othello

The theme of the play is jealousy and its destructive effects. Iago is the assistant to Othello and is slighted when he is passed over for promotion in favour of Cassio. Iago organises a plot to torment Othello into believing that Cassio is having an affair with Desdemona, Othello's wife. Each of the characters is duped by Iago who uses their own insecurities do destroy them. Iago warns Othello of the dangers of jealousy in this vivid quotation from Act III scene iii

Iago:

O, beware, my lord, of jealousy;

It is the green-ey'd monster, which doth mock

The meat it feeds on. That cuckold lives in bliss,

Who, certain of his fate, loves not his wronger:

But O, what damnèd minutes tells he o'er

Who dotes, yet doubts, suspects, yet strongly loves!