Jealousy In Othello

“A competent and self-confident person is incapable of jealousy in anything. Jealousy is invariably a symptom of neurotic insecurity,” revealed Robert A. Heinlein. In William Shakespeare’s play, Othello, jealousy is the most prevailed theme displayed among the characters. Also, it is an aspect that fuels the entire play. For instance, Iago’s jealousy derives from the fact that Cassio was promoted to lieutenant. Iago expresses his resentment towards Cassio when he states, “One Michael Cassio, a Florentine, / (a fellow almost damn'd in a fair wife) / That never set a squadron in the field, / nor the division of a battle knows more than a spinster / ... But he, sir, had th’ election “ (1.1.19 –26). In an act of jealousy, Iago convinces Othello that his wife, Desdemona, is cheating on him with Cassio.

Othello becomes certain Desdemona has cheated on him. In fact, no amount of evidence could overturn his belief of unfaithfulness, because the jealousy causes a mental blindness in a man who once derived power from his strength and forward thinking. As the play continues, Othello’s jealousy progresses due to his race. Although he may appear as an insider to the community, his looks set him apart from others, creating a sense of insecurity. For example, Iago uses Othello’s skin color to persuade Desdemona's father to come looking for her by stating, “Even now, now, very now, an old black ram / Is tupping your white ewe. Arise, arise” (1.1.88–89). As a matter of fact, towards the end of the play he begins to question whether or not he is too old and uncharming for Desdemona to truly love him. Othello’s jealousy and insecurity are inevitable factors that occurred from Cassio’s own feelings of