Jealousy and Misogyny in Othello

Through the juxtaposition of Othello’s credulous nature and Iago’s pernicious villainy, Shakespeare focuses on the particular dilemma of human jealousy in this play. The leitmotiv of jealousy and ensuing misogyny begins with Othello’s elopement with Desdemona at night, but he needs to announce his love with her to the public by marriage. Blissfully happy with her, Othello suddenly finds himself overwhelmed with jealousy. It is assumed that the causes of his jealousy is traced to the blend of the psychology of his noble character with his being black and much older than Desdemona. Othello’s anxiety derives from the patriarchal society that suppresses female sexuality. Desdemona’s sexuality eventually leads to Othello’s destruction. His view of misogyny goes back to the traditional thoughts that libidinous women represent a dangerous threat to social order. On the other hand, It is generally agreed that two causes provoked Iago’s jealousy and misogyny. First, Iago has been passed over for promotion in favour of Michael Cassio, and second, Othello has married young and beautiful Desdemona whom he envies in his latent mind. Bound together in hate, Othello and Iago join in destroying the hated woman, Desdemona. It is apparent that ultimately, Shakespeare has included the demon-like, pernicious nature of Iago, and the destructive, powerful nature of Othello to demonstrate a theme on jealousy and misogyny.