Abstract The paper comments that the play, "The Comedy of Errors" is much more than a simple comedy or farce as it is usually seen; it is rather a profound meditation on human life, and the way in which errors blind men and keep them from the truth. The paper concludes that Shakespeare's play is a profound meditation on the human condition as a progression from error, illusion and confusion, towards ultimate truth and enlightenment.
From the Paper "The passage thus contains a few key elements for the interpretation of the play: first of all, the words "transformation", "error", "deceit" and the phrase "earthy-gross conceit" all hint at the main theme of the play: the plane of the human life is seen as a farcical game, in which the mortals are generally erring and confusing the truth with illusion. The play is thus much more than a simple comedy or farce as it is usually seen; it is rather a profound meditation on human life, and the way in which errors blind men and keep them from the truth. Men are generally "smothered in errors", "feeble" and "weak", in the hands of the divine will."
Abstract This paper compares and contrasts Shakespeare's portrayal of connubial bliss in his comedies "Much Ado About Nothing," "Measure for Measure," and "Twelfth Night." The institution of marriage during Shakespeare's time is examined in detail, including how one decided when one should marry, and to whom, and contrasted to today's notion of marriage. Some of the topics examined include finances, a person's reputation, family involvement, love and honor.
From the Paper "However, despite the fact that in early modern England, ?Most people got married, and most people had children,? (McDonald 265), Beatrice and Benedick seem hell-bent against marriage. It is therefore probable that, while it wouldn?t strike modern audiences as particularly odd, Elizabethan theatergoers found both Beatrice and Benedick's adamancy against marriage a source of humor and eccentricity in social behavior. When Claudio makes light of his intention to marry Hero, Benedick's immediate reaction is, "Is"t come to this? In faith, hath not the world one man but he will wear his cap with suspicion? Shall I never see a bachelor of threescore again? Go to, I? faith, and thou wilt needs thrust thy neck into a yoke, wear print of it, and sigh away Sundays,? (Sundays were the day a man was expected to be with his wife), (Shakespeare, MAAN, I, i, 197-202). Likewise, the Prince, Don Pedro, says of Beatrice, ?She cannot endure to hear tell of a husband,? (Shakespeare, MAAN, II, i, 347-8)."
Tags: ado, bibliography, cited, comedy, format, homosexuality, love, marriage, measure, mla, money, much, night, shakespeare, twelfth, works
Abstract This paper is written about comedy found in Christopher Durang works. In an effort to explore these three thematic elements within this playwright's work, two of his plays will be looked at very thoroughly. Sister Mary Ignatius Explains It All for You, a play first produced in 1979, will provide a look at these motifs in his early work; and Betty's Summer Vacation, a play that premiered in 1999, will balance this out with a look at his later work. However, examples from work throughout Mr. Durang's career will also be presented within the context of this paper.
Abstract This paper examines the role of women in Restoration comedy and what it expresses about the relations between men and women of the era and in modern society.
Abstract This paper argues that both tragedy and comedy are about the human condition versus the human being. The author uses Sophocles' "Oedipus, the King" and Chekhov's "The Bear" are used to support this position.
From the Paper "In drama, tragedy and comedy are often considered polar opposites. It is often suggested that tragedy is more about a human being while comedy pertains mostly to the human condition. In other words, the tragic character is specific while the comedic character ..."
Tags: tragedy, comedy, drama, Chekhov, Sophocles, character, fate, free will
Abstract The paper examines both the structure and poetic symbols in Dante's epic poem "The Divine Comedy." The paper explains how he utilizes both in expressing the poem's themes.
From the Paper "Dante's masterpiece, "The Divine Comedy" is an epic poem which traces man's quest to reach God and discover a true world order. Indeed as Dante travels through Hell, Purgatory and Heaven he undergoes a spiritual transformation as a result of his journey and finds answers to the moral questions that have nagged him. The poem functions as an allegory as it allows Dante to express both his political and religious views while teaching his readers a lesson in spiritual and moral matters."
Abstract Within the larger framework of the comedic genre, Restoration comedy has suffered more criticism than any other type. Judged as immoral, unrealistic, and artificial by numerous literary critics from Lamb to Macaulay, Restoration comedy has often been misinterpreted as a senseless jumble of clever-sounding sentences and words. This paper shows, however, that just as it had it virulent critics, Restoration comedy also had its own share of defenders, including Walter E. Houghton and Robert D. Hume. Writing thirty years apart, both these literary critics maintained that the rejectionist criticism of Restoration comedy is founded upon the false premise that this particular strain of comedy is meaningless and unrealistic. However, this particular viewpoint is incorrect and emanates from a failure to comprehend the purpose of comedy, on the one hand, and the importance of evaluating artistic works from within the context of their own period, on the other. Therefore, as this research argues, while Restoration comedy, or the 'comedy of manners' genre is largely satirical, as seen through the works of Congreve and Sheridan and characterized by extreme exaggeration in the representation of mannerisms, one may interpret this particular genre as a realistic and serious social criticism, which sought to impact cultural and social values and mannerisms.
