ELIT 17

ELIT 17Class 2

TeamsLecture: Shakespeares EnglandDiscussion The Comedy of ErrorsDiscussion QuestionsQHQs

AGENDA

The teams will change on or near essay due dates. You must change at least 50% of your team after each project is completed. You may never be on a team with the same person more than twice. You may never have a new team composed of more than 50% of any prior team.

We will often use teams to earn participation points. Your teams can be made up of 4 or 5 people.

Points will be earned for correct answers to questions, meaningful contributions to the discussion, and the willingness to share your work. Each team will track their own points, but cheating leads to death (or loss of 25 participation points).

Answers, comments, and questions must be posed in a manner that promotes learning. Those who speak out of turn or with maliciousness will not receive points for their teams.

At the end of each class, you will turn in a point sheet with the names of everyone in your group (first name, last initial) and your accumulated points for the day. It is your responsibility to make the sheet, track the points, and turn it in.

Sit near your team members in class to facilitate ease of group discussions

Billy R IIILan N IIIIJose S IIIChristine L II

13 points

Your First Group!Get into groups of four or five. (1-2 minutes)

If you cant find a group, please raise your hand.

Introduce yourselves, and write your names down on a sheet of paper. This will be your point sheet.

7

Queen Elizabeth I ( 1558-1603 )Ruled England for 45 years.Nicknamed the Virgin Queen and produced no heir to the throneRestored Protestantism and formalized the Church of EnglandDuring her reign, the economy was weakened by inflation, food shortages, and high rent. During the Elizabethan Period, hundreds of people were convicted as witches and executed.

King James I ( 1603-1628 )

Religious, and believed in the supernatural and interested in witchcraftCommissioned a translation of The Bible from Latin to EnglishPublished a book about witchcraft called Demonologie in 1597

Renamed Shakespeares acting troupeThe Kings Men

About one in three children died before reaching their teenage years.The average total lifespan was only about 35-40 years.In Shakespeares family, only he and his younger sister Joan lived past 50 his other six brothers and sisters died much younger.

Life Expectancy in Shakespeares England

In Elizabethan times, shifting economic class was not possible. The wealthy were the nobility and land-owners. (This was only three percent of the English population).Middle classes included farmers, tradesmen, and clergy.The poor were the servants, orphans, hired laborers, and soldiers returning from the wars.

The Social Classes

Catastrophic diseases like malaria, syphilis, typhus, and smallpox killed tens of thousands each year. Bubonic plague wiped out nearly half of London during two outbreaks in the late 1590s.Medicine was very primitive, with most doctors treating illnesses with bleeding, and applying various homemade herbs and poultices. Broken bones were not set, since it was believed that such accidents were the result of immoral behavior and were a punishment from God. If you broke your leg, there was a good chance you would never walk again.

Only the wealthy and middle classes were educated. The wealthy were taught in their homes by private tutors, while the middle classes attended public schools which were in reality, private schools which you had to pay to attend.Students learned to read and write Latin and French. Other subjects might include dancing, drawing, theology, fencing, and an archaic study of the sciences.Generally, only boys attended school. Girls stayed home and learned cooking, sewing, and other household duties. Wealthy young girls might be taught reading, drawing, and dancing.

The poorer people were, the more chance they had of choosing their own spouse. Wealthy families arranged marriages for sons and daughters to secure the family fortune.The legal age to marry in Elizabethan times was fourteen for boys, and twelve for girls. But it was common for most men to wait until they were 25-26, and girls until they were 23. This was when most boys had finished their apprenticeships and could afford marriage.

Apprenticeships began in the late teens and continued until age 25.Apprenticeships lasted for at least seven years, and apprentices were not allowed to marry until their apprenticeship was done.Job included clothiers, woolen cloth weavers, cloth workers, dyers, hosiers, tailors, shoemakers, tanners, pewterers, bakers, brewers, glovers, cutlers, smiths, farriers, curriers, sadlers, sappers, hatmakers, feltmakers, fletchers, arrowhead makers, butchers, cooks, or millers.

