Who sowed seeds of jealousy in Othello?

• A. Othello
• B. Iago
• C. Desdemona
• D. Cassio

Answer: (B)

Jealousy is manufactured through cunning manipulation. Iago understands Othello’s vulnerabilities and uses calculated insinuations, half-truths, and carefully staged “evidence” to spark doubt about Desdemona’s fidelity. The handkerchief—presented as a supposed sign of Desdemona’s betrayal—serves as a potent trigger, but it’s Iago’s persistent insinuation and strategic disclosure that fuels Othello’s suspicions. Othello, trusting his ensign, absorbs these seeds and letting them grow into a consuming jealousy. Desdemona remains faithful, and Cassio is largely an unwitting participant in Iago’s plots. Thus, the one who sows the jealousy is Iago, whose deceitful manipulation sets the tragedy in motion.