Othello- Point of View

Othello, the Moor of Venice
William Shakespeare

The point of view in this play is very important to the concept of the story and the meaning of the work as a whole.  The point of view is unique in that the story is from the side of the villain.  The reader sees events as Iago, the antagonist, sees them.  This gives the reader a behind the scenes look on the evil plotting of the villain, which leads to a greater understanding of many of the characters, especially Iago.  The reader sees how Iago manipulates various characters, including Roderigo and Montano, for his own gain.  For example, Iago uses Roderigo to get money. “Roderigo: Iago, who hast had my purse As if the strings were his” (I.i.2-3).  “Iago: Thus do I ever make my fool my purse” (III.iii.363).

If the point of view was that of the protagonist, Othello, the reader would see the actions of characters such as Roderigo and Mon, but we would not know the driving force behind the actions.  Iago could be argued as the protagonist because he really is the driving force behind the action of the play.  From the point of view the play is written in, the reader sees first-hand the source of the coercion and conflict.