This theme of manipulation is relevant today as the current society suffers tremendously from the lack of realism. The phrase serves as a parodic allusion to a well-known biblical quote, where Moses asks God his name and God responds with: “I am that I am.” By transforming God’s words in a negative formulation, Iago indicates his identity as a diabolical figure. However, a deeper, more subversive message is also present. On the surface, he signals that he is not what he appears to be. In the opening scene of this play, Iago utters “I am not what I am” during a conversation with Roderigo. Further, the symbolism of the colour ‘green’ links to the idea of jealousy and envy. The metaphor used to compare jealousy to a monster, conjures an offensive visual that Iago knows will intensify Othello’s concern. “O, beware, my lord, of jealousy It is the green-eyed monster, which doth mock/The meat it feeds on”. This, unfortunately, may result in bullying, disputes and in worse case scenario, suicide of the victim, similarly to Othello.Īs Iago makes insinuations about Desdemona’s adultery and Othello pressures him to reveal what he knows, Iago warns Othello against succumbing to jealousy. You’d feel jealousy and in certain cases, you’d start plotting to deteriorate the relationship. When someone you like starts dating someone else. A typical example would be in relationships. This theme is considerably prominent in modern society. But Iago instead provides the circumstantial evidence of the handkerchief, which Othello, consumed by his jealousy, accepts as a substitute for ‘ocular proof.’ Othello’s jealousy impedes his ability to distinguish between reality and appearance. In Act 3, Scene 3, Othello demands that Iago provide him with ‘ocular proof’ of Desdemona’s infidelity. It also highlights just how complex all of Iago’s illusions are. His words portray double meanings and contain aspects of allusion which paint Iago’s language as evasive. Iago essentially swears to show Othello that there is proof that Desdemona is indeed cheating. The Moor already changes with my poison”. “Trifles light as air are to the jealous confirmations strong as proofs of holy writ: this may do something.
#THEMES IN OTHELLO SERIES#
However, through a series of illusions conjured by Iago, who deeply knew the destructiveness of jealousy, he destroyed Othello. JealousyĪt the beginning of the play, Othello was a general hero who was cool, calm and collected. The universal themes of jealousy and manipulation are predominant in the text and enlighten audiences both contemporary and Elizabethan. Shakespeare’s Othello unveils the numerous ways a text can still be relevant and valued over time despite the development of society, aspects and new beliefs.