IAGO: "Why, then I think Cassio's an honest man."
OTHELLO: "Nay, yet ther's more in this.
I prithee speak to me as to thy thinkings."
Othello II.iii.130-131
Is Othello a person jealous "by nature"? Does he show any dispostition to jealousy in the first two acts?
In general, Othello doesn't seem to be a jealous person by nature. In fact, at first he seems delighted at the idea of Cassio's friendship, and not at all bothered by Cassio being friendly with Desdemona. However, he does seem to be a cautious person "by nature". He is easily manipulated by Iago, but still at least seems inclined to search for the truth- he understands that as a person in power, he must be on the watch for betrayers. This is shown when he says "No, to be once in doubt is once to be resolved" II.iii.180-181
He is determined to know the truth, but doesn't seem to be immediately jealous. He especially proves this when he demands Cassion gives him proof of an affair in Act III, because he doesn't immediately believe that Cassio and Desdemona would betray him in such a terrible way. It seems that Iago is simply good at bringing out the worst qualities in people.
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