Jealousy is a strong feeling. It can overpower a person’s good will, and ability to make sensible decisions. In Act II of Shakespeare’s, "Othello," Iago deals with the roots of jealousy. He conspires to use Othello’s good nature against him, to make Cassio lieutenant. Iago destroys Cassio’s reputation for his own greed. He uses anybody he can to carry out his jealous revenge scheme on Othello, including his own wife, and ex-lieutenant. Iago desires to satisfy the ever-present jealousy inside of him.
Iago takes pleasure in deluding people, by using their geniality against them. His plan to get revenge on Othello, is to make Othello feel as hot with jealousy as he does. In a soliloquy Iago says, “nothing can or shall content my soul/’Til I am evened with him/yet that I put the Moor/At least into a jealousy so strong/That judgment cannot cure,” (Shakespeare II.i.320-324). Iago is so resentful about Othello’s choice in officers, that he plans to make him as bitter as he is. This shows how even though Iago may be a knave, he is a cunning one. He exaggerates unfavorable situations, and quickly acts on his vengeful instincts with raging envy. He is so caught up in his plot for payback, that he takes every good word from Othello, and turns them into seeds of doubt in Roderigo, and into persuasion in Cassio.
Iago utilizes the opportunity of making a spectacle of Cassio, to mold Cassio’s intentions while he is still in shock. After steering Cassio into a fight with Montano, which costs him his lieutenancy, Iago finalizes the plan of Othello’s downfall. He says, “Confess yourself/freely to [Desdemona]. She is of so kind/a disposition that she holds it a vice/not to do more than she is requested,” (II.iii.337-341). Iago takes advantage of knowing how deceived Brabantio feels by Desdemona’s marrying of Othello. He also plans to make Othello believe that Desdemona has power to be devious with himself as well. Iago pictures...