# 136 - The Psychology of Othello: Jealousy, Manipulation, & the Human Mind
Description
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Step inside the mind of one of literature’s most powerful tragedies. In this episode of The Lemon Tree Coaching Podcast, host Dr. Allison Sucamele explores the psychological forces that shape Othello by William Shakespeare — from Othello’s deep insecurities to Iago’s chilling manipulations and Desdemona’s tragic idealism.
We’ll dive into:
🌿 How racism, imposter syndrome, and insecurity fuel Othello’s downfall
🧠 Iago as a psychological puppet master — and the dark triad traits behind his cruelty
💔 Desdemona’s tragic innocence and the psychology of idealized love
🔥 The corrosive power of jealousy, projection, and cognitive dissonance
This timeless tragedy isn’t just a story of betrayal — it’s a mirror reflecting how fear, manipulation, and systemic bias shape human behavior.
📚 Featured resources:
- Projections: The New Science of Human Emotion by Karl Deisseroth
- Dark Psychology and Manipulation by William Cooper
✨ For teachers: Explore my Othello Psychological Character Analysis and Othello Film Study lesson plans at The Lemon Tree by AKS on Teachers Pay Teachers.
⚠️ Disclaimer: This podcast is for educational and inspirational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional mental health care. If you are struggling or in crisis, call or text 988 for 24/7 support.
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