanding of the play.
- The relationship between jealousy, revenge, and the destruction of Othello's bond.
Chapter Summaries
1. Introduction: This introductory chapter sets the stage for the paper's analysis of jealousy and revenge in Shakespeare's Othello. It reviews various critical interpretations of the play, highlighting the diverse perspectives on Iago's character and motivations. The chapter establishes the author's thesis—that Iago's malice and deception ultimately destroy Othello's relationship—and introduces the relevant psychological theories of jealousy and envy that inform the subsequent analysis. The discussion touches upon the historical context, exploring the play's position within Elizabethan tragedy and the significance of its themes in the Elizabethan era.
2. Othello within the Historical Context of the Elizabethan Age: This chapter delves into the historical and theatrical context of Othello, aiming to understand the play's position within Elizabethan tragedy and theatre. It examines the play's genre, exploring the debate over whether it's a domestic tragedy, a revenge tragedy, or both. The chapter discusses the influence of Seneca's dramatic style and explores the play's origins within Elizabethan theatre practices. This section further highlights the complexities of categorizing Othello within a specific genre and considers its place amongst Shakespeare's other major tragedies.
2.1. Othello and Elizabethan Tragedy: This section focuses on Othello's place within the tradition of Elizabethan tragedy. It examines Shakespeare's other tragedies, differentiating Othello based on its unique elements of domesticity, time, and race. The chapter analyzes the play in comparison to Seneca's influence on Elizabethan tragedy and highlights the lasting impact of themes like infidelity and vengeance in the shaping of the play's narrative.
2.2. Othello's History of Origin and Elizabethan Theatre: This section investigates the historical context of Othello's creation and its connection to Elizabethan theatrical practices. The discussion analyzes the sources of the play, tracing its potential origins and influences, while exploring its staging and reception within the specific theatrical conventions of the era. The chapter aims to shed light on how the context of Elizabethan theatre contributed to the play's impact and interpretation.
Keywords
Othello, Iago, Jealousy, Revenge, Elizabethan Tragedy, Elizabethan Theatre, Manipulation, Deception, Envy, Domestic Tragedy, Revenge Tragedy, Character Analysis, Psychological Analysis.
Frequently Asked Questions: A Comprehensive Language Preview of Othello
What is the purpose of this document?
This document provides a comprehensive preview of a paper analyzing Shakespeare's Othello, focusing on the themes of jealousy and revenge. It includes a table of contents, objectives and key themes, chapter summaries, and keywords.
What topics are covered in the paper?
The paper explores the themes of jealousy and revenge in Shakespeare's Othello, examining Iago's manipulative influence on Othello and the resulting tragedy. It analyzes the play within the context of Elizabethan tragedy and theatre, investigating Iago's motivations and the psychological aspects of jealousy. Specific topics include Iago's manipulative nature, the psychological exploration of jealousy, the play's position within Elizabethan tragedy, the impact of theatrical performance, and the relationship between jealousy, revenge, and the destruction of Othello's bond.
What is the structure of the paper?
The paper is structured into five chapters: an introduction, a chapter exploring Othello within its Elizabethan context (divided into sections on Elizabethan tragedy and the play's historical origins and theatrical performance), a chapter focusing on jealousy and revenge, a conclusion, and a bibliography.
What are the key themes explored in the paper?
Key themes include Iago's manipulative nature and his role in driving the plot; the psychological exploration of jealousy and its destructive consequences; the play's position within the conventions of Elizabethan tragedy; the impact of theatrical performance on the understanding of the play; and the relationship between jealousy, revenge, and the destruction of Othello's bond.
What is the historical context discussed in the paper?
The paper examines Othello within the historical and theatrical context of the Elizabethan Age, exploring its genre (domestic tragedy, revenge tragedy, or both), the influence of Seneca's dramatic style, and the play's origins and staging within Elizabethan theatre practices.
What is the role of Iago in the paper's analysis?
Iago's manipulative influence on Othello is a central focus. The paper examines Iago's motivations, his methods of deception, and his role in driving the tragic events of the play.
What kind of analysis is used in the paper?
The paper utilizes both literary analysis, considering the play within its historical and theatrical context, and psychological analysis, exploring the themes of jealousy and envy.
What are the keywords associated with this paper?
Keywords include Othello, Iago, Jealousy, Revenge, Elizabethan Tragedy, Elizabethan Theatre, Manipulation, Deception, Envy, Domestic Tragedy, Revenge Tragedy, Character Analysis, and Psychological Analysis.
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- Quote paper
- M.A. Oliver Baum (Author), 2007, Iago´s Iniquitous Cajolery of the Suspicious Othello, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/123115
