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.

Othello Gender Roles

Othello has many controversial topics embedded into the play. Along with racism, gender roles is a large part of the story of Othello. Desdemona, Othello's wife has a tendency to show her independence. In Act 3, Scene 3 when she tries to use her femininity and significance to Othello to pardon Cassio is but one example of Desdemona making her independence known. however for Desdemona, she is also thought of as property to her father which is seen in the beginning of Act 1. Emilia plays the common role of a wife in Shakespeare's time as she submits to Iago and does what he wants. She does not advocate for herself and is very passive making her easy to control. Bianca defies the role of someone of her position (prostitute) around this time. She speaks for herself and demands the love and attention of Cassio, holding her own in a world of powerful and demanding men.

Othello is very much fitting of his role in society regarding his gender. Although he seems to completely adore Desdemona, he bashes her both in front of Emilia and Lodovico and in private, especially about her and Cassio. Along with Othello, Iago plays a stereotypical man of the time as he is manipulative and controlling towards Emilia. In general he makes a fool of many women throughout the play. Brabantio fits his role as a father of the time as he is very protective and takes action against his daughter marrying someone he does not want her to marry. To him, Desdemona is property. Roderigo is obsessed with Desdemona and fulfills the "knight in shining armor" role of a man in Shakespeare's time. Cassio is much different as he respects the women in the play even though he has a hard time loving Bianca.