7.2 Characteristics of Shakespearean Comedy

Shakespeare's comedies are a delightful mix of love, laughter, and clever wordplay. They often feature young lovers facing obstacles, mistaken identities, and witty banter, all set in exotic locations that allow characters to escape societal norms.

These plays follow a pattern of conflict and resolution, culminating in happy endings with multiple marriages. Shakespeare's use of prose for common characters and verse for nobility adds depth to the humor, appealing to audiences across social classes.

Elements and Conventions of Shakespearean Comedy

Elements of Shakespearean comedy

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• Central conflict revolves around obstacles to love or union, often stemming from misunderstandings between characters (Romeo and Juliet)
• Setting frequently takes place in exotic or pastoral locations allowing temporary escape from societal norms (Forest of Arden in As You Like It)
• Character types include young lovers, clever servants or fools, and blocking figures often represented by older authority figures (Puck in A Midsummer Night's Dream)
• Plot structure follows exposition, complication, crisis, and resolution pattern, building tension and humor
• Happy ending culminates in multiple marriages and restoration of social order, bringing closure to conflicts
• Use of prose for common characters and comic scenes contrasts with verse for nobility and romantic scenes, enhancing characterization

Mistaken identity in comedic plots

• Twins or look-alikes cause confusion leading to humorous situations (The Comedy of Errors)
• Characters believe others to be someone they are not, driving plot complications
• Disguise, often involving cross-dressing, allows characters to adopt false personas (Viola in Twelfth Night)
• Role reversal sees masters and servants switching places or gender roles being subverted
• Dramatic irony engages audience who are aware of true identities while characters remain oblivious
• Plot complications arise from misunderstandings, propelling narrative forward with comedic effect

Wordplay in Shakespeare's humor

• Wit manifests through clever repartee between characters, showcasing intellectual agility
• Puns and double entendres create layers of meaning, appealing to different audience segments
• Malapropisms involve misuse of similar-sounding words for comedic effect (Dogberry in Much Ado About Nothing)
• Spoonerisms swap sounds in words or phrases, generating linguistic humor
• Bawdy humor employs sexual innuendos and crude jokes, catering to diverse audience tastes
• Character development occurs through distinct speech patterns, revealing personality traits
• Audience engagement achieved by providing entertainment for different social strata

Marriage as comedic resolution

• Marriage symbolizes restoration of social harmony and triumph of love over obstacles
• Multiple weddings pair off various characters, reinforcing themes of union and harmony
• Reconciliation between estranged family members resolves lingering conflicts
• Social order reaffirmed through integration of outsiders into the community
• Festive atmosphere in final scenes includes music, dance, and feasting (A Midsummer Night's Dream)
• Thematic closure ties up loose plot threads, providing satisfactory endings for all major characters