The Jealousy Syndrome
In Othello (1603), a play by William Shakespeare (1564-1616), the antagonist, Iago, enacts a plan to exact revenge on Othello, the army general, for appointing Cassio as lieutenant instead of him. He executes this by targeting Othello’s love for his wife, Desdemona by falsely implying that she is having an affair with Cassio. Jealousy is the central emotion throughout the play as it drives both Othello and Iago to act with cruelty to those around them. The role of Iago in the play is to demonstrate how, although it creates spite and deceit, jealousy can be used as a useful driving force. Initially, Iago’s jealousy is an asset because it fuels the making of a sinister plan which causes his enemy severe emotional harm. Seeing that his plan is unfolding, he continues to …show more content…
Iago plans to use Desdemona’s handkerchief as a trap: “This may do something. / [The Moor already changes with my poison;] / Dangerous conceits are in their natures poisons, / Which at the first are scarce found to distaste, / But with little act upon the blood / Burn like the mines of sulfur” (III.iii.372-377). Iago states that Othello is being consumed with jealousy because of the “poison,” or traps, Iago sets up for Othello to make him believe Desdemona is acting unfaithful to him. Shakespeare compares Iago’s “dangerous conceits” to mines of sulfur through the use of a simile. His dangerous idea will ultimately sit with Othello and then “burn like the mines of sulfur,” indicating that once Othello begins to suspect that Desdemona is not loyal, it will in time consume his thoughts. While watching Othello’s discontent grow with time, Iago becomes satisfied that his plan is proving to be successful and looks forward to Othello’s mental chaos increasing. Jealousy has become Iago’s strongest weapon, as it is the foundation of his commitment to his
In Othello (1603), a play by William Shakespeare (1564-1616), the antagonist, Iago, enacts a plan to exact revenge on Othello, the army general, for appointing Cassio as lieutenant instead of him. He executes this by targeting Othello’s love for his wife, Desdemona by falsely implying that she is having an affair with Cassio. Jealousy is the central emotion throughout the play as it drives both Othello and Iago to act with cruelty to those around them. The role of Iago in the play is to demonstrate how, although it creates spite and deceit, jealousy can be used as a useful driving force. Initially, Iago’s jealousy is an asset because it fuels the making of a sinister plan which causes his enemy severe emotional harm. Seeing that his plan is unfolding, he continues to …show more content…
Iago plans to use Desdemona’s handkerchief as a trap: “This may do something. / [The Moor already changes with my poison;] / Dangerous conceits are in their natures poisons, / Which at the first are scarce found to distaste, / But with little act upon the blood / Burn like the mines of sulfur” (III.iii.372-377). Iago states that Othello is being consumed with jealousy because of the “poison,” or traps, Iago sets up for Othello to make him believe Desdemona is acting unfaithful to him. Shakespeare compares Iago’s “dangerous conceits” to mines of sulfur through the use of a simile. His dangerous idea will ultimately sit with Othello and then “burn like the mines of sulfur,” indicating that once Othello begins to suspect that Desdemona is not loyal, it will in time consume his thoughts. While watching Othello’s discontent grow with time, Iago becomes satisfied that his plan is proving to be successful and looks forward to Othello’s mental chaos increasing. Jealousy has become Iago’s strongest weapon, as it is the foundation of his commitment to his