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

of jealousy in this tragic play is through Othello’s downfall, whereby Othello becomes increasingly jealous to the point that he believes Iago’s insinuations regarding Desdemona’s infidelity. In this tragedy by Shakespeare, jealousy is shown to make individuals lose their ability to think rationally, resulting in emotionally-driven decisions.

To begin, Iago’s desire to seek revenge on Othello is purely motivated by jealousy.

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

my office. I know / not if’t be true, / But I, for mere suspicion in that kind, / Will do as if for surety” (1.3.329-433). This implies that Iago has a conjecture that his wife has been involved in a liaison with Othello, his enemy. Seeing as Iago repeatedly admits to Roderigo and the audience how much he despises Othello, suspecting that his own wife is involved with Othello acts as an impetus in Iago’s revenge plot. Subsequently, in Act 2, Iago discusses the topic of his wife’s infidelity and his quest for revenge once again: “I do suspect the lusty Moor / Hath leap’d into my seat…And nothing can or shall content my soul / Til I am even’d with him, wife for wife…At least into a jealousy so strong / That judgement cannot cure” (2.1.293-302). This soliloquy reveals Iago’s plan to manipulate Othello, the Moor, by implanting the idea in his head that his wife, Desdemona, is having an affair, resulting in Othello becoming jealous. In addition, this statement confirms Iago’s resentment towards Othello due to his suspicion of his own wife’s adultery. The fact that Iago has repeatedly spoken of his wife’s alleged affair demonstrates that Iago is primarily motivated by his jealousy, and his plot against Othello is driven by an emotional response to Cassio’s sudden promotion and the suspected affair between Othello and Iago’s wife, Emilia.

Secondly, Roderigo’s jealousy towards Othello results in him paying Iago, a new friend, to help him convince Desdemona to marry him. It is made apparent throughout the play that Roderigo is deeply infatuated with Desdemona through his conversations with Iago. For example, in Act 1, Roderigo says to Iago, “I take it much unkindly / That thou, Iago, who hast had my purse / As if the strings were thine, shouldst know of this” 1.1.1-2). In this conversation, Roderigo tells Iago that he is upset that he did not inform him of Desdemona’s marriage to Othello, especially due to the fact that he is reimbursing Iago to help him win over Desdemona. Paying Iago to assist him in claiming Desdemona’s affection shows that Roderigo makes decisions strongly based on his emotions; in this case, jealousy. Roderigo is easily persuaded to do what is asked of him if he expects his efforts to be rewarded, and Iago uses this to his advantage. This is evident when Iago asks Roderigo to kill Cassio for him: “Roderigo, if thou hast that in thee indeed which I / have greater reason to believe now than ever – I / mean purpose, courage, and valor – this night show / it. If thou the next night following enjoy not Desdemona, / take me from this world with treachery and devise engines for my life” (4.2.211-217). Initially, Iago appeals to Roderigo by saying that if he accepts his request, he’ll be able to be with Desdemona. However, Roderigo is unaware of what this request entails, and so he asks, “Is it within reason and compass?” (4.2.218-219). This shows that Iago has caught Roderigo’s interest, as he desires Desdemona more than anything, and is willing to engage in Iago’s plan in order to have her. Later on, Roderigo states that he does not really want to kill Cassio, but Iago “hath given [him] satisfying reasons” that persuade him to commit the deed (5.1.9). These “satisfying reasons” include Iago’s claim that Desdemona will be Roderigo’s once he is successful in killing Cassio. Emotion clouds Roderigo’s mind, as his jealousy towards Othello motivates him to help Iago in exchange for Desdemona’s love at whatever cost. This is demonstrated through his obedience towards Iago, and his patience when Iago continuously tells him to “put money in thy purse” (1.3.344). Throughout the play, he continues to comply to Iago’s every whim, as he is led to believe that Iago will provide him with what he wants in exchange. Ultimately, Roderigo’s demise occurs when he allows his jealousy to override logical thought, and thus falls prey to Iago’s manipulation.

Finally, Othello’s jealousy results in his tragic downfall, as he is so overcome by emotion that he abandons any rational thought regarding Desdemona’s alleged infidelity.

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

are true. This is apparent when he asks Iago, “I swear ‘tis better to be much abused / Than but to know’t a little” (3.3. 332-333). This quotation indicates that Othello has been persuaded by Iago, and now believes that his wife could be unfaithful, though he wants evidence to support this claim. In response, Iago asks Othello about the handkerchief he gave Desdemona, claiming that he saw Cassio wiping his beard with it. This infuriates Othello, resulting in him declaring, “One is too poor, too weak for my revenge…All my fond love thus do I blow to heaven…Arise, black vengeance, from the hollow hell!” (3.3.440-444). This drastic change in Othello’s persona shows that he has become irrational due to being overcome by jealousy. In fact, Othello has become so elated by Iago’s accusations and premeditated evidence that he does not consider asking Desdemona or Cassio about their alleged affair. Instead, Othello relies solely on Iago’s word and the handkerchief as evidence of his wife’s adultery. This is due to the fact that Othello has now become overwhelmed by jealousy, and trusts Iago since Iago’s actions demonstrate that he appears to care about Othello. Nevertheless, Othello’s jealousy continues to increase to the point where he orders Desdemona and Cassio to be killed. When Iago asks that Desdemona be spared, Othello exclaims, “Damn her, lewd minx! O damn her!” (3.4.472). It is clear that Othello has lost his calm and rational manner in favour of jealousy, as he proceeds to kill Desdemona. Subsequently, Othello regrets this decision upon finding out about Desdemona’s innocence after smothering her to death. Due to his guilt, Othello kills himself. In the end, Othello’s jealousy consumes him and eventually leads him to suicide.

In conclusion, jealousy causes individuals to lose their ability to think and act in a logical manner. Iago’s plan to destroy Othello is motivated by jealousy. Furthermore, Roderigo’s infatuation with Desdemona and jealousy towards Othello, results in him desperately paying Iago to help him win over Desdemona. Othello’s extreme jealousy results in his downfall, as he loses his rationale and allows his jealousy to devour him. Jealousy is the one emotion that drives the plot of this play. Those who succumb to their jealousy become victims to it, causing their own demise. In reality, jealousy can be incredibly self-destructive, as shown through the ruination of the characters in Othello.