Othello Act I

Responding to Question #2:
Is the play a tragedy or comedy, a melodrama or a farce? If a comedy, is it primarily romantic or satiric? Does it mingle aspects of these types of drama? How important to experiencing the drama is the audience's awareness of the classification of the play?

     I have never read "Othello" before, but from what I have gathered so far, it is going to turn out to be a tragedy. It does contain some comedic value that lies just below the surface, but it is mainly (so far) the tale of a man who is not content with his position in life. Iago is jealous of Cassio, and he doesn't seem to be able to just be happy. He is extremely talented at manipulating the characters around him, and he likes to be one step ahead of everything. He is a bit melodramatic about some of his complaints in his soliloquies such as the one found on page 1382 of our text stating, "I hate the Moor, / And it is thought abroad that "twixt my sheets / He's done my office. I know not if't be true, / But I for mere suspicion in that kind / Will do as if for surety." (I.i.366-370)
     Iago has issues with the Moor because Othello did not appoint him to Cassio's position and Iago is trying to devise a plan of destruction for Othello as revenge. During this soliloquy, he brainstorms ways to hate Othello, and his hatred of the Moor is partially based on the rumor that Othello slept with Iago's wife. Which is a bit ridiculous because Iago also blatantly admits that he has no proof of an affair. He simply needs a reason to hate Othello, and Iago will do whatever it takes to reprimand Othello even though the rumors about Emilia and Othello are most likely not true. Iago is crazy.
     To someone not analyzing the classification of the play, it might seem a bit comedic because of Iago's hilariously ridiculous plans and schemes, but it is important to understand that this is indeed a tragedy.