The Manipulation Of Jealousy In Shakespeare's Othello

Jealousy is said to be a very petty trait, but it is safe to say it is a trait held by numerous people. Jealousy can consume individuals with rage, and sadness. In the play Othello, written by William Shakespeare, the protagonist Othello is manipulated by who he believes to be his friend, Iago. Iago, a manipulating con-artist seeks revenge upon Othello for not appointed him as a high-ranking general in the Venetian army. Due to Othello’s trusting persona and insecurities about his age, racial and cultural background. Iago is able to manipulate Othello and ones around him causing Othello to perform terrible actions that he would not normally do. Othello, is the main protagonist in the play written by William Shakespeare. Othello is a well-respected and noble general in the Venetian army. Iago, one of Othello’s “friends”, despises Othello simply due to the fact that Othello had recently given a Lieutenant Promotion position to Michael Cassio. Even though Iago had quite a bit of in-battle experience, Iago thought that giving such a promotion to someone who had no in-battle experience what so ever was an insult. Early on in the play, it is incredibly easy to see that Iago will do whatever it takes to ruin Othello’s life and take away everything that he has earned.
Iago is even able to manipulate Roderigo to do his dirty work, disguising the dirty work with having an outcome that will be beneficial for Roderigo. Roderigo is under the impression that if he and Iago are able to fill Othello of jealousy and rage in hopes that they will divorce, or part ways in a peaceful way. Thus giving Roderigo the opportunity to marry the woman he loves. Iago also adds quite a bit of vulgarity to his character with lines such as, “making the best with two backs” (1.1. 121-122). The meaning of this line would be similar to Iago saying that Othello and Desdemona are having sex at this very