Jealousy, often termed as the green-eyed monster, is a complex emotion that has intrigued and influenced human behaviour throughout history. This timeless theme finds profound expression in literature and cinema, notably in William Shakespeare’s Othello and its cinematic adaptation, Omkara. Short films like “Ahalya” (2015) by Sujoy Ghosh, “That Day After Every day” (2013) by Anurag Kashyap and books like “Gone Girl” by Gillian Flynn showcase and shed light on how suspicion can lead to jealousy.
Othello
Othello is a tragic play sets in motion by Iago’s malicious plan to incite Othello’s suspicion towards his faithful wife, Desdemona, based on the baseless accusations of infidelity. It is this suspicion, carefully planted by Iago that ignites the flame of jealousy within Othello’s heart.
Othello Syndrome: Beyond Fiction
The pathological jealously depicted in these narratives is not confined to the realm of fiction. It parallels Othello syndrome, a psychological disorder characterized by the delusional belief in a partner’s infidelity. This condition, steeped in irrational jealousy, highlights the broader psychological mechanisms at play, shedding light on real-life scenarios where suspicion undermines familial bonds.
The Dual nature of Suspicion and Jealousy
Jealousy, while often unfounded, can sometimes stem from legitimate concerns rooted in suspicion. The challenge lies in distinguishing between healthy scepticism and toxic doubt. Once suspicion takes root, rational discussion become nearly impossible, with the accuser and the accused entrenched in their positions. This dynamic prompts us to question: Does “act and deed,” of the accused not sufficient enough to dispel doubts? Or does suspicion’s stronghold render us incapable of accepting any form of reassurance?
Wendell Philips said, “The worst enemy is often within, concealed within our own insecurities and suspicions.” In the labyrinth of human emotions, suspicion stands as a formidable adversary, capable of turning love into despair and unity into ruin. I urge those impacted by the shadows of suspicion and the tendrils of jealousy to delve into introspection of how suspicion and jealousy have influenced their relationships, be in family or otherwise? In what ways can you identify and address the seeds of doubt before they blossom into destructive emptions?