Why Does Iago Hate Othello?1

Iago's hatred for Othello in William Shakespeare's play "Othello" is rooted in a complex blend of jealousy, envy, and personal grievances. As the play unfolds, Iago's motivations become clearer, shedding light on his malicious intentions.
One significant source of Iago's animosity is his belief that Othello wronged him by passing over him for promotion. Othello appoints Cassio, a younger and less experienced officer, as his lieutenant instead of Iago. This decision deeply wounds Iago's pride and fuels his bitterness. He perceives this as a personal betrayal, as he expected and felt entitled to the promotion. This resentment festers within him and becomes a driving force behind his actions.
Moreover, Iago suspects that Othello has had an affair with his wife, Emilia. While there is no concrete evidence to support this suspicion, Iago's mind becomes consumed by the idea. This notion further fuels his hatred, as he interprets it as a direct betrayal by both Othello and Emilia. The combination of feeling overlooked for promotion and believing that his wife has been unfaithful intensifies Iago's desire for revenge against Othello.
Iago's complex character is marked by his manipulative nature and his ability to exploit others' weaknesses. He cunningly plays upon Othello's insecurities about his race and his marriage to Desdemona, a young Venetian woman. Iago plants seeds of doubt in Othello's mind, suggesting that Desdemona is unfaithful to him with Cassio. Iago artfully twists innocent interactions into evidence of an affair, exploiting Othello's vulnerability to jealousy and undermining his trust in those around him.
Iago's hatred is also driven by his general disdain for human nature. He views people as inherently selfish and prone to betrayal, and he takes pleasure in proving this belief through his manipulative schemes. He delights in sowing discord, destroying relationships, and causing chaos simply to confirm his cynical worldview.
In essence, Iago's hatred for Othello is a complex interplay of personal grievances, envy, and a delight in manipulating others. His actions are driven by a desire for revenge, a thirst for power and control, and a sadistic pleasure in causing suffering. Throughout the play, Iago's intricate plotting and manipulation reveal a deeply malevolent character whose motivations are rooted in a toxic mix of jealousy and the belief that everyone is capable of betrayal. This toxic combination culminates in Othello's tragic downfall, ultimately leading to the destruction of multiple lives.