The jealousy

Rohit Kapoor
“O, beware, my lord, of jealousy;
It is the green-ey’d monster, which doth mock
the meat it feeds on.” William Shakespeare, Othello.
“At least into jealousy so strong, that judgment cannot cure”.
Iago, a professional soldier feels disappointed when Cassio is preferred in promotion in career. His absolute egoism is hurt. The cynic in him ridicules love, beauty and moral values. Since he can’t be Othello’s match in fame, grace and social position, he plots, conspires and sows seeds of suspicion. Iago’s conceit and self -love make him incapable of loving anyone except himself.   This demi evil is always trying to give himself reason for his malignity. Iago, however, is not without another dimension of his being; cool headed, appears always in control, quick witted, cleverness, his ever ready armory of strategy and tactics to wriggle out of any situation.
“Since he can’t be Othello’s match in fame, grace and social position, he plots, conspires and sows seeds of suspicion. Iago’s conceit and self -love make him incapable of loving anyone except himself. This demi evil is always trying to give himself reason for his malignity.”
On the other hand, noble simplicity of Othello, as described of Shakespeare; “Whose nature is far from doing harm, That he suspects none”.
However, fate steps in to help the villain in his game of causing suspicion, followed by tragedy; Othello killing his beloved wife out of sheer suspicion engineered by Iago. Jealousy is the worst of all faults because it makes a victim of both parties.
There is greater realistic truth in the full blooded characters of Mahabharata, fierce jealousy and biting scorn. Duryodhan, Mama Shakuni is synonymous to envy and jealousy that ends in tragedy of killing of brothers by brothers.
In Ramayana, Ravana is described as a devout follower of the Lord Shiva; for an individual & selfish desire and jealousy resulted into bloodshed and killing of his kith and kins.
One verse in Bible says: For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there will be disorder and every vile practice.
Jealousy is an attitude condemned in the Holy Qur’an. Hasad (jealousy and envy) is among the most destructive emotions or feeling which a man may have towards his fellow human beings. It causes him to wish evil for others and to be happy when misfortune befalls them. The Prophet (peace be upon him) warned against envy by comparing it to fire that completely burns the wood. He (peace and blessings be upon him) said: “Beware of jealousy, for verily it destroys good deeds the way fire destroys wood.”
Jealousy can be defined as an emotion and typically refers to the negative thoughts and feelings of insecurity, fear, and anxiety over an anticipated loss of something that the person values, particularly in reference to a human connection.
Centuries have passed by, however, human nature and basic instinct of jealousy continues in human race in various forms including sibling rivalry, workplace envy and romantic jealousy. Knowing so much, having faced the evil consequences, the History mankind continues to add new chapters of events relating to jealousy.
And truly said so, “You can only be jealous of someone who has something you think you ought to have yourself.” Margaret Atwood; the Handmaid’s Tale.
We are probably wired by nature to struggle with jealousy, at least, some time in life time. It appears to be so inherent a defect in human behavior that it refuses to leave. Schism and disharmony continues.
(The author is an advocate)

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