Othello as a study of Jealousy

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Othello as a study of Jealousy

Jealousy is the central theme of Othello. When we turn to analyze the plot this is found to be a network of intrigue the mode of action in which Jealousy most naturally finds vent; and the intrigues, however elaborate, are by the movement of the plot drawn to a simple culmination which remains for all literature the typical climax of tragic Jealousy.


(a) Iago suspects that Othello and Cassio have tempered with his wife and this jealousy is the most important motive of Iago’s action.

(b) Roderigo has the ordinary jealousy of a love intrigue utilized by Iago. Here Iago working on Roderigo’s jealousy of Cassio in order to get money from him.

(c) Bianco presents the jealousy of a vulgar liaison. Her connection is with only a single phrase of the action, the misunderstanding in the matter of the handkerchief. It is jealousy that brings her to look for Cassio, and reproach him for long absence when he gives her the handkerchief; and it is jealousy that brings her again to give it back in the sight of the concealed Othello.

(d) Cassio and Desdemona are prominent in the play by the utter absence of the passion. In Desdemona the absence of jealousy and suspicion amounts to a phenomena.

(e) Othello is lashed into the extremity of jealousy for it is not only rage that Desdemona’s love and thought should be given to Cassio, but fury that her body should be his; and this maddens him more than the other. But forms of jealousy are in Othello, and when both mix together jealousy reaches its extremity.