His Moorships Ancient Iago as the Protagonist of Othello

Shakespeare is universally revered for his characterization of flawed and psychologically unstable protagonists. Hamlet is a crazed, murdering prince, Lear is narcissistic, senile, and a verbally abusive father, and Macbeth is a murderous traitor to his king and country. These unfavorable and evil attributes serve Shakespeares main characters by presenting them as realistically written men, and there always seems a degree, however small, of sympathy associated with their respective downfalls and tragedies. Othello, however, is an anomaly. While he is flawed by his paranoia and pride, Othello is only unstable and destructive after intricate deception. Indeed, he seems maddeningly perfect to his adversaries. Even Othellos greatest enemy,†¦show more content†¦These motivations for Iagos villainy are the first plot points that are revealed in Othello, and cast Iago as a victim before anyone else. While Othello is respected and loved, and Cassio is trusted, Iago is only given the lowly position of his Moorships ancient, or flag-bearer. An obvious refutation of Iago as the protagonist stems from the most obvious of places: with the other examples of Shakespearean tragedy, Hamlet, King Lear, and Macbeth are all named for the protagonists that give insightful monologues that reveal their inner turmoil. If Shakespeare had intended Iago as the principal character, why is the play entitled Othello?A possible explanation is Iagos nature of robbery. Anytime he refers to Roderigo in his soliloquies, Iago dismisses the Venitian as an idiot from whom he can extort money, proclaiming, For I mine own gained knowledge should profane if I would time expend with such a snipe but for my sport and profit. Desdemonas handkerchief is stolen by Emilia, but because My wayward husband hath a hundred times wooed me to steal it. Even Cassios rank of lieutenant is taken and presented to Iago in Act III due to his treachery. Eventually, Iago commits the supreme theft of life by killing defenseless Roderigo, and then his own wife. Shakespeare may have entitled the play The Tragedy of Othello, the Moor of Venice toShow MoreRelatedShakespeares Use of Jealousy in Othello Essay1550 Words   |  7 PagesShakespeares Use of Jealousy in Othello The characteristics of Shakespearean tragedy usually work on a five-part structure, being the five acts. Part one can be seen as the exposition, introducing the main characters and commences the action. Part two is the development of the play, introducing complications. Part three is the climax, bringing everything to a head. In this part understanding is compulsive as there is a change in direction, the pivotal act. 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