Jealousy A potentially destructive emotion
Jealousy is an emotion, which is typically referred to as the negative thoughts and feelings of insecurity, fear, and anxiety over an anticipated loss of something of great personal value, particularly in reference to an existing connection. The theme of jealousy is indeed very apparent in both William Shakespeare's text Othello, and Tim Blake Nelsons
film "O" as it plays a major role in the build up and execution of the tragedy. Both the play "Othello" and the film "O" highlight how jealousy is one of the most corrupting and destructive emotions that is imbedded within humanity as
a whole. Shakespeare's and Nelsons portrayal of the emotion of jealousy further transcends to the audience due to the fact that it is flaw within every single human being and it must be addressed. Both composers use multiple
literary techniques as well as film techniques in order to illustrate the destructive capacity of the human emotion of jealousy within their respective
contexts.
film "O" as it plays a major role in the build up and execution of the tragedy. Both the play "Othello" and the film "O" highlight how jealousy is one of the most corrupting and destructive emotions that is imbedded within humanity as
a whole. Shakespeare's and Nelsons portrayal of the emotion of jealousy further transcends to the audience due to the fact that it is flaw within every single human being and it must be addressed. Both composers use multiple
literary techniques as well as film techniques in order to illustrate the destructive capacity of the human emotion of jealousy within their respective
contexts.
The portrayal of jealousy in Othello
Jealousy is portrayed in Othello by many characters however it is truly emphasized by the two major characters of Iago and Othello. The driving force behind Iago evil motives is his jealousy towards Cassio and Othello, these evil motives in turn trigger Othello's jealousy which ultimately leads the "pure" and "honorable" Othello into blinded chaos and rage, hence the tragedy of Othello is born. in Othello jealousy takes up many forms however two main forms of jealousy truly highlight the destructive capacity of the emotion, they include; sexual suspicion and professional competition. Both these types of jealousy have been brought to life in Shakespeare's Othello as they relate significantly to Shakespeare's Venetian context . Shakespeare has effectively used multiple literary techniques as well as play techniques in order to convey the destructive capacity of the emotion jealousy.
Iagos jealousy throughout the Othello can be seen through the following quotes and examples:
technique
soliloquy
|
quote
"Now, I do love her too; / Not out of absolute lust, though peradventure / I stand accountant for as great a sin, / But partly led to diet my revenge"
|
explanation
In this soliloquy Iago mentions he loves Desdemona but not out of lust but rather because she could feed his urge for revenge. Iago wants revenge for his own suspicion that Othello has gone to bed with Emilia. In this quote Shakespeare highlights Iagos sexual jealousy which is ultimately causing him to seek revenge and execute his deceitful plans.
|
soliloquy
|
"Till I am even'd with him, wife for wife, / Or failing so, yet that I put the Moor / At least into a jealousy so strong / That judgment cannot cure"
|
The phrase "even'd with him, wife for wife," seems to mean that he has some notion that he might have sex with Desdemona, but it's not the sex that's important. Othello must feel that same poisonous jealousy that Iago feels, however the jealousy must reach a point whereby he looses all forms of rationality and he turns to blinded rage. in this soliloquy Shakespeare highlights Iagos plans of making Othello jealous and achieving his revenge for his sexual jealousy.
|
sarcastic tone
|
"One Michael Cassio, a Florentine,
A fellow almost damn'd in a fair wife; That never set a squadron in the field, Nor the division of a battle knows" |
Iago is almost mocking Cassio after he has received a promotion which Iago believes he should of have received from Othello. this signifies Iagos jealousy as he begins to challenge Cassios experience which ultimately signifies his jealousy.
|
Throughout the play Iago aims to sabotage Othello due to the fact that he promoted Cassio over him as his lieutenant, this signifies the competitive jealousy that Iago is experiencing. Iagos jealousy also surpasses the barrier of competitiveness and transcends to sexual jealousy after he becomes suspicious of Emilia sleeping with Othello. Iagos jealousy ultimately leads him to conduct his deceitful plans against Othello and hence leading to the death of his once proclaimed friends. Iagos jealousy also leads to the execution of the tragedy which ultimately leads to his silencing signifying his demise.
Othello's jealousy throughout the play Othello can be seen through the following quotes and examples:
technique
symbolism
|
quote
"O, beware, my lord, of jealousy;
It is the green-eyed monster which doth mock The meat it feeds on" |
explanation
Iagos use of reverse psychology on Othello is very apparent in this instance where he warns Othello of jealousy were in reality Iago wants Othello to be jealous. Shakespeare uses Iago to convey a vital aspect to jealousy where he uses the symbolism of the green eyed monster to illustrate his point. in venetian society green symbolizes envy and jealousy. By referring to the green eyed monster eating on you Shakespeare refers to the victim of jealousy to be fully consumed by his jealousy and his life becomes restricted to his jealousy.
|
dialogue
|
"Trifles light as air
Are to the jealous confirmations strong As proofs of holy writ: this may do something." |
Iago realizes that real proof of Desdemona's supposed infidelity is not
necessary because mere suspicion is enough to feed Othello's jealousy. In the case of Othello, Iago will use the handkerchief Othello gave Desdemona in order to convince Othello that Desdemona's been cheating. Even though the handkerchief is a mere "trifle, light as air," once Othello sees it in another man's possession, he'll think he has solid proof that Desdemona is unfaithful. |
Despite Othello's constant denial of him being jealous he continuously listens to Iago and follows the trail in order to uncover the truth, unfortunately Othello becomes consumed by the green eyed monster and his life begins to revolve around his jealousy. Othello's mere sexual suspicion of Desdemona essentially leads him to killing her as well as himself.
context and underlying meaning
In Othello Shakespeare presents us with the tragic spectacle of a man who, in spirit of jealous rage ,destroys what he loves best in all the world. this jealousy is essentially Othello's fatal flaw which is aroused by the jealous Iago himself. In typical venetian society a man was greatly defined by his social status and his respect. A woman was considered to be a mans property and so if a mans woman is disobedient it reflects badly on the man while also challenging his masculinity. This often led men to come to crazy conclusions if their wives were believed to be un loyal, for instance a man will not hesitate in killing his wife. In Othello's case Othello was an army general who is very highly respected within his community, his suspicion of Desdemona challenged his masculinity as well as his reputation. throughout Othello Shakespeare highlights how jealousy could essentially lead to the loss of all rationality and lead even the most pure of human beings into chaos. Shakespeare's theme of jealousy further transcends to the audience as it is a fatal emotion naturally found within our human fabric.
The portrayal of jealousy in "O"
similarly to Othello the central value of jealousy is also illustrated in the film 'O' by Tim nelson. Tim nelson has effectively encapsulated the same universally significant theme of jealousy throughout his film "O" through the use of various language and film techniques. despite the change in context Tim nelson has still managed to effectively imbed the concept of jealousy thoroughly within his film this is due to the fact that jealousy does not relate to one particular context but rather it relates to humanity as a whole, as it is a flaw within every single human being. jealousy is imbedded within many of the characters of the film "O" however it is truly embodied by Hugo whose jealousy leads him into a manipulative state where his evil motives take over his conscious and he becomes solely motivated by his jealousy. Hugos jealousy ultimately leads to the deception of Odin and hence the death of their friends. Hugos jealousy also leads to the execution of the tragedy which ultimately leads to his silencing signifying his demise.
Hugos jealousy throughout the Othello can be seen through the following quotes and examples:
technique
long shot
|
quote/event
Hugo is visibly upset when he doesn't receive "most valuable player"
|
explanation
through the use of a long shot the composer has effectively highlighted hugos exclusion from the celebration of Odin's award and since the emotion of misery is planted on hugos face this signifies a sense of un fulfillment hence highlighting to the audience hugos jealousy towards Odin.
|
film soliloquy
|
"I know your not supposed to be jealous of anything, but to take the flight, to soar above everything and everyone now that's living"
|
in this film soliloquy Hugo openly condemns his jealousy and alludes to his urge to fly above everyone. he believes that "to soar above everyone" is the meaning of life. the phrase "I know your not supposed to be jealous of anything" ultimately implies to the audience that Hugo is jealous however his trying to justify his jealousy.
|
dialogue
|
"I know your not the jealous type...I am"
|
Hugo openly admits to his jealousy, this quote signifies hugos jealous nature and his urge to be something that he really isn't.
|
Odin's jealousy is similarly explored in the film "O" through:
symbolism/close up
|
The smashing of the ring by Odin
|
The smashing of the ring by Odin signifies the peak of Odin's jealousy towards the fake relationship of Desi and mike. the sheer force and sounds associated with the scene symbolize the anger embodied within Odin due to his sexual jealousy. throughout the scene the composer constantly conveys close ups of all three people involved in the jealousy of Odin this ultimately highlights their emotions to the audience hence portraying Odin's jealousy.
|
similarly to Iago who aims to sabotage Othello for promoting Cassio, Hugo aims to sabotage Odin due to his jealous nature. Hugo plays a deceitful manipulative game with Odin whereby he taps into his emotions of love and ultimately begins to plant the seed of doubt within Odin. the doubt which the jealous Hugo plants within Odin ultimately leads to Odin's jealousy leading to his turn to blinded rage rather than using rationality. hugos plan ultimately leads to the tragedy unfolding with his friends dying and Hugo ultimately being silenced signifying his demise.
context and underlying meaning
Tim nelsons has indeed encapsulated the theme of jealousy effectively within his film "O". the film "O" is set out in american high school which is predominantly white. Odin is one of the very few black people within the school who is truly talented, respected and idolized. throughout the film the audience witnesses many racial slurs and towards Odin this symbolizes humanities constant struggle to end racial discrimination. despite the change in context from Venetian society to a modern american lifestyle nelsons theme of jealousy has remained almost identical to Shakespeare due to the fact that jealousy is a human emotion which is embedded within our human fabric. sexual suspicion has remained a major factor for men even within our modern day and age this is due to the simple fact that it taps into men masculine emotions causing men to feel challenged. nelson signifies how jealousy could potentially be a destructive emotion throughout his film this is clearly established by the two personas Hugo and Odin who both display significant levels of jealousy and hence this jealousy motivates their actions ultimately leading to the execution of the tragedy whereby their friends die and Hugo is silenced. .
Othello and "O"
The theme of jealousy is indeed prominent throughout the play Othello as well as the film "O" as it motivates the characters’ actions. in the play Othello the major characters of Iago and Othello clearly possess this jealousy and show how it affects them ultimately leading to the tragedy of Othello. this is similarly reshaped within the modern film "O" whereby Odin and Hugo jealousy ultimately leads them into a destructive manipulative state whereby all forms of rationality is lost and chaos and rage takeover their physical bodies. both composers have effectively highlighted the destructive capabilities of the human emotion jealousy and have further highlighted the emotion of jealousy and its ability to transcend different time contexts due to the fact that it is a human emotion which is embedded within our human fabric. thus Tim nelson has effectively managed to creatively reshape the theme of jealousy found within William Shakespeare play Othello through the use of various film techniques as well as effective characterization.