Context Flashcards
1
Q
What are features of a Shakespearean comedy?
A
- Puns and wordplay
- Comic misunderstandings
- A clown character
- Disguises
- Marriage
- A happy ending
2
Q
Why were Shakespeare’s audiences unlickely to have seen Shylock’s suffering as tragic?
A
Because anti-semitism was much more common in the 16th century. Most 16th-centurt productions would have presented him as a villain
3
Q
What creates uncertainty?
A
The main plot addresses serious themes like prejudice and justice which is unusual for a comedy, because the main focus is usually on love.
4
Q
What features give this play elements of a tragedy?
A
- Themes of prejudice and justice
- Not all characters have a happy ending (Shylock loses everything and Antonio is isolated)
- Shakespeare questions whether everyone will stay happy
- Shylock can be viewed as a tragic character
5
Q
Why is this play referred to my some critics as one of Shakespeare’s problem plays?
A
It combines tragedy and comedy throughout it meaning it’s hard to classify it as either a comedy or a tragedy
