A theme in a play is a recurring motif or a symbol that is presented through out the play and emphasizes a certain idea which the playwright wished to draw attention to. A play can present more than one theme while each theme has its own contribution to the development of the plot. In Shakespeare's play, "Othello", the themes of jealousy and the handkerchief take a different role in the process of understanding the characters thoughts and motives. In "Oleanna" the theme of communication is being emphasized by the interruptions the characters encounter during their conversations.
             In "Othello", jealousy is a main idea that explains the characters' motives throughout the play. Jealousy is interpreted on the one hand as envy in what others have, and on the other hand as envy that is caused from the fear of losing what one has. In the beginning of the play, we meet Iago and Roderigo. They both share strong feelings of jealousy and envy in what others have. Iago is jealous of Cassio that was promoted to be a lieutenant instead of him, and Roderigo is jealous of Othello for marrying the one that he loves. As the play proceeds, Iago reveals that he suspects that his wife was sleeping with Othello, which can explain his desire to continue and destroy him even after he got the desired job as a lieutenant. Iago is not only guilty for destroying the characters' life in the name of jealousy; he also plants the seeds of envy in Othello's mind. Othello's suspicions explain his actions and motives for killing Desdemona. Bianca, Cassio's prostitute girlfriend also has a small jealousy attack when after not seeing Cassio for over a week, she finds out that Cassio is carrying a women's handkerchief, one that Cassio asks her to copy for him. Jealousy and envy is prominent and leading theme in the play, which can help understand the main goals and motives of the characters.
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