Theme Of Jealousy In Othello

Jealousy is the most dominant theme of Othello. “Honest” Iago, the protagonist, is utterly absorbed with his jealousy of Michael Cassio because Cassio was chosen as lieutenant instead of Iago. He yearns for everyone to be as miserable as himself by implementing seeds of doubt resulting jealousy of other characters. His mind is clouded by animosity; Iago acquires for others to be justly jealous shown through Iago’s manipulation of characters, especially Othello. Shakespeare begins the story with an evidence of trust in Iago from Roderigo as he reveals his dear love for Desdemona. Iago promises to cause a separation between Desdemona and Othello and receives a payment from Roderigo each time he acts in favor of his promise. Roderigo is the first character Iago uses to flaunt his manipulation skills.
“Evidence” of Desdemona’s unfaithfulness was effectively planted by Iago when Desdemona’s handkerchief was discovered in Cassio’s bed chamber. The handkerchief is a symbol of Othello’s love for Desdemona as it is the first gift he gave her.“Such a handkerchief I am sure it was your wife’s--did I today see Cassio wipe his beard with” (III.iii.434-436). The imagery created by Iago sends Othello is completely over the edge by imagining the symbol of his and Desdemona’s profaned love being used by another man. Othello confessed his plans to murder Desdemona because he is jealous of Desdemona’s alleged affair with Cassio. With a goal of destroying the relationship between Desdemona and Othello by triggering Othello’s jealousy, Iago successfully achieves his goal by using manipulation. He instigates much of the trouble and then responds to the situation seeming clean-handed. Iago falsified accusations which in turn resulted in the downfall of Othello. He is infatuated by making others feel the same jealousy and anger as he feels causing the death of many characters and the destruction of