Infidelity and Honor in Venetian Society
The fear of cuckoldry and loss of honor was prevalent in Renaissance Venice. Shakespeare uses this contextual insecurity to drive the plot and character development.
In Othello's final speech, he uses a metaphor comparing Desdemona to a pearl:
Quote: "Like the base Indian, threw a pearl away"
Analysis: This metaphor emphasizes Othello's naivety in throwing away his relationship. The "pearl" represents Desdemona, viewed as a valuable asset, reflecting the patriarchal beliefs of the time.
Vocabulary: Cuckoldry - the state of being cheated on by one's wife
Othello's sexual jealousy stems from genuine love, manipulated by Iago. In contrast, Iago's jealousy towards his wife Emilia is more calculated, driven by fear of losing honor rather than love.
Quote: Iago refers to rumors that "the lusty Moor // Hath leaped into my seat"
This further illustrates how jealousy in the play is often rooted in competitiveness and possessiveness, reflecting societal attitudes of the time.