Jealousy In Othello Research Paper

Jealousy: A Catalyst for Tragedy

The psychological feeling of jealousy is defined as “a complex emotion marked by insecurity and the fear of losing something important. It is highlighted by feelings of abandonment and anger” (Alleydog.com). In the play Othello by William Shakespeare, jealousy acts as a catalyst for the tragic events that take place. Iago’s plan for Othello’s demise is motivated by jealousy, as Iago is enraged by not being chosen as Othello’s lieutenant, and due to his suspicion that his wife was having an affair with Othello. Roderigo also displays jealousy and envy towards Othello, which results in him providing money and assistance to Iago in exchange for helping Roderigo win over Desdemona. However, the greatest display

In Act 1 Iago states that he is angry Othello chose Michael Cassio as his lieutenant instead of him. Iago justifies his rage by claiming that Cassio is unqualified for the position: “[Cassio] never set a squadron in the field, / Nor the division of a battle knows / More than a spinster…But he, sir, had the election; / And I, of whom his eyes / had seen the proof at Rhodes, at Cyprus and / on other grounds…must be beleed and / calmed…He, in good time, must his lieutenant be” (1.1.21-24). Although Iago’s claims regarding Cassio’s competency as a lieutenant are reasonable, his statements are the product of his anger and jealousy that Cassio, a scholar and non-militant, was able to secure a lieutenant position rather easily; a position for which he (Iago) had been aspiring towards. Moreover, Iago explains resentfully that he did not get the promotion because Cassio was the recipient of favoritism “and not [chosen] by old gradation, where each second / Stood heir to the first” (1.1.37-38). Othello’s choice for Cassio over Iago as his lieutenant provokes Iago into action. However, Iago’s jealousy over Cassio is not the only inducement for his revenge against Othello. In Act 1, scene 3, Iago elaborates on his reasoning behind his revenge plot against Othello. He suspects that his wife has had an affair with Othello: “I hate the Moor, / And it is thought abroad, / that ‘twixt my sheets / ‘Has done

Initially, Othello is seen as being calm and rational when dealing with tense situations such as Brabantio accusing him of charming his daughter, Desdemona. However, Iago’s manipulation of Othello allows the audience to perceive a different side of his character. Upon arriving in Cyprus, Iago sets his revenge plan into action by manipulating Othello into thinking his wife was having an affair with Michael Cassio. Iago successfully manipulates Othello by asking him, “Did Michael Cassio, when you wooed my lady, / Know of your love?” (3.3.94-95). This question leads to a discussion in which Iago does not answer Othello’s fervent questions, instead repeating them, resulting in Othello exclaiming, “By heaven, thou echoest me, / As if there were some monster in thy thought / Too hideous to be shown…I heard thee say even now, thou lik’st not that, / When Cassio left my wife” (3.3.106-110). Following this conversation, Iago has led Othello to suspect his wife’s intentions with Cassio by answering Othello’s questions vaguely. This makes Othello believe he is omitting something, and thus Iago tells him of his concern. By now, Iago has made Othello aware of his wife’s suspected infidelity, but he does not accept it right away. However, Othello later becomes obsessed with discovering whether or not Iago’s accusations