How does the playwright explore key ideas in the play? In your answer refer to techniques such as structure, dialogue, setting and characterization. In William Shakespeare's Othello, the themes he has presented stand to be the reflection of the values and motivations of the characters. Major themes such as jealousy, deception and honour and reputation shape the outcomes of the playwright; primarily the downfall of the protagonist Othello. Othello's jealousy of Cassio and Desdemona ultimately leads to the death of both Othello and Desdemona, while Iago's deceptive plan against Othello through his honour and reputation is the key element in creating the downfall of Othello. The prominent theme of jealousy is explored through the protagonist and antagonist; Othello and Iago. William Shakespeare displays the theme through Othello's tragic flaw; jealousy. Iago is aware of Othello's jealous nature, portrayed in the personification of the metaphor, "O beware my lord of jealousy; it is the green eyed monster which doth mock the meat it feeds on". Iago uses the tragic flaw jealousy as the key element in his deceptive plan to bring about the downfall of Othello. Iago's warning foreshadows the destructive nature which jealousy brings to the surface and also emphasises how it can destroy a human as a result of their actions caused by jealousy. As a result, Othello becomes "the green eyed monster" as jealousy consumes him, causing the uprise of monstrous thoughts and a destructive and evil nature which ultimately leads to his downfall. .
As jealousy slowly consumes Othello, his actions become completely absurd. This is displayed through the dramatic structure of the play through the 5 acts. With this dramatic structure, we are able to see how Othello's jealousy grows and eventually takes over him. Othello begins a noble hero of war with great courage and pride in Act 1 and by Act 3 his character begins to deteriorate as he becomes "the green eyed monster".
