Pathos and Jealousy in Shakespeare's 'Othello'

PATHOS AND JEALOUSY IN OTHELLO

In Othello, Shakespeare uses pathos for Othello, Desdemona, and Iago to create a strong theme of jealousy within the play.   Because of Iago’s jealousy, many people’s lives are ruined.   Othello’s life is ruined and he eventually dies because even with his high status, he still falls victim to jealousy and lies.   Desdemona dies in the end of the play even though she was completely innocent.   Although Iago is the most evil character in the play, he still evokes emotion because he is overlooked.   Jealousy is a terrible thing that can ruin even then strongest of relationships with the best of people.
      Othello is a black man who is married to a white woman.   In the play, Othello could be considered a tragic hero because he has many of the same qualities as one.   For example, he has a high status because he is a General in the Venetian army, a tragic flaw because he is epileptic, and also, like every tragic hero, Othello dies at the end of the play.   Because Othello loves Desdemona more than anything, he is willing to be with her even if it means he will suffer major consequences.   Iago later uses this to his advantage when he decides to plant a seed of jealousy in Othello’s head about Desdemona in order to seek revenge.   Iago is upset because he considered himself to be Othello’s right hand man so he feels overlooked.   Othello also trusts Iago with everything he has.   When Othello gives the job to Cassio instead of Iago, this angers Iago who then decides to ruin Othello’s life.   He knows that the easiest way to do this would be to ruin Othello’s marriage to Desdemona.   Since Othello already trusts Iago so much, he left Iago in charge of Desdemona while he was gone.   This makes it very easy for Iago to start his plan.   He began by telling Othello that Desdemona was cheating on him with Cassio.   For Iago, this lie was like killing two birds with one stone; by saying that Desdemona was sneaking around with Cassio, he could bring down...