From the Paper "The condensation of vice within characters gives the impression that the play is not rooted in any recognizable reality yet, as Weber argues, this reductio ad absurdum devise is a recognized and legitimate means of exposing these vices and taking them to their ultimate consequence, in an effort to reveal society, as it is, without disguise (Weber). Hence, in taking mannerisms and the exercise of particular vices to their extreme absurd limit, Sheridan is not undermining the realistic foundations of his work per se, but is exposing the amorality of its so-called moral base."
Tags: school, for, scandal, Foible, Lady, Wishfort
Abstract This paper examines how physical comedy does not stop at slapstick and considers how the movies of Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers could also be defined as physical comedy. Through a review of several of their movies with an emphasis on "Top Hat", it demonstrates how all of their movies, made in the mid-1930s, shortly after sound had been added to films in the previous decade have elements of hilarity which can be attributed to physical comedy.
Outline
Sophisticated, Funny and Physical: The Romances of Astaire and Rogers
Let's Get Physical, Depression-Era Style
The Namesake Dance as Comedy Feathers and Fred
A Short Compendium of More Fred and Ginger Physical Comedy
From the Paper "In the natural comedic way of things, Dale runs into Jerry by chance and they hit it off. But then Jerry sends her flowers billed to Hardwick's room and a bellman points Jerry out to her, so she?ll have a name to go with the face of the man she's interested in; he had just called himself "Adam" since she said she didn?t know him from Adam in an early line. Unfortunately, in that instant, Horace and Jerry trade places and Dale ends up thinking it is her friend Madge's husband with whom she is falling in love. And, of course, Jerry and Horace know nothing abut this. Neither does Madge at first. When she does hear of it, what she is told is, naturally, also wrong."
Abstract This paper gives a detailed analysis of the many types of comedy in modern society and what role humor can play in our lives. Different forms of comedy are analyzed such as slapstick, farce, stand-up comedy, parody and tragi-comedy.
From the Paper "Comedy has been used as an escape from the tensions of real life for centuries. Laughter seems to be the one uniquely human sensation that there is; there seems little possibility that animals experience humour. Comedy is an essential part of everyday life, as it is regularly on television and radio and in literature. It is often through comedy that we can take a look at our lives and the issues that govern them, and to some extent comedy shapes the world in which we live."
This paper discusses that the genres of drama, tragedy and comedy, are not always exclusive; many plays and films fit into both categories simultaneously.
Abstract This paper identifies one characteristic of comedy and two characteristics of tragedy and demonstrates their application to scenes from four plays considered some of the greatest tragedies ever penned, Shakespeare's "Oedipus Rex", "Macbeth", "Romeo and Juliet", and "Hamlet"; and from two films, the comedy, "Pretty Woman", and tragedy, "The Path to War". The author explains that one characteristic of comedy is the exaggerated or wry manner in which human folly or foolishness is underscored, and two characteristics of tragedy are the struggles or suffering of the protagonist over moral issues and the raising of questions about the meaning of human existence. The paper states that the "Path to War" and "Oedipus Rex" are pure tragedy based on circumstances and errors in judgment; whereas, "Pretty Woman" is a film that is a comedy because its light heartedness and innocence completely overshadow its tragic characteristics.
From the Paper "Perhaps the most appropriate starting point for demonstrating that a comedy and tragedy are not necessarily mutually exclusive, though they have long been considered the main divisions of drama is "Romeo and Juliet". Indeed, although "Romeo and Juliet" is hailed as one of the greatest love tragedies ever written, it, almost deceptively, appears to be a comedy for the most part. In fact, had Shakespeare not used the prologue to announce that the play was about star-crossed lovers; the audience may well have been completely deceived in expecting or hoping for a happy ending, particularly since the opening scene itself is a witty one that mocks human foolishness through a dialogue between Sampson and Gregory from the house of Capulets."
Tags: romeo, macbeth, foolishness, suffering, existence
This paper discusses the problems of classifying Shakespearean comedies, using "Much Ado about Nothing," "The Tempest," and "Measure for Measure" as examples.
850 words (approx. 3.4 pages), 0 sources, 2004, $ 30.95
Abstract This paper explains that, in Shakespearean comedies, a specific play can have, at the same time, both a happy ending and a cruel ending, as well as a character being both good and evil. The author contends that "Measure for Measure" can be interpreted as one of the happiest and the scariest endings written by Shakespeare, and yet it is classified as a comedy. The paper concludes that, because there is little solid documentation about many of Shakespeare's ideas, it is nearly impossible to comment on how Shakespeare feels about anything in his plays and to determine if a play, which is listed as a "comedy", is really a comedy.
From the Paper ""Much Ado About Nothing" is an extremely humorous play, mostly about lovers and the obstacles it took to get two couples together. In the end of the play, there is not only one proposal for marriage, but two! All begin to dance and the 'happy' ending is reached, however, the villain of the play that caused these great obstacles has not been punished. He is here, at the 'happy' ending brought to the attention of the characters, so merry in their dancing and their future weddings."
