Total Casualties- FOUR

#2: Is the play a tragedy or comedy, a melodrama or a farce?

As Othello was written as yet another Shakespearean tragedy, Act IV unfolds with much question attached to it. I found myself engrossed in the plotting of deaths which Iago always seemed to propose. As the plotting continued, I began thinking about the elements of tragedy- one of which is the occurrence of deaths. The conclusion of Act IV held no deaths, but since I knew this play to be a tragedy, I anticipated deaths to come. I saw no sign of melodrama up to this point since the evil plots of Iago were still prevailing. Iago suggests Othello kill Desdemona for her supposed adulterous acts by strangling her "in her be, even the bed she hath contaminated" (IV.i.190). The audience's knowledge that the play is a tragedy is crucial because it holds the attention as one reads on for the action and deaths of characters-- yes, the human mind is that corrupt that its attention is captivated by the possibility of deaths.
Foreshadowing violence, Othello hits Desdemona after she calls him "sweet Othello" (IV.i.224). He has in his head that she is cheating on him; thus, he sees their conversation as an open confirmation from her that she has been with Cassio, driving the plot forward.
As the play concludes, melodrama cannot be usedtodescribe the play-- mainly because there is no happy ending; Othello takes his own life.