Psychology In Othello

     Morbid jealousy is a psychological condition where a person holds a strong delusional belief that their spouse is cheating on them without having claim to back up their accusations. In Othello, morbid jealousy is apparent with both Othello and Desdemona and Iago and Emilia. It could also be said that this jealousy happens on a smaller scale with Bianca and Cassio. Othello strongly believes that Desdemona is being unfaithful with Cassio by the end of Act four. His jealousy grows and he goes almost mad, caught in the fervor of his passion. He is so caught up in his jealousy that he has seizures  when around Iago. In Act four Scene two Othello lays a hand on Desdemona, showing his craziness and immense jealousy that is taking over him.

     Iago has a less intense morbid jealousy. Although this jealousy drives his actions up to Act four, he does not go as crazy as Othello over his assumptions that his spouse is unfaithful with Othello. The jealousy Iago has leads to his manipulating of Othello and Cassio. This is especially the case for Othello's manipulation and the reason behind it. Bianca has jealousy when she finds Othello's handkerchief. This jealousy is seen as she confronts Cassio about the handkerchief, thinking it was another woman's. Jealousy better describes Bianca because she technically has "evidence" of cheating, even though it is not accurate evidence.