Humans are made up of many emotions. Some are positive, others negative. But jealousy is usually secondary to anger, fear, or both. Although jealousy can be a common emotion but it can also cause great harm, it is often ignored. John Dryden pointed to jealousy as “the jaundice for the soul”, where natural human emotions can’t be forgone. This is often the redirection and answering of the unconscious. The psychological analysis of Othello by William Shakespeare helps to understand the causes and consequences of jealousy.
Although jealousy is commonly associated with romantic conflicts, it can be experienced in a variety emotions. Jealousy is often rooted in the subconscious feeling inferior, especially when it occurs in a competitive environment. Iago, Othello’s protagonist, shows how jealousy can be caused by his social standing. Iago starts his monologue dissatisfied at Othello’s choice to make Cassio lieutenant. Iago continues his monologue about Cassio’s superior qualification and then admits that he is loyal to Othello only for a short time. Iago does not intend to use Othello as a service member, but his jealousy of Cassio’s higher rank is what causes his malice. Alfred Adler, psychologist, described Iago’s unconscious and conscious mentality. Adler states that jealousy can be caused by a desire to make up for inferior feelings. This theory is a great explanation of Iago’s subconscious and provides insight into his tendency to develop irrational or dangerous behaviors. Othello was not intended to offend or harm Iago. But his failure to provide Iago with the things he requested is what causes Iago to develop destructive behaviors. Iago’s socio-economic position is inferior to Othello or Cassio. Iago also has a tendency towards inferiority due to his lack of power and status. Apart from envy of power and status, jealousy of possessions is second most common. Othello shows that jealousy can be expressed in many ways. Roderigo, Iago’s friend and close confidant, is another prominent character. Roderigo, Othello’s friend and constant lover, is his significance. Roderigo becomes blinded from jealousy because he doesn’t get the love and recognition he deserves and makes Roderigo a sacrifice in order to satisfy Iago. Roderigo acts in accordance with Iago’s directions and wakes Brabantio who is Desdemona’s husband. Although Roderigo’s actions may seem insignificant and not dangerous, Roderigo awakens Brabantio, Desdemona’s father by calling out, “Even now, now. Very soon. An old black ram is tupping your white ewe.” This exposes Othello’s secret marriage to Desdemona. Roderigo’s jealousy is similar to Roderigo’s yearning for a certain object. In this case, Desdemona. However, jealousy has been called the “love destroyer” and is a destructive emotion. These people are prone to be obsessed by the object they cannot possess and will destroy it. This human emotion is so frightening and evil because of its obsession with possession and the destruction of the reason for it.
The most common form of jealousy is interlaced. This involves intimate relationships between two people. Unfortunately, it can also be the most deadly and easily developed. The most significant conflict of jealousy in Othello revolves around Desdemona and Othello’s once-loving marriage. Othello’s emotional state changes as the play progresses are a result of Iago’s manipulation. Iago misdirects Othello by making him distrust Desdemona. Othello begins to suspect Iago of falsely accusing Cassio, implying that Desdemona had deceived her father and would therefore marry you Othello …”,, thus deceiving Othello. Iago cleverly plants jealousy seeds, which spread like wildfire until it becomes uncontrollable.
Othello asserts that he will not be affected by the jealousy. But Othello soon realizes that his doubts make it difficult for him to confront Desdemona/Cassio. Othello’s jealousy is the most dangerous and destructive type, as it is likely to escalate into “Pathological Jealousy.” Morbid jealousy is another term that describes this type of behavior. It is when one partner is constantly suspicious of the other’s sexual infidelity. Morbid jealousy, which is a psychopathic disorder that causes extreme irrational behavior misconduct, is very dangerous. Othello’s case is one of pathological jealousy. Iago creates false evidence continually and encourages Othello to be suspicious. He fears Desdemona will betray him physically. This is “… his defense mechanism against deep-rooted fear …”,. But, in reality, he’s afraid and insecure about this relationship. People who experience jealousy in a relationship are often experiencing an emotional imbalance. This means that there is a lack of equality between those in the relationship.
While emotions are innate and human, some people are more susceptible to negative emotions. Although psychologists agree that jealousy is important for social bonding, it can quickly become a disaster if one doesn’t manage their emotions well. Jealousy is not limited to romantic relationships. Shakespeare’s tragic play shows how jealousy can manifest through power struggle and love, as well as betrayal. Although jealousy is not something to be encouraged in relationships it is still an instinctive human trait. Finding the root cause is the only way to stop an Othello tragedy. Then, approach the issue rationally.
