Rai, Ram Prasad. "Jealousy and Destruction in William Shakespeare's Othello." Crossing the Border:
International Journal of Interdisciplinary Studies 4.1 (2015): 53-58.
In his article analyzing Shakespeare’s play Othello, author Ram Prasad Rai argues that the true cause of Othello’s destruction is the presence and permeation of jealousy: “Because of jealousy, the relation between the people is disturbed and the world of Othello is fully destroyed” (Rai 53). The mastermind behind the feelings of jealousy come from Iago, and can be seen at the very start of the play where the audience views Iago being jealous of Cassio’s new position as Othello’s lieutenant rather than himself; this is the first spark that starts a fire. The author describes how Iago turns to Roderigo, using his jealousy of Othello’s marriage to Desdemona, the woman he claims to love, as “a weapon” (54) against Othello. Iago twists the truth and Roderigo’s emotions throughout the play in order to use him against others. Also near the beginning of the play, the author discusses how Iago feeds the anger and jealousy of Brabantio, informing him of his daughter’s secret marriage: a secret that will come to haunt the couple later through Iago’s manipulations. Further, the author describes how Iago’s manipulation of Cassio is the stronger root of jealousy, as by getting him drunk and deposed of his position, Iago “advises him to seek help from Desdemona to request Othello for the lost position back” (55). After dropping hints and spreading rumors to Othello of Cassio’s lack of character and lies about him vying for Desdemona, Othello no longer sees Cassio as he once did, allowing him to believe the lies. In the same way, Iago twists the truth of Desdemona keeping their marriage secret from her father, thus “proving” that she can be a good liar. Like with Cassio, Othello is convinced he no longer really knows his wife, and becomes so angry with jealousy that he is led to kill her. These things, and forced evidence such as the handkerchief and misheard conversations, eventually drive Othello to a madness of jealousy, and the destruction of his happiness and life.
