Iago's hatred for Othello is deep rooted because__________

Analyze the question: The question asks for the main reason behind Iago's deep-rooted hatred for Othello in Shakespeare's Othello.

Explain the concept: Iago's motives are given in the play's opening scene (Act 1, Scene 1) and in his soliloquies. The most openly stated and consistent motive is professional resentment. Othello promoted Michael Cassio, a young Florentine with little battlefield experience, to the post of Lieutenant instead of Iago. Iago, who had fought alongside Othello at Rhodes, Cyprus and elsewhere, felt his experience was ignored and his rightful promotion denied.

Step-by-step solution:

1. Option A: he accused Othello of stealing. Wrong. Nothing in the play says this. It is the reverse of the real situation, since Iago is the one who plots and deceives.
2. Option B: he loves Desdemona. Wrong. Iago never claims to love her. He only mentions in passing a rumour that Othello may have slept with his wife Emilia, and that is a separate, weaker motive.
3. Option C: Othello is a better warrior. Wrong. Iago does not resent Othello's military skill. He actually acknowledges Othello's competence as a general.
4. Option D: Othello didn't make him the Lieutenant. Correct. In Act 1, Scene 1, Iago complains to Roderigo that Othello chose Cassio, a "great arithmetician" who has never led troops in the field, over him. He says he is left to be Othello's "ancient" (ensign). This is the root of his grudge and sets his revenge in motion.

Answer: D

Tip: For Iago's motives, remember the key one as "Cassio got my job." The other motives (suspecting Othello with Emilia, racial prejudice, envy) are secondary and appear in his soliloquies. In JAMB, when you see a question about Iago's hatred, look for the option about promotion or Cassio's lieutenancy.