In England, there was only ONE Protestant church, (The Church of England) and everyone was required to be a member of it.By law, you had to attend church at least once a month, or you would be reported and fined.Catholicism, which was seen as being complicit with Englands enemies Italy and Spain, was strictly forbidden, although it is rumored that Shakespeares father, and William himself, were secret Catholics.

London during Shakespeares life was the center of politics, art, literature, and theater.It was also a brutal place to live, with raw sewage running down the streets, and infested with plague-carrying rats.Because everyone drank alcohol, and everyone carried a blade; swordfights were common, and often deadly.Queen Elizabeth would display the severed heads of criminals above the gates of the city.

The London when Shakespeare lived was a dangerous, primitive place by modern standards, and yet a vast expansion in ideas, exploration, language and art occurred during this era.Its a paradox to think that despite living in such a deadly, dark, brutal time, some of the worlds most beautiful poetry and immortal plays were written, and survived to our day.

Shakespeares London

ComedyErrors

The Comedy of Errorsis one ofWilliam Shakespeare's earliest plays circa 1593. It is his shortest and one of his mostfarcicalcomedies. In addition topunsandword play, a major part of the humor comes from fromslapstickand mistaken identity.The play was not published until it appeared in theFirst Folioin 1623.History

Key plot elements are taken from twoancient Romancomedies ofPlautus.FromMenaechmicomes the main premise of mistaken identity betweenidentical twinswith the same name, plus some of the stock characters such as the comic courtesan. FromAmphitryonhe borrows the twin servants with the same name, plus the scene in Act 3 where a husband is shut out of his house while his wife mistakenly dines with his look-alike.Theframe storyof Egeon and Emilia derives fromApollonius of Tyre, also a source forTwelfth NightandPericles, Prince of Tyre.

The story takes place in Ephesus, on the west coast of Asia Minor (where modern-day Turkey is). There has been a long-standing battle between Syracuse on the east coast of Sicily and Ephesus.This sets up part of the tension in the plot, with three characters from Syracuse sneaking into Ephesus to set the story in motion.

SyracuseEphesus

SolinusDukeof EphesusEgeon amerchantof SyracuseEmilia his lost wife, now LadyAbbessat EphesusAntipholus of EphesusandAntipholus of Syracuse twin brothers, sons of Egeon and EmiliaDromio of EphesusandDromio of Syracuse twin brothers,bondmen, each serving his respective AntipholusAdriana wife of Antipholus of EphesusLuciana her sister

EgeonSolinus

Egeon, a merchant of Syracuse, is condemned to death in Ephesus for violating the ban against travel between the two rival cities. As he is led to his execution, he tells the Ephesian Duke, Solinus, that he has come to Syracuse in search of his wife and one of his twin sons, who were separated from him 25 years ago in a shipwreck. The other twin, who grew up with Egeon, is also traveling the world in search of the missing half of their family. (The twins, we learn, are identical, and each has an identical twin slave named Dromio.) The Duke is so moved by this story that he grants Egeon a day to raise the thousand-mark ransom that would be necessary to save his life.

Meanwhile, unknown to Egeon, his son Antipholus of Syracuse (and Antipholus' slave Dromio) is also visiting Ephesus--where Antipholus' missing twin, known as Antipholus of Ephesus, is a prosperous citizen of the city.Antipholus of Ephesus' wife, mistakes Antipholus of Syracuse for her husband and drags him home for dinner, leaving Dromio of Syracuse to stand guard at the door and admit no one. Shortly thereafter, Antipholus of Ephesus (withhisslave Dromio of Ephesus) returns home and is refused entry to his own house. Meanwhile, Antipholus of Syracuse has fallen in love with Luciana, Adriana's sister, who is appalled at the behavior of the man she thinks is her brother-in-law.

Antipholus of EphesusAdriana

Antipholus of SyracuseLucianaDromio of Ephesus

Dromio of Syracuse

Add to this chaos, a gold chain given to the wrong Dromio, which leading to an angry merchant and a mistaken arrest, and what you have is indeed a comedy of errors!

