There are many evils in the world, but the desire to destroy the well being of others as a result an individuals insecurities and jealousies is one of the most horrible today. To be jealous is to show envy and hatred towards someone because of their achievements and advantages, while not being confident and assured are signs of insecurity. These themes are perceived throughout the play Othello written by William Shakespeare and The Talented Mr. Ripley written by Patricia Highsmith. Once and individual realizes the root of these feelings they begin to have dark and close-minded thoughts, and set forward for revenge. The way they go about dealing with these feelings and implementing their plans for taking over the lives of others is very unsettling, finally once the damage is done they feel like they have become mentally stronger. The root of both Iago and Tom Rippey's evil is that they take pleasure in overtaking the lives of others as a result of their own insecurities and jealousies. Although Iago and Tom may have traits they like about themselves the evil exhibited by these two men is derived by the things they have grown to hate and shame. At the beginning of Othello we learn that Iago was very close with Othello at one point, constantly assisting him and providing his services, and as a result he was lead to believe he was Othello's first choice upon hearing he was in need of a lieutenant. Once Cassio receives the role Iago is overcome by a jealous rage and argues: One Michael Cassio, a Florentine A fellow almost damn'd in a fair wife That never set a squadron in the field, Nor the devision of a battles know More than a spinster, unless the bookish theoric, Wherein the togged consuls can propose As masterly as he. Mere prattle without practice Is all his soldiership. But he, sir, had the election, And I, of whom his eyes has seen the proof At Rhodes, at Cyprus and on other grounds (1. 1. 20-29 Shakespeare) Iago is confident he deserves to have this role instead of Cassio, a man who is not even a Venetian, but a Florentine. He also points out that he is much more qualified as he has proven his ability on numerous occasions including the battles he participated in including Cyprus and Rhodes. Another insecurity of Iago's is the idea he has imagined, convincing himself that Othello and his wife Emilia are sleeping together. Once Othello gets ordered to Cyprus for battle and Desdemona is granted permission to go along Iago thinks out loud his true thoughts of Othello. He reveals: I hate the Moor, And it is thought abroad that ˜twixt my sheets He's done my office. I know not if'd be true Yet I, for mere suspicion in that kind, Will do as if for surety. He holds me well: The better shall my purpose work on him. (1. 3. 377-382 Shakespeare) Iago claims he hates Othello because of this rumor, and goes on to tell us that he is unsure how true it is, but decides he wants to ruin Othello's life anyways. Likewise, Tom Ripley has many insecurities, one being his lifestyle since he lives in the ghetto in a very small apartment and works as a bathroom attendant barley surviving, meanwhile