For example, social interaction in Victorian England was very formal and serious. However, Wilde viewed social interaction as amusing and at times ridiculous due to its emphasis on insignificant or untrue factors. Similarly, the tone of the passage appears to be serious due to the severity of Jack and Algernon’s elaborate lies, but this seriousness is actually being mocked by the author through Cecily and Gwendolyn’s reactions. In the first half of the passage, Gwendolyn and Cecily’s fears of being engaged to the same person are easily allayed by Jack and Algernon’s simple inquiry as to how such an idea entered their “pretty little head”. As previously stated, a very serious matter which Cecily and Gwendolyn had been fighting over is
It is suggested by this then that the play holds no deeper meaning or message of morality; it is simply designed to fulfill a purpose through usage of traditional comedic techniques. However, some have interpretated themes of sexuality and a gentle mocking of Victorian customs ultimately leaving the play open to assumption. The Importance of being Earnest certainly maintains many traits of a great comedy of manners, "A comedy that satirizes behaviour in a particular social group"(dictionary.com). In fact many people have hailed it as "the greatest stage comedy of all time", this triumph supports the viewpoint that Wilde merely succeeded in entertaining his audience rather than channeling a deeper understanding. The use of slapstick by Wilde produces a contrived and absurd plotline that is in every way unrealistic.
Jessica Lipori Mrs. Kabboord AP Lit, Period 6 05 November 2013 Malvolio’s Major Flaw: Self-love Throughout Twelfth Night, the main theme is love. Each character is either in love or focused on wooing one for another, though the play focuses on the love triangle between Orsino, Viola (Cesario), and Olivia. Even with the great love between characters in the play, there is an element of self-love. Malvolio woos Olivia even though his greatest love is himself. Malvolio’s major flaw is self-love; and this trait leads him to be prideful, value himself above others, and believe that he is the victim in any given circumstance.
Because people are making fun of his nose he is able to provide witty humor that makes the book become a comedy. Valvert says “Ah…your nose…hem!...Your nose is…rather large!” “Rather” “Oh well” “Is that all” “Well of course.”(35-36 Act 1) But Cyrano does not leave it like this he replies by insulting Valvert and ultimately making him angry by telling him all the better insults that he could have had. He threw it right back in his face by making it a joke. Throughout the story comedy like this occurs and that is why I believe it is a
Mercutio uses puns throughout Romeo and Juliet. To an Elizabethan audience this showed quick wit, to be able to see different meanings in the same word and Mercutio uses plenty of sexual double meanings 'made it a word and a blow'. Similarly to a modern audience in the film it makes him a popular character and it is able to be enhanced by his tone of voice and body language which heightens his humour. He is often seen to be facetious as even when he is dying it isn't a surprise that he tries to make the situation humorous 'ask for me to-morrow, and you shall find me a grave man.' In both the play and the film he is presented as a highly educated character as he shows awareness of the world, especially in his Queen Mab speech where he shows imagination.He frequently speaks in poetry which shows a higher level of intellect and demonstrates furthermore how he is a relative of the Prince.
Uploaded 1/29/2013 Humor: Literature’s Rubber Sword “Humor is a rubber sword—it allows you to make a point without drawing blood.” In this quote by contemporary writer Mary Hirsch, Hirsch describes how, in literature, humor is used to show insight about humanity in a sophisticated and comical way to amuse the readers. In The Importance of Being Earnest, Oscar Wilde uses humor to criticize the moral and respectable attitudes and values expected in Victorian society. Wilde incorporates humor through the literary devices of puns, irony and epigrams to satirize that duplicity is more important than the conventional reality in Victorian society. One of the ways Wilde’s humor is displayed is through his puns. Throughout the play, Wilde takes advantage of the double meaning of the word earnest through the functions of a man’s name and an adjective describing sincere.
Explore how Much Ado draws on and challenges comic conventions. Much Ado About is a play largely based on romantic comedy. Many aspects of the play are funny because of the desire and need shared by characters, to be together, although they each express it in different ways. Although the young lovers Hero and Claudio provide the main storyline through their excelling relationship, the tension between the older, lovers Benedick and Beatrice is what makes Much Ado About Nothing so memorable. Benedick and Beatrice argue with delightful wit, and Shakespeare develops their journey from antagonism to sincere love and affection with a rich sense of humour and compassion.
Some responses may include: • The significance of the title is in its double meaning; it is a play on words. Wilde’s humour is aimed at the Victorian notions of duty and respectability. To be ‘earnest’ can mean to be serious or sincere, which Wilde saw as hallmarks of the Victorian character. To be called ‘Ernest’ is fundamentally important to shallow characters in this play. Gwendolen wants to marry a man called Ernest, not caring whether he possesses the qualities that comprise earnestness.
They bring in a lot of content which fits into to comedy criteria as well as enable the plot to develop fully. Firstly, the aspect of comedy ' servants and masters' is one where The Importance of Being Earnest fits perfectly as Lane and Merriman are both butlers of Jack and Algernon-the main characters of the play. They show the contrast between the lower and upper class in the Victorian Era which is a theme often found in comedic plays. Additionally, the relationship between Lane and Algernon could possibly represent the theme of youth and age-the generation gap. This is shown when Algernon asks Lane, " Is marriage so demoralising as that?"
Two friends, almost complete opposites when it comes to their personalities, both attend Valencia High School. While one is cautious and keeps peace, the other loves a challenge and has many enemies. Their relationship is similar to that of Mercutio and Benvolio in Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet. These characters add flavor to the play in representing good and evil, influencing lovesick Romeo, and by adding wit to a serious-toned play. Mercutio, the hot-headed best friend of Romeo, adds wit and humor to the play Romeo and Juliet and was included in the play to make the audience laugh and also to keep them on the edge of their seats with suspense.