Othello Jealousy Analysis

In a masculine society, human beings are driven by a desire to be accepted and successful. They believe the only way to function in society is for others to see themselves as they want to be seen. When things do not go their way, people feel outcaste and rejected, causing their pride to become damaged. As this broken individual watches their peers surpass them, they become envious and reckless. This is evident in William Shakespeare’s play Othello, where the theme of jealousy is an influence in many of the characters’ lives. Throughout the play, it can be observed that jealousy is a motive for villainy, makes people question their self-worth, and causes individuals to challenge their own beliefs. For the duration of the play, the villain, Iago,

Someone could work relentlessly towards a goal, only to watch their rival achieve that goal instead. When this occurs, it can create a desire for revenge. This urging can manifest itself into a jealous rage that causes someone to want to harm others. In Othello, Iago becomes jealous when Othello turns down Iago for the position of Lieutenant and instead, promotes Cassio. In Iago’s mind, he was better suited and deserving of the military position. His resentment of this event is expressed when Iago says, “Three great ones of the city, In personal suit to make me his Lieutenant, Off-capp’d to him; and, by the faith of man, I know my price; I am worth no worse a place” (1.1.8-11). This quotation explains why Iago sought revenge on Cassio by plotting a plan to kill him. By being denied for Lieutenant, Iago’s jealousy of Cassio put him into a position where he was willing to harm Cassio. This was all for Iago’s pursuit of earning the ranking that he feels he deserves. Simultaneously, Iago does not care for the consequences that may follow his actions. When Iago begins to plot his plan for retribution against those he feels cheated by; he is willing to do whatever it takes to ensure that his plan is successful. Iago does this by earning peoples trust and respect before crossing them. While receiving their friendship, he has no regard as to how they

To fulfill this need, people seek and form relationships. When an individual attempts to form a relationship with a selfish lover, they often end up hurt. While it may be the other person degrading the individual, the individual will blame themselves. In the play, Bianca sees how other women are treated by their husband and she becomes jealous. When seeing women, such as Desdemona, being respected by their partner, Bianca begins to yearn to have this type of relationship with Cassio. However, feeling dishonored, she does not see herself as an important part of Cassio’s life. During the play, after seeing Cassio with a handkerchief, she says, “O Cassio, whence came this? This is some token from a newer friend. To the felt absence now I feel a cause. Is’t come to this? Well, well” (3.4.175-178). From a simple event, Bianca instantly assumes that Cassio has replaced her with another women. Additionally, Bianca’s self-doubt causes her to question her judgement. Through comparing herself to her peers, she grows self-conscious of what she may be doing wrong compared to other women. By self-inflicting blame onto herself, Bianca convinces herself that something is wrong with her. Bianca’s insecurities have caused her to question her choices. When she says, “What did you mean by that same handkerchief that you gave me now? I was a fine fool to take it (4.1.142-144),” Bianca believes that she was a fool to think that Cassio was not