The Nature of Shakespearean Comedy

Shakespeare’s Work Grouped into 3 Groups: History, Tragedy, and ComedyA Comedy (in a classical sense) is the play in which the main characters triumph over adversity.

However, Shakespeare's comedies are more romantic; the romantic intrigue often becomes the focal driving force of the play.

The Con Romantic Comedy The main action is about Love.

The would-be-lovers mustovercome obstacles and misunderstandings before being united in harmonious union.

These plays frequently contain elements of the improbable, the supernatural, and the fantastic.

A) Enchanted settings may contribute to instantaneous conversions or revelations.

B) Supernatural beings (witches, fairies, Gods, and Goddesses etc.) often

contribute to the happy ending or improbable turn of events.

C) Comparable to the deus ex machina in classical plays.

The Philosophical Aspect

This involves heavier themes and issues: personal identity, the importance of love in human existence, the power of dreams and illusions, and the disjunction between appearance and reality.

Characters Stock Characters

A stock character is a fictional character that relies heavily on cultural types or stereotypes for its personality, manner of speech, and other characteristics. Stock characters are instantly recognizable to members of a given culture.

Blocking Figures

Example: Damsel in Distress“The Shrewish Wife,” “The Pedant,” “Clever Servants,” “Female Confidantes,” and “The Fool.”

Provide the obstacle to be overcome. A blocking figure may be an elder or a parent. They usually serve to enforce rules, customs, and trends that may seem silly or conservative, yet usually reflect a culture’s beliefs or standards.

Typical Stock Character

He is extremely arrogant, with a huge ego, and he constantly brags about his many accomplishments.The character's movement is always big and bold, yet runs at any loud sound, scary item, or if he is simply taken aback by something.