Should The Play Be Called Iago Instead Of Othello

The question regarding whether the play should be called Iago instead of Othello is an intriguing discussion which has valuable arguments on both sides. Although the play is called Othello, Iago deceived and ruined Othello’s life. It can argued that if you titled the play ‘Iago’ then the audience would be more observant to his dominant role and would weaken Iago’s manipulation and plotting of events. However, Iago influences the destruction of Othello and Iago’s power over other characters increases in every scene. Yes, the play should be called Iago instead of Othello, because Iago controls the play from the beginning, Iago makes Othello his main target, and without Iago, the play would not be a tragedy.
Iago would be an appropriate title
The reason why Iago is trying to ruin Othello’s life is because Othello did not give Iago the promotion he wanted. Also, Othello is an easy target because of his generosity, and nativity, making him the perfect target. The whole play is Iago targeting and plotting Othello’s downfall and it would make sense if the mastermind behind all the events would have the title. Iago has to the power to destroy Othello because he can easily manipulate other characters. Iago has more lines than Othello and is debatably a more interesting character than Othello. Othello’s jealousy of Cassio, who is white, Christian, and young, the opposite of Othello, fuels the fire for Iago’s plan. From the beginning of the play, Iago lets the audience know that he is not to be trusted when he says “I am not what I am.” (Act 1, Scene 1) It can argued that Othello is a good title because the readers don't immediately realize that it's Iago who brings out all the evil acts. However Iago’s clever plan first includes planting ideas into Othello’s head, making Othello suspicious, to then giving Othello ocular proof. The ocular proof that Iago give Othello is the handkerchief, which is the source of Othello’s jealousy. The downfall of Othello is brought when he trusts Iago, Iago puts ideas and rumors in Othello’s mind, ultimately causing Othello to kill
It seems as if Iago has no conscience because of his emotionless personality and his deceiving manners. Iago tricked everyone he met into thinking that he was honest and trustworthy. Iago’s malevolent speeches catch the reader's attentions and bring mischief to the play. Another argument is that with ‘Othello’ as the title, is adds emphasises to the tragedy, but with ‘Iago’ as the title, the plotting and steps to destruction is more focused on the audience. Iago is a great example of a villain because of Iago’s “honesty”, he was overtrusted by other characters and none of them would think of him as a liar. The other characters fell into Iago’s plot and Iago’s evil, destructive nature drove Othello and Roderigo to kill: “I have no great devotion to the deed…and yet tis another man gone.”( Act 5, scene 1) With all these factors, the play should be named after the mastermind and villain of the play, Iago. Iago plays the main role of Othello’s downfall, and without Iago, the play could not be a tragedy, and Iago might be the most necessary character in the