Introduction to Shakespearean Comedies Advanced Language Arts Notes

The Comedies Comedy Shakespearean comedies revolve around a general theme of young lovers who encounter difficulties, but who are ultimately united. Most characters function in a world separate from the everyday troubled world. They undergo a renewal and find what they are seeking, whether it is love, wealth, or just peace.

The Comedies Qualities found in comedies Contrasts are a constant element of the comedies age vs. youth city vs. country wisdom vs. ignorance justice vs. injustice love vs. obedience Comedies are romantic; they tell of the trials and the ultimate success in the love of the young, usually aristocratic people Idea that love has the power to conquer and transform all

The Comedies Seven Common Features of all Shakespearean Comedies Atmosphere of optimism Festive endings – usually a wedding or a feast or both Practical jokes – without feelings of regret Predominance of young lovers and of marriage; contain old elements of country romance

The Comedies Seven Common Features of all Shakespearean Comedies Background roles for older characters; usually play decisive or kindly roles to get to a final resolution In most, evil is presented in a form which may be so extravagant, so overdone, so melodramatic that we laugh at it rather than worry about it Creation of the “green world” – a secluded and peaceful place created around each of the plots

The Comedies “Come, come, we are friends. Let’s have a dance ere we are married, that we may lighten our own hearts and our wives’ heels.”