Iago describes jealousy as a "green-eyed monster" that mocks the meat it feeds on. He considers jealousy to be a destructive and consuming emotion that can lead to harmful actions and thoughts.
Iago manipulates all the characters in Othello out of jealousy.
Iago is obviously the villain, but if Othello had not been susceptible to Iago's lies because of jealousy, they would have had no effect.
In the play Othello, many of the characters fall victim to jealousy, causing them to do things they wouldn't normally do. Iago, Emilia, Bianca, Roderigo and Othello all display jealousy throughout the play, though each finds resolution in a different way. Iago displays jealousy from the very beginning of the play. His jealousy quickly spawns thoughts of revenge, and he soon develops a plan to achieve revenge on those he feels have wronged him. From the start of the play, Iago expresses his jealousy of both Cassio and Othello. He is jealous of Cassio for securing the job of lieutenant Iago feels he deserved, and jealous of Othello not only from the promotion of Cassio, but also from his belief that Othello has slept with Emilia. Iago expresses "It is thought abroad that 'twixt my sheets / He has done my office" This insecurity and jealousy he feels leads him to commit acts of revenge. As he becomes fixed on the idea of revenge, Iago speaks in a soliloquy he will not be satisfied "Till I am evend with him, wife for wife, /Or failing so, yet that I put the Moor / At least into a jealousy so strong / That judgment cannot cure"
Iago tells Othello that Desdemona is lying to manipulate him and incite jealousy. He aims to create doubt in Othello's mind about Desdemona's fidelity, suggesting that she is unfaithful with Cassio. By portraying himself as a trustworthy friend, Iago exploits Othello's insecurities to further his own agenda, ultimately leading to Othello's tragic downfall. Iago's deceitful actions stem from his own jealousy and desire for revenge against Othello.
Emilia comments that it would be hard to imagine any woman cheating on her husband unless her husband had given her a reason to do so. This suggests that Emilia believes Iago's jealousy and mistrust of Desdemona may stem from his own insecurities and wrongdoing.
Othello's hamartia would either be his misplaced trust upon Iago or his magnified sense of jealousy.
While Othello is hiding, Iago and Cassio discuss Desdemona. Iago uses this opportunity to manipulate Cassio into speaking favorably about Desdemona, knowing that Othello is eavesdropping. This conversation plays a crucial role in Iago's scheme to incite jealousy in Othello regarding Desdemona's loyalty.
Jealousy affects us all; it is wanting what other have or what you can't get.
Iago uses vivid and animalistic imagery to describe Othello and Desdemona's elopement, portraying it as a corrupt and scandalous act. He refers to Othello as an "old black ram" and Desdemona as a "white ewe," emphasizing racial and sexual themes that highlight their differences and the perceived unnaturalness of their union. This imagery serves to manipulate and incite jealousy in other characters, particularly Roderigo, by suggesting that their relationship is both immoral and grotesque.
Iago uses the weaknesses of Othello, specifically jealousy and his devotion to things as they seem, to conquer his opposite in Desdemona. Othello believes his weakness is trust. He is quick to trust others, especially Iago.
jealousy
Iago jokes with Cassio about Bianca to manipulate both Cassio and Othello. By making light of Cassio's relationship with Bianca, Iago aims to provoke jealousy in Othello regarding Desdemona, while simultaneously undermining Cassio’s reputation. This tactic serves Iago's larger scheme of orchestrating chaos and betrayal, revealing his cunning nature and ability to exploit others' vulnerabilities.