Othello, Act V

Lodovico (to Iago):  "O Spartan dog, More fell than anguish, hunger, or the sea!  Look on the tragc loading of this bed:  This is thy work."  (V.ii.360-364)

Iago, my fave.

Tragedy or comedy?  Pretty tough decision, but I'm going to have to go with tragedy.  When the story closes, a total of four people have died:  Desdemona, Emilia, Othello, and Roderigo.  Unfortunately, Iago is injured not to the point of death.  This play also combines elements of a melodrama due to an appeal to the emotions.  For example, the work calls for sympathy for Othello and hatred for Iago due to his evil plan (and creepy smile).  I think to really understand the play, the audience must first experience elements of the play such as Iago's annoying qualities and Roderigo and Othello's stupidity.  Without this, the type of drama can never be discovered.  Typically, in a Shakespeare tragedy, everyone dies at the end; however, the information that led to the deaths is pertinent in the understanding of the character's emotions and misunderstandings.  Emotions are a key factor in all plays, but most especially in a tragedy.  Without the suspense and intensity leading up to the end, I probably would not have paid much attention to the story.  The element of tragedy is built into the dramatic irony and suspense making the work more interesting than depressing.