Othello and Desdemona: Relationship Built on Jealousy
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. 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. By tying a knot with someone so racially different, the woman defies social expectations and goes against her family. 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.
First, 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. 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. His insecurities allow Iago to manipulate him and play with his feelings. 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). 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). Thus, Othello and Desdemona confront external forces seeking to harm their love.
Yet, the two lovers could arguably handle fate’s shenanigans had they, not such personal qualities that doomed their romance before it even began. “Othello” is a prime example of Shakespeare employing his preferred writing method. The author gives each character a fatal flaw that develops gradually throughout the play and has a detrimental impact on the outcome. Jealousy is Othello’s fatal flaw, which only gets fueled by his wife’s past, her unapologetic acceptance of her actions, and Iago’s deception. Emilia notices this about Desdemona’s husband and asks her to be wary since “jealous souls will not be answered so. / They are not ever jealous for the cause, / But jealous for they’re jealous” (3.4.159-162). Interestingly enough, Othello seems to be aware of his weaknesses. In one of his soliloquies, he ponders the nature of marriage with sadness and anger: “O curse of marriage, / That we can call these delicate creatures ours, / And not their appetites!” (3.3.268-270). Later, he even confesses to Iago that while his jealous thoughts are tormenting him, he will not give in to the adversity because he loves his wife: “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?” (3.3.177-179). For a moment, Othello is positive about Desdemona’s feelings, “for she had eyes and chose me” (3.3.188-190). This, however, does not prevent him from smothering his wife when jealousy blinds him, and in his final hours, he hates to be remembered as someone who was “easily jealous” (5.2.395).
In his works, Shakespeare quite often discussed the topic of jealousy and the rich palette of emotions tied to this phenomenon. In the context of “Othello,” it was compelling to examine jealousy from two perspectives. First, Othello’s jealousy is fueled by his environment and societal pressure: he is not sure that such a noble and beautiful woman chose him for who he is, and Iago’s games are not helping. Second, Othello’s controlling tendencies and Desdemona’s tenacity clash and lead to a conflict. Othello fights an unequal battle against his jealousy but inevitably succumbs to it, which results in both characters’ death.
Work Cited
Shakespeare, William, and Edward Pechter. Othello (Norton Critical Editions). Second, W. W. Norton & Company, 2016.