"Othello, the Moor of Venice" Part 2

     Though the play did not necessarily have a happy ending, Shakespeare offers a deserving resolution for Iago.  Reading Shakespeare's other works, the audience would not assume Iago to be one to survive after the others have learned of his deception.  However, Othello claims death would be too merciful for Iago: "I'd have thee live, For, in my sense, 'tis happiness to die" (Shakespeare, 1458, V.ii.288-289).  For Othello, being kept alive would be a punishment to him as well.  He now knows he has unjustly murdered his wife.  This knowledge takes every human sense from him.  Othello was innocent, and he is reinstated with honor by Cassio in the end who claims he was "great of heart."  Knowing he and Iago could share the same fate disgusted him.  Yet, Lodovico reassures that Iago will be kept on the brink of death.  In the final moments of the play, Lodovico expresses his desire to see Iago brutally tortured.