Despite its high comedy The Comedy of Errors has never been turned into a motion picture although several made-for-TV versions have been made.The first, in 1978, stars Dame Judi Dench as was presented as a madcap musical comedy.The second, from 1983, was part of the BBCs Complete Works of Shakespeare.The most recent, from 2007 is a filmed performance from the Stratford Festival.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EtvriM_iUx8

The next clip is from The Comedy of Errors as adapted in 1976 into a modern musical form for the RSC, by Trevor Nunn.

This scene: In Ephesus on holiday, Antipholus (Roger Rees) and Dromio(Michael Williams) of Syracuse are unknowingly mistaken for their long lost twin brothers Antipholus and Dromio of Ephesus by Adriana (Judi Dench), the denied and restless wife of Antipholus of Ephesus

Act 2 Scene 2 lines 115 to the end of Act 2

There have been several adaptions of the play into various formats, including opera, musicals, film, and television!There was a popular 1938 Broadway musical called The Boys From Syracuse written by Rodgers & Hart. There was also a 1988 movie called Big Business based on the play.The popular TV showThe X-Filesfeatures an episode called "Fight Club, the story of which heavily parallels many elements from this play.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e73Jt0W8vjAThe 1988 adaptation of The Comedy of Errors, Big Business, staring Bette Midler and Lily Tomlin, begins with two sets of identical twins who are mismatched at birth. Forty years later, their paths cross amid the hustle and bustle of Manhattan, and the result is unrestrained pandemonium.

The next scene is the initial mismatch.

In GroupsDiscuss your answers to the homework questions and your QHQs.

QuestionsFind examples of the different kinds of comedy we discussed in class today. Explain why the scenes or elements are or arent funny.

DROMIO OF SYRACUSE No longer from head to foot thanfrom hip to hip. She is spherical, like a globe. Icould find out countries in her.ANTIPHOLUS OF SYRACUSE In what part of her bodystands Ireland?DROMIO OF SYRACUSE Marry, sir, in her buttocks. Ifound it out by the bogs.ANTIPHOLUS OF SYRACUSE Where Scotland?DROMIO OF SYRACUSE I found it by the barrenness,hard in the palm of the hand.ANTIPHOLUS OF SYRACUSE Where France?DROMIO OF SYRACUSE In her forehead, armed andreverted, making war against her heir.

The language used throughout the play also comedic, as there are many examples of puns and metaphors, but none so rich as the kitchen wench scene, where Dromio of Syracuse kindly describes Dromio of Ephesuss wife of being globe shaped, stating that France was in her forehead; armed and reverted, making war against her heir (a pun on hair, as at the time this was written France was against their heir to the throne), and claims that England is in her teeth, referring to them as rocky cliffs, a very clever connection describing the two. Here are lines 124-153

ANTIPHOLUS OF SYRACUSE Where England?DROMIO OF SYRACUSE I looked for the chalky cliffs, butI could find no whiteness in them. But I guess itstood in her chin, by the salt rheum that ranbetween France and it.ANTIPHOLUS OF SYRACUSE Where Spain?DROMIO OF SYRACUSE Faith, I saw it not, but I felt it hotin her breath.ANTIPHOLUS OF SYRACUSE Where America, the Indies?DROMIO OF SYRACUSE O, sir, upon her nose, all oerembellishedwith rubies, carbuncles, sapphires,declining their rich aspect to the hot breath ofSpain, who sent whole armadas of carracks to beballast at her nose.ANTIPHOLUS OF SYRACUSE Where stood Belgia, theNetherlands?DROMIO OF SYRACUSE O, sir, I did not look so low.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EHPHgNhWH9o"Comedy of Errors" performed by the University Classic Players. Bob Jones University

Act 3, Scene 2 lines 79-172

QuestionWhat elements of this scene make it funny?What are the required elements to make something funny?Are there different kinds of humor?How many kinds of humor does Shakespeare use in this scene?Consider Puns, stereotypes, and sexual innuendo

Wordplay: RhymeThe comedy can be found in the language, which I found to be emphasized by rhyming schemes. In Act 2. SC. 2, Adriana and Luciana debate over how a wife ought to behave, during which they exchange that:This servitude makes you to keep unwed/Not this, but troubles of the marriage bed/But, were you wedded, you would bear some sway/Ere I learn love, Ill practice to obey (II, ii, 26-29).Instead of becoming the palpable exchange between two sisters that it could have been, it came off as a witty and humorous discourse between two points of views.

