J is for JEALOUSY

With my mind turning towards my students as they return to school this month, I started thinking about some of my favourite Shakespearean plays that I will have to help them understand. 

Othello stands out as one of my favourites when Iago says to Othello, "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!"  What he's actually saying (in modern parlance) is "I hope you get jealous and kill your wife because that would fit in perfectly with my plans."  Iago is nasty, malicious and evil just for the pure fun of it! 

Jealousy can turn people into monsters just like Iago.  It can cause insane rage and play on one's selfishness and fears.  This is not going to be a missive on how to overcome it.  I thought I'd just share my thoughts on the emotion through a poem I wrote a few years ago when I was teaching my class about nouns that depicted emotions.

JEALOUSY

Jealousy is a green that’s hard to define.

It looks like terribly tangled vines.

It sounds like wallowing and whimpering whines.

It smells like a strange scent on his neckline.

It tastes like muddy paranoid pies.

It feels like razor blades when he tells his lies.

Jealousy is sin in others’ eyes.
 

However, jealousy can also be a positive emotion.  Really?  How could that possibly be true?  Well, it could be an indicator of where you want to be in your life.  It could cause some curiosity about how someone else attained their goal, which could be a precipitator to reaching your own goal.  Jealousy can also cause you to look inside yourself so you can see and become more grateful for what you have been able to do so far in your life.  This is the best quote I've seen recently on the topic of jealousy:

With thanks to the jolly Mrs. Nesbitt, creator of ABC Wednesday, and to the jovial Roger, our administrator.  Also, don't forget to throw out a big "Thanks" to the joyful team members who like to join in the fun by jumping over to many blogs to read your jottings or about your latest journey or your favourite jam or jelly recipe.  See y'all next week for the letter K.