Analysis Of Jealousy In Shakespeare's Othello

Of all the emotions humans show, jealousy is one of the most common and unsettling, and it tends to bring out the worst in us. Jealousy is seen in all cultures regardless of gender; it is only different depending on a person’s degree of jealousy. In a gentle way, jealousy makes us dislike the person who is more successful in the area that we failed. When the degree has increased, dislike will turn into unreasonable angriness and disgrace, which leads to irrational hatred. William Shakespeare’s Othello was written around 1601-1603, and was first performed in 1604 by the King’s Men. Jealousy is the catalyst theme and the main driving force of conflict, which is shown in the character of Othello, Iago, and even in the less prominent characters like Bianca, Brabantio and Roderigo throughout the play. Othello would not have been jealous of Cassio if Iago had not been jealous of him and Cassio first.

Jealousy in Othello leads to his insecurity after his mind being onslaught by Iago. Nordlund reasons, “The typical interpretation of Othello’s jealousy…, is that it arises from low self-esteem” (Theorising Modern Jealousy 154). His internal complication was actually created by external force—Iago. Othello shows proud and confidence to his achievements, he is aware that he is being loved and admired; furthermore, he is sure that he deserves Desdemona. Iago intelligently recognizes the moment of Othello’s anxiousness starts and exploits it. The factor of luck also assists Iago’s plan greatly; everything just happens as he wants it to be, and there are even situations that he does not plan for but he was wise enough to react with it. By the end of the play, Othello comes back from his insanity, full of regret, and decides to suicide to show his valiance. Cassio greatly admires the Moor’s action of stabbing himself because reputation was the most important thing to him; on the other hand, all the people in Cyprus are in shock and disappoint to the tragedy brought by