Shakespeare is undoubtedly one of the most memorable and meritorious names in English literature. Indeed, one of the underlying reasons for this is that Shakespeare can describe the human being with both good and bad aspects and also projects these on his plays ably. Therefore, it can be said that the success of Shakespeare stems from this. He is seen as a mirror which reflects people from all strata.
In addition to reflecting people’s imitations to his plays, it is possible to say that he also benefits from some concepts and notions in order to increase the effect and success of his plays. To give an example to these concepts and notions, in his comedies, ‘humour’ and ‘carnivalesque thought’ can be shown, but these are just two of the most important building blocks of a wall that build Shakespeare’s influence and success in his comedies. In this regard, "Twelfth Night", which is the only Shakespearean comedy with an alternative title called "What You Will", can be addressed because the playwright, whose name is frequently mentioned not only in English theatre but also in world theatre, adds meaning and depth to the play thanks to ‘humour’ and ‘carnivalesque thought’.
Also, it should be noted that the famous playwright brings a new breath to plays with such concepts and notions. In any case, this is his main goal. Therefore, in the same manner, it would not be wrong to say that Shakespeare has reinforced the foundations of this play in this way. Nevertheless, not only these concepts and notions, but the fact that Shakespeare, as in his other plays, animates real-life people no matter how they are also supports the previous sentence. So, just looking at the foundations or building blocks that make up this play separately is not enough to understand the depth and meaning of the play. At the same time, it is necessary to take their contribution to the play as a whole into account as well.
Accordingly, in this study, characteristics of ‘humour’ and ‘carnivalesque thought’ will be considered, and how Shakespeare has represented these in Twelfth Night will be analysed together with their contributions to the play.
Inhaltsverzeichnis (Table of Contents)
- Introduction
- Humorous View onto Twelfth Night
- Carnivalesque Atmosphere in Twelfth Night
Zielsetzung und Themenschwerpunkte (Objectives and Key Themes)
This study analyzes Shakespeare's Twelfth Night, exploring how the comedic elements of "humour" and "carnivalesque thought" contribute to the play's overall effect and success. It examines how Shakespeare utilizes these concepts to create a rich and engaging comedic experience.
- The role of humour in Twelfth Night, specifically exploring different theories of humour and their application to the play.
- The presence of the carnivalesque atmosphere in Twelfth Night, and its connection to Bakhtin's theories.
- The interplay between humour and the carnivalesque in shaping the comedic elements of the play.
- Shakespeare's representation of real-life flaws and their contribution to the play's comedic effect.
- The significance of the play's title and its connection to the thematic elements of the play.
Zusammenfassung der Kapitel (Chapter Summaries)
Introduction: This introductory chapter sets the stage for the analysis of Shakespeare's Twelfth Night, highlighting Shakespeare's skill in portraying human nature and his utilization of specific theatrical concepts, such as humor and carnivalesque thought, to enhance his comedic plays. It emphasizes that understanding these elements is crucial for appreciating the play's depth and meaning, setting the framework for the subsequent chapters' explorations of humor and the carnivalesque in Twelfth Night. The chapter positions Twelfth Night within Shakespeare's broader oeuvre and underlines the unique contribution of humor and the carnivalesque to its overall success.
Humorous View onto Twelfth Night: This chapter delves into the concept of humor, examining various theories like the superiority theory, incongruous juxtaposition theory, and relief theory. It traces the historical understanding of humor, starting from Aristotle's work and continuing to contemporary perspectives, highlighting the evolution of social sensitivity in comedic interpretations. The chapter applies these theories to Twelfth Night, focusing on the comedic scenes involving Malvolio's deception as an example of the superiority theory. It emphasizes how Shakespeare's portrayal of flawed characters, mirroring real-life imperfections, enhances the play's comedic effect and contributes to its lasting impact. The chapter makes connections between the comedic elements and Shakespeare's enduring legacy.
Carnivalesque Atmosphere in Twelfth Night: This chapter introduces Bakhtin's concept of the carnivalesque, portraying it as a space of freedom and rebellion where hierarchies are overturned and social norms are temporarily suspended. The chapter analyzes how Twelfth Night embodies the carnivalesque atmosphere, citing examples like the play's title's connection to the Christmas revels, the reversal of social roles (servants acting superior, cross-dressing), and the pervasive use of disguise and mistaken identities. It highlights how these elements contribute to the play's overall comedic effect and further emphasizes the play's contribution to the genre. The chapter argues that the "upside-down" world created in Twelfth Night perfectly exemplifies Bakhtin's concept, offering a unique perspective on societal structures and power dynamics through laughter and comedic subversion.
Schlüsselwörter (Keywords)
Shakespeare, Twelfth Night, What You Will, Humour, Carnivalesque, Comedy, Bakhtin, Superiority Theory, Incongruous Juxtaposition Theory, Relief Theory, Flawed Characters, Deception, Disguise, Identity, Social Hierarchy, Festive Atmosphere.
Frequently Asked Questions: A Comprehensive Language Preview of Shakespeare's Twelfth Night
What is the purpose of this document?
This document provides a comprehensive preview of an academic analysis of Shakespeare's Twelfth Night. It includes the table of contents, objectives, key themes, chapter summaries, and keywords. The analysis focuses on the comedic elements of "humour" and "carnivalesque thought" in the play.
What are the main themes explored in the analysis of Twelfth Night?
The analysis explores the role of humor (using various theories like superiority, incongruity, and relief theories) and the carnivalesque atmosphere (drawing upon Bakhtin's theories) in shaping the comedic elements of Twelfth Night. It examines how Shakespeare uses flawed characters, deception, disguise, and the reversal of social roles to create a comedic effect. The significance of the play's title and its connection to the thematic elements is also discussed.
What theories of humor are applied to the analysis of Twelfth Night?
The analysis utilizes several theories of humor, including the superiority theory, the incongruous juxtaposition theory, and the relief theory. These theories are applied to specific scenes and characters within the play to explain the comedic effect.
How does Bakhtin's concept of the carnivalesque relate to Twelfth Night?
The analysis explores how Twelfth Night embodies Bakhtin's concept of the carnivalesque, characterized by a temporary suspension of social norms, the overturning of hierarchies, and a sense of freedom and rebellion. Elements such as cross-dressing, mistaken identities, and the festive atmosphere of the play are discussed in relation to this concept.
What are the key chapters and their focus?
The analysis is structured into three main chapters: An introduction which sets the stage for the analysis; a chapter dedicated to exploring humor in Twelfth Night through various theoretical lenses and applying them to specific examples within the play; and a chapter focusing on the carnivalesque atmosphere, exploring its presence and effect on the play's comedy through Bakhtin's theories.
What are the key words associated with this analysis of Twelfth Night?
Key words include Shakespeare, Twelfth Night, What You Will, Humour, Carnivalesque, Comedy, Bakhtin, Superiority Theory, Incongruous Juxtaposition Theory, Relief Theory, Flawed Characters, Deception, Disguise, Identity, Social Hierarchy, and Festive Atmosphere.
What is the overall goal of the analysis?
The analysis aims to understand how Shakespeare utilizes humor and the carnivalesque to create a rich and engaging comedic experience in Twelfth Night, exploring the interplay between these elements and their contribution to the play's overall success and enduring appeal.
What kind of audience is this analysis intended for?
This analysis is intended for an academic audience interested in Shakespearean studies, comedy, and literary theory. The detailed exploration of comedic theories and application to a specific text suggests a focus on a scholarly readership.
- Quote paper
- Elif Dilem Demir (Author), 2021, A Review on Humour and Carnivalesque Thought in Shakespeare's "Twelfth Night", Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/1159161