It has often been said that jealousy is the central theme of William Shakespeare`s play, Othello. The first level on which jealousy operates is sexual, with Othello being persuaded by Iago to suspect Desdemona of infidelity. Also, Roderigo, a rejected suitor to Desdemona, is jealous of Othello obtaining Desdemona`s love.

Iago, too, is motivated by jealousy, but of a different type, jealousy concerning position and regard. It is Iago`s jealousy of Othello`s success and of Cassio`s promotion. He also is jealous in another way, suspecting Othello of having an affair with his wife Emilia.