1. Introduction to Shakespearean Comedies
Advanced Language Arts
Notes

2. 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.

3. 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

4. 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

5. 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

6. 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.”