“The Green-Eyed Monster” Jealousy and Othello “The Green-Eyed Monster”

Shakespeare actually created the image of jealousy as green-eyed monster in his play Othello.

Act 3 Scene 1 Iago tells Othello, “O, beware my lord, of jealousy! It is the green-eyed monster, which doth mock / The meat it feeds on.” (3.3.91-3)

Why is jealousy referred to as the “green-eyed monster”? The color green is associated with sickness, possibly because when people are ill their skin takes on a greenish tinge. Green is also the color of unripe foods.

Jealousy - 1: Iago The play opens with a discussion of jealousy. Iago is jealous of Cassio's position both in the military and with Othello's service.

Jealousy - 2: Brabantio Brabantio is partially jealous of the Moor for stealing his daughter's love. He is no longer the most important man in Desdemona's life.

Jealousy - 3: Roderigo The lovesick Roderigo has trouble with his hidden feelings for Desdemona and is jealous watching the two in love.

Jealousy 4 Iago openly divulges his plan of destruction. He intends to create a strong sense of jealousy in Othello.

Jealousy - 5; Othello Iago plants seeds of jealousy in Othello and then speaks of the 'green-eyed monster' as a force to be feared. Jealousy is personified as a monster.

Jealousy - 6 When Iago tells Othello of the handkerchief, he has the evidence necessary to prove Desdemona's unfaithfulness. Jealousy sinks deep into Othello's soul and starts to vividly destroy his psyche.

Jealousy - 7 Bianca, sees the handkerchief in Cassio's room and believes him to have taken a lover. Her jealousy illustrates that the sentiment is universal.

Othello Jealousy is what appears to destroy Othello. It is the emotion suggested to him by Iago. Jealousy drives Othello mad. Not even Iago imagined that Othello would go so far.