Wordplay: InsultsA time when wordplay was used as an insult was when Dromio and Antipholus (of Ephesus) are attempting to get into Antipholus (of Ephesus) home. Antipholus wants to get something to break the door down with, which Dromio (of Syracuse ) replies Break any breaking here, and Ill break your knaves plate; Dromio (of Ephesus) then states Ay, and break it in your face, so he break it not behind (3.1.118-120). These lines appeal to the readers childish humor, because Dromio (of Ephesus) is using wordplay to say to break wind.

Dramatic IronyThe most striking form of comedy used within the play, however, is the dramatic irony. The audience/reader is clearly aware of the identity and intentions of each character, but within the play itself, the characters are involved in a misunderstanding of monumental proportions. Watching or reading these characters attempting to figure out what one as a spectator or reader already knows can seem farcical and produce many ironic situations for the characters, which adds much to the comedic elements of the piece.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nn74SDSLGL4An example of slapstick is the two Dromios constantly getting beaten due to the chaotic confusion surrounding their situation. This is funny to the reader as humans tend to take pleasure in other peoples misfortunes.Slapstick

QuestionsWooing scenes are prominent in Shakespearian plays. Find the wooing scene between Antipholus of Syracuse and Luciana. Explicate the meaning and explain how successful it is.

Sweet mistresswhat your name is else I know not,Nor by what wonder you do hit of mineLess in your knowledge and your grace you show notThan our Earths wonder, more than Earth divine.Teach me, dear creature, how to think and speak.Lay open to my earthy gross conceit,Smothered in errors, feeble, shallow, weak,The folded meaning of your words deceit.Against my souls pure truth why labor youTo make it wander in an unknown field?Are you a god? Would you create me new? Transform me, then, and to your power Ill yield.

But if that I am I, then well I knowYour weeping sister is no wife of mine,Nor to her bed no homage do I owe.Far more, far more, to you do I decline.O, train me not, sweet mermaid, with thy noteTo drown me in thy sisters flood of tears.Sing, Siren, for thyself, and I will dote.Spread oer the silver waves thy golden hairs,And as a bed Ill take them and there lie,And in that glorious supposition thinkHe gains by death that hath such means to die.Let love, being light, be drownd if she sink.

ANTIPHOLUS OF SYRACUSE

The WooingThe dance between the two shows readers how imperceptive Antipholus of Syracuse is to the words coming out of Lucianas mouth. Luciana responds to every serenade with a comment like, Why call you me love? Call my sister so (Line 62), yet Antipholus presses on. Its comical to me how unaltered Luciana appears to be throughout Antipholus of Syracuses confession. The more he opens his heart to her, the more she mentions her sister, Adriana. Antipholuss attempts to woo Luciana were unsuccessful, but part of me believes he thinks their talk went well, which adds to the comical factor.As to whether or not that confession worked thats where things get a little messy. If you stop reading The Comedy of Errors at the third act, it would appear that Antipholuss confession completely creeped the hell out of Luciana. In response to Antipholuss words of love Luciana asks What, are you mad that you do reason so? And when Antipholus replies Thee will I love, and with thee lead my life, Luciana decides to stop him right there and go fetch her sister in apparent disgust. If I didnt read up until the fourth act I would have left it at that and just said Mission failed for Antipholus.

QHQQ: Why does Egeon so openly welcome and seems to desire death? Why is death mentioned so often in a comedic play? Why doesnt Egeon argue, or negotiate with the duke for a better, more realistic deal? Could it be that Egeon does not actually want to succeed?

Question 1: In Act 1 Scene 1, Egeon says, And, which was strange, the one so like the other. As could not be distinguished but by names. Hes practically saying that the twins looked so identical, that they could only be differentiated by their names