Iago's Jealousy

Sometimes we seem to comprehend the characters not at all and at other times all too well. It is Iago’s incentive that is vexatious. The central theme of this play is the passion of Jealousy, which the poet has illustrated at large, in its events, in mixed workings and agonies, and in its horrendous repercussions. The most extravagant love is nearest to the strongest hatred. The yawning and delicate villainy of Iago in working this adjustment from love to jealousy in so tumultuous a mind as that of Othello, prepossessed with a belief in the impartial devotion of the man who is leading him on insensibly to his ruin, is as well drawn with a skilled hand. In the beginning Iago is annoyed with Othello for promoting Cassio to the position of

Iago's wickedness is portrayed when he says, "Ay, there's the point. As, to be bold with you, Not to affect many proposèd matches, Of her own clime, complexion, and degree, Whereto we see in all things nature tends-Foh! One may smell in such a will most rank, Foul disproportions, thoughts unnatural" (Shakespeare, Act III, Scene III, Lines 256-261). This quote alludes to Desdemona's hesitation to find a spouse of her own race, age, and status. Iago is playing upon Othello's own insecurities about the divergence he has with his wife, that could possibly contribute to there divorce. Iago is so sinister, that he can be viewed as the exemplification of envy. Iago poisons the hearts and minds of those around him with his play on words and manipulation of less clever minds. He believes that, due to his great admiration and respect for Othello, it is his responsibility to make him happy. However, time and time again, instead of acting out in devoted protection of Othello, Iago responds with envious rage, causing more bad than good. Iago makes sure to remind Othello that Desdemona betrayed her father to be with him, which means that she is capable of deceit and

As the moral of this tragedy is a commendable heed against swift notions, and giving way to the first transports of rage and jealousy, which may plunge a man into all the trepidations of guilt, hindrance and wreckage. William Shakespeare was a master of revealing the intricacies of the human mind through his extensive characters. His professionalism in this area is strikingly evident in the character Iago. He acts out jealously, yet claims that he is only doing it out of pure love. By definition, jealousy typically refers to the negative thoughts and feelings of insecurity, resentment against a rival, distrust, fear of loss, and suspicion or anger about a perceived betrayal. In this play, many of the other characters are comparably maneuvered by way of their intense feelings of both love and jealousy. These emotions have often been perplexed since the beginning of human existence, and this play is no