Prologue Flashcards
The Lord, speaking to Sly in the pub. Shows contempt for the lower classes, and a belief in status and hierarchies
“Would not the beggar forget himself?”
The Player, explaining their plan to trick Sly into thinking he is a lord himself. Allusions to playing different roles / false identities
“We can contain ourselves, were he the variest antic in the world”
The Page, pretending to be Sly’s wife. Mocks the idea that a wife must be submissive to her husband (caricature of a doting, obedient wife). Deliberately poking fun at gender roles
“I am your wife, in all obedience”
The Messenger, revealing to the audience that this narrative is a play within a play. Sets out that the play is nothing to be taken seriously. It is a performance for a drunk idiot who is being mocked throughout
“Your honour’s players, hearing your amendment, have come to play a pleasant comedy”
