Jealousy “O, beware, my lord, of jealousy; It is the green-ey'd monster, which doth mock The meat it feeds on” - Iago The play is a study of how jealousy can ruin lives- even with only the most circumstantial evidence of guilt. Jealousy is harnessed as a weapon, a weapon made so lethal because its victim ultimately destroys himself and others around him. Iago uses jealousy against Othello yet jealousy is likely the source of Iago’s hatred in the first place. Jealousy effects most of the characters in some way and is a main contributor to the overall tragedy of the play.

Othello Othello is not of a jealous nature and is trusting of those around him. He shows no jealous tendencies at the start of the play having used Cassio as a chaperone, and having handed over Desdemona to Iago for the voyage to Cyprus. The other characters are aware of this, “the Moor is of a free and open nature” and yet it is jealousy which is a key factor in the downfall of Othello. Iago’s suggestions of jealousy are quite new to Othello. One cannot protect oneself against something which cannot be foreseen and is outsides ones previous experience. Iago displays more insight into the nature of people and understands jealousy often arises from love. Like envy, it has something of the grief and fear that comes from seeing another in possession of that which we would posses solely for ourselves, or from fearing that another may posses it. It is this which assists in the breakdown of Othello through his pride, and fear of becoming a ‘cuckhold’ as well as his willingness to trust the word of “Honest Iago”,and the support of small insubstantial evidence.”Trifles light as air are to the jealous confirmations strong as proofs of holy writ.” Othello is eventually overcome by Jealousy, when he believes Cassio is talking of bedding his wife, and the tragedy of the play ends with Othello’s own murder of his pure and innocent wife.

Iago Iago is jealous of Cassios”s position as lieutenant and the fact that Cassio is of higher social standing then him. The “daily beauty” in Cassios life make Iago feel “UGLY” by comparison. It engenders in Iago a profound sense of lack of worth, from which he can temporarily find relief only by reducing Othello and others to his own miserable condition. He is adept at provoking self hatred and jealousy in others because he suffers from them himself. He suspects that both Othello and Casio have slept with his wife, which he uses as an excuse for his manipulative actions. “…it is thought abroad that twixt my sheets he’s done my office. I no not if it be true but I, for the mere suspicion in that kind, will do as if it for surety”” Iago also displays jealousy towards Roderigos wealth.

EMILIA As Emilia is slightly older than Desdemona and more worldly wise, she has a better understanding of the concept of jealousy. She thinks that sexual jealousy is not a natural affliction but a “self induced disease of the mind”. She tells Desdemona “Jealous persons are not ever jealous for the cause, but jealous for they are jealous. It is a monster begot upon itself” Emilia displays jealousy when she is talking about men and husbands in general (this is towards the end of the play) she talks of how they treat us like a sport they will use us until they get sick of us then find another more desirable women. She discusses the differences between how men and women treat each other and how if a women cheats it is found upon and disregarded whereas men can do the same thing without equal consequence.

Bianca displays insecurities about Cassios faithfulness and his feelings towards her. It is this which causes jealousy and suspicion to quickly arise in her when Cassio requests she copy the pattern of a handkerchief he has discovered. “this is some token from a newer friend”. Cassio contains no real love for Bianca and its likely she is aware of this. Her insecurities and jealousy are therefore not without reason Bianca