Genre Commentary -Comedy

Why oh why did I choose to do each bit separately? Ah well.

The Comedy Genre for Shakespeare wasn't a simple slapstick pass-the-day-away laughfest. He kept things witty and clean (to a degree). Rather than simply have someone get smacked around, although there was plenty of that in some, he had comical situations, unfortunate events, and simple irony and sarcasm. Rather than simply have people laugh, he had them laugh and think. It was more on a mental level than a reflex level. Of course, he also made an attempt to keep his works important by hinting or directly quoting certain morals and messages, which I will refer to as M&M's because they are small, sweet, and too numerous to be individually worth savoring. Shrew had a meaning beneath the outward appearance of obedience, which is emphasized by the introduction and ensuing action. If it weren't for that constant appearance as a motif, there would be little purpose to Petruchio's actions save a less acceptable one. Midsummer Night's morals were less moral and more, "Well don't be dingbats." Bottom is self-explanatory, and Oberon's whim ended up causing the four Athenians much trouble. However, no real harm was meant, and that was the purpose. All was good-natured, even the insults at the end to the actors. Perhaps even a warning not to be too carefree, because all actions have consequence. However, as restated by Robin near the end, don't take everything seriously and to heart. A simple prank can turn out badly in the end, but it is not meant to laugh at one but instead with one.