Envy in Othello by Shakespeare

Envy in Othello by Shakespeare Envy in Othello Oct 30, 2018 in Literature Description of Envy Envy can be defined as a feeling of discontented or bitter longing provoked by someones possessions, position and qualities. It is a very strong emotion, which mainly occurs when someone lacks another ones superior character, achievement and the person either wishes to have it or the owner lacks it. It is one of the greatest reasons for unhappiness. People with envy are most likely to inflict adversaries those they envy. Although envy is regarded as something negative, it is also believed that envy was the driving force behind the movement towards equality, hence, it must be experienced in order to achieve a more fair societal system (Bertrand, 2000). Envy in Shakespeare's Othello The detrimental power of envy is perfectly shown in Shakespeares Othello. Iago had fought for many years under the command of Othello as he tried to make himself relevant before the leader, a factor that modulated his envy (Smith and Kim, 2007). However, he was in no way the right person for Othello to be given the opportunity as his personal lieutenant compared to Cassio. Iago has been aspiring for a very long time to be given the post though without the knowledge of Othello. So, Othello gives the work to Cassio. As soon as Iago realized that he was not getting the job, he became a disturbed man and became infuriated. Envy quickly took over him and he immediately embarked on a vengeance mission with an aim to destroy both Othello and Cassio.