In the case of Othello, he is unable to distinguish between the deception, and further the reality he as created in his own mind, and the truth that Desdemona has given him, postulating how even when confronted with the truth, Othello actively chooses to believe himself. Both Gatsby's and Othello's insecurity/ jealously are the powerful catalysts that lead to their downfall when they can no longer separate reality from their imagination. Gatsby's greatest flaw is his view of the world that is ultimately obstructed by his own naïve idealism (and ultimately, he has no one to blame but himself). Othello was truly respected by the venetian society, whether Gatsby's respect from the society described by Lehrman is questionable. To what extent is their downfall brought upon by others? Too passionate, too excessive. The Great Gatsby and Othello both end in chaos because the protagonists, Othello and Gatsby are outsiders entering an ordered society. Gatsby is seen as a tragic hero as he takes some of the blame for Daisy's actions. Othello is more of the tragic fallen with his actions succumb to paranoia. Othello is a noble person and a respected general at the beginning, however, he has tragic flaws of insecurities and jealously, eventually leading to his tragic downfall. It is a monster begot upon itself, born on itself' - Emilia says this to Desdemona in an attempt to explain the irrational nature of jealously (act 3). They are not ever jealous for the cause, but jealous for they're jealous. 'But jealous souls will not be answered so. This is why Gatsby is so easily driven by envy, unlike Othello who was hesitant at first, yet ultimately was affected more by jealousy due to his love for Desdemona. This represents the idea that Gatsby loves the idea of Daisy and her role in enhancing his reputation, rather than actually loving her. She loves me.' - This quote shows that Daisy's love is not enough for Gatsby, as he needs to display it to everyone else. 'Your wife doesn't love you,' said Gatsby. Jealousy is prominent in both texts, however while it leads the insiders to success, the 'green eyed monster' ultimately corrupts the outsiders. For the outsiders, Othello and Gatsby, jealousy is what ruins them. For the insiders, Tom and Iago, jealousy allows them to get what they want. Jealousy gets the better of all characters. Othello and Gatsby both let jealously get the best of them which then destroys their relationship. Gatsby longs for him to be Daisy's one true love and hates the idea of her loving Tom. Gatsby is Jealous of tom for having the life with daisy that he wanted. This jealousy leads him into a downwards spiral.

Othello is jealous of Cassio because he believes that he's having an affair with Desdemona.

Themes in othello