p. 1119 #5

Since the beginning of Shakespeare's Othello, one theme has been obvious. The story is based around the theme of jealousy. Iago is jealous of the power belonging to Cassio and Othello. Othello was appointed captain, Cassio was lieutenant, and Iago was the third officer. "But he, sir, had the election. And I, of whom his eyes had seen the proof at Rhodes, at Cyprus, and on other grounds Christian and heathen, must be beleed and calmed by debitor and creditor. This countercaster, he, in good time, must his Lieutenant be, and I - God bless the mark! - his Moorship's Ancient" (I.ii.28-33). Roderigo is jealous of Othello for winning the heart of the woman he loves, Desdemona. The heartbroken and envious Roderigo is lost and confused about if and how he should find revenge. Cassio takes advantage of this situation by using Roderigo's heartbreak as a means to attain his own desire. Roderigo wants Othello's wife, and Cassio want Othello's position. This theme of jealousy drives the plot and events in the story. It creates emotion and drama in the theatrical experience by making the storyline based off of and driven by a strong feeling of jealousy. The story well represents the reality of human concerns. Jealousy is a common emotion among people and making it a theme in Othello allows for the audience to understand and possibly relate to the events that occur.