Shakespeare Help: Othello and Envy?

Question

This is Act 3, Scene 3

OTHELLO

Ha!

IAGO

O, beware, my lord, of jealousy;

It is the green-eyed 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 damned minutes tells he o'er

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

OTHELLO

O misery!

Can someone please explain to me what is going on in this scene? In addition, how does the theme of envy show in Othello?

PLEASE ANSWER!

Thank you!

Answer 1

Iago is slyly trying to tell Othello that Desdemona is having an affair with Cassio, while pretending to be Othello's friend.

The theme of envy is everywhere.  Read the play!  Iago, envious of Othello's rise to power, agrees to help Roderigo bring him down - and Roderigo in his turn is envious of Othello's winning Desdemona from him.  And Othello, envious (or worse) of Desdemona's suspected infidelity, kills her.