<p>Topic: Envy can act as a motivation force for some people to improve their condition in life. On the other hand, envy may be a self-destructing emotion because it may lead people to strive in vain of unattainable goals.</p>
<p>Envy is the cause of our destruction. It may start out as a simple longing; a dream to attain someone’s possessions or luck. But with time, this longing grows into boiled hatred. We start to compare ourselves with the ones we envy and start to ask meaningless questions like “How is he or she better than me?” or “Why has he or she been chosen, aren’t I the one better suited?” Soon, we discreetly forge plans to bring the downfall of these people; people who have done you no harm and may perhaps love and trust you. Along with their downfall, you may find yourself falling as well.</p>
<p>Lago, the deceitful character in Shakespeare’s renowned play ‘Othello’, envied Michael Cassio’s position as The Moor’s lieutenant. It was a post which Iago thought he was more qualified for by skill and long-standing servitude beside The Moor (Othello). So he weaved a plan, as intricate and subtle as that of a spider’s web. With his cunning wit, he forged a scene that led Othello to usurp the respectable position of Cassio. Then, he used Othello’s wife, Desdemona, as bait. He convinced Cassio to regain his position as lieutenant by asking her to reason with Othello. Along with his occasional fabricated tales, he let The Moor believe they were in love and that Desdemona cared for Cassio’s welfare. At first, Othello shook away the doubts and refused to believe Iago, unless he had proof. And so he had. He carefully implanted Desdemona’s handkerchief in Cassio’s room. Upon seeing it, Othello seethed with rage so powerful, that he murdered his own wife. But in the end, Lago’s perfect plan fell to pieces as his true intentions were discovered. Along with his plan, came his downfall. </p>
<p>Heathcliff from ‘Wuthering Heights’ also stands as an example. He was so envied by Edgar Linton. His wealth and fortune had attracted Catherine enough to marry him and because of that, Heathcliff found himself forging a plan that will allow him to gain it all. He tricked Isabelle, Edgar’s sister, into believing he was in love with her just so she could marry him. Catherine was obviously furious at Heathcliff for doing such a crime, not only in toying with a girl’s affections, but also for taking away a fortune that is rightfully her children’s. This made her terribly ill, and just after giving birth to a girl, died. A short time later, Isabelle, too, gave birth to a boy. Heathcliff should have overjoyed that his plan was a success, and that his son would inherit the Linton fortune, but he was grieved beyond measure. Along with Catherine’s death, some part of him died along with her. He blamed himself for Catherine’s death because of plans that he now thought were futile. He, like Lago, brought his downfall with his own hands.</p>
<p>We live in a world colored with emotions that greatly affect our actions. What we must learn is to draw a fine line between the two, and stop hatred or jealousy from controlling us into bringing unhappy conclusions. </p>