Abstract This paper briefly discusses the origins of the Greek theatre and how Greek comedy was distinctive in Athens and became an official part of the Dionysian festivals about 50 years after tragedy did. It looks at how Greek comedy is represented by Aristophanes, the only playwright from the period of Old Greek Comedy whose works survive. It shows how Aristophanes' works were satires directed at specific people in Athenian society. He attacked many political figures in his plays, but he also directed attacks at other cultural figures in Athenian society. It also analyzes how Aristophanes satire was carried in to the Roman era by the works of Plautus.
From the Paper "The theater in its full form came into being in Classical Greece. At that time, the theater was part of a religious festival and so included a number of ritual elements, several of which have been modified for use in theater ever since. Roman theater developed from Greek traditions carried over in the Hellenic period and then transformed to fit the Roman social structure and Roman sensibilities. The two theaters have similarities and also differences. They often use the same myths as source material and give those myths different treatment. The Roman theater also developed new theatrical forms and genres which extended what the Greeks had performed."
Abstract This paper analyzes the romantic comedy genre in the context of the movies, "Pretty Woman," "Runaway Bride", and "Notting Hill". The paper points out how the typical theme of romantic comedies has been updated, but still remains the same. In other words, the female characters in romantic comedy are still portrayed as independent women with a certain amount of power, yet still craving a relationship with a man who will be at their side when needed.
From the Paper "Ever since the invention of the cinema, the art of filmmaking has evolved tremendously. In the early days the audience of these cinemas was hungry for any type of screening of films, merely waiting for something new and innovative coming their way. Thus, film makers though limited by their tools and technology tended to repeat or imitate stories in real life so that movies started to develop certain norms or conventions. A western movie thus would have the good guy and the bad guy always at odds; eerie music marked the tone in a horror movie; the loss of a girl was common in a romantic comedy. Filmmakers started to categorize movies into broad categories like thriller, romantic comedy and horror and subsequent sub-categories. Such categorization came to be known as "genre" which in French means "sort", "type? or "kind" ("Genre" 2004)."
Abstract This paper explores the vital components involved in the phenomenal success of HBO's comedy series "Sex and the City" which was loosely based on "New York Observer" columnist Candace Bushnell's personal life.The series' target audience was gender specific to women of varying ages as the four women in the series also varied in ages. This paper discusses the manner in which "Sex and the City" (SATC) utilized various types of humor that nearly always hit their target. The four main characters were written for easy viewer identification. Carrie Bradshaw the main character, was the most balanced of the quartet. Miranda was the workaholic lawyer, Charlotte dreamed of the classic American family while Samantha was the most outlandish with her refreshingly blatant attitudes towards men and sex. Many of the ideas for the show came from writers Julie Rottenberg and Elisa Zuritsky's own experiences living in Manhattan. This paper also discusses the inclusion of the essential fifth character in the series, the small island of Manhattan, which Rottenberg and Zuritsky drew their inspiration from for their plots and comedy. This paper also discusses the style of writing involved which accounted for the success of the series as well as the impact the comedy had on society, which was not always perceived as positive.
From the Paper "This professor's commentary was on the third season of SATC when the foursome had run into many pitfalls in their relationships, such as Carrie having cheated on Aidan with Mr. Big, who was ending his marriage, and Carrie encountered her feelings for Aidan and Mr. Big and her betrayal. The third season revealed how the characters were growing and the depth of their relationships without hurting the series' lively approach. Aside from the show's glitz and frivolity, SATC poses basic human questions that many women can relate to and the characters were highly relatable so much so that many women asked one another, "Who are you more like?" From the same side of the road, there were other groups who were offended by the show's starkness about sex."
An analysis of comedy as a form of entertainment, looking at two particular plays, "Candida" by George Bernard Shaw and "The School for Scandal" by Brinsley Sheridan.
Abstract The paper analyzes the use of comedy within the entertainment business. The paper specifically compares two plays - George Bernard Shaw's Victorian-era comedy "Candida" and Richard Brinsley Sheridan's "The School for Scandal". The paper discusses each of these plays in detail and focuses on the use of comedy within them.
From the Paper "Shaw presents a play that is designed to teach as well, however, although Shaw holds up a far less socially acceptable model for his viewers to embrace. The characters are not immediately humorous in as broad a fashion as Sheridan's caricatures, even though the Shaw comedy does aspire to a didactic purpose. "Candida" tells the tale of the Reverend James Morell who is happy in his marriage to a woman named Candida. "Get a wife like my Candida; and you'll always be in arrear with your repayment." (Act I) Morell speaks some of the common, conventional notions about morality, marriage, and loving one's wife that would likely have been embraced by Shaw's Victorian audience. This creates a sense of connection between the audience and the conventional characters that Sheridan lectured his audience overtly to feel."
