The Anatomy of Melancholy

            I find The Anatomy of Melancholy to be particularly interesting when thinking about Othello, due to Burton’s descriptions of jealousy. He describes “symptoms”, such as anxiety and distrust, that align directly with the experiences of Othello when he becomes suspicious of Desdemona’s actions or Iago when Cassio receives the position he has wanted. Burton describes the feelings of jealousy as some of the most intense emotions one can experience and notes that feelings of jealousy may be felt even more deeply by men; especially, Moorish men. To prove this point, Burton notes the many records made by explorers, upon having travelled to foreign lands, that make note of sightings of many Moorish men experiencing feelings of jealousy. Burton paints the image of a Moor as a man that will more readily succumb to basic instincts than a white man.

            However, throughout the play, the men of Venice experience feelings of jealously much like those of Othello. For example, both Roderigo and Iago fall prey to feelings of envy that eventually lead to tragic ends. The argument could even be made that it is truly the jealousy of Iago, and not Othello, that is to blame for Desdemona’s brutal murder.

            Regardless of the capacity of all men to succumb to such feelings as envy, Moorish men were still assumed to be more susceptible to carnal desires and therefore more dangerous and animalistic than the white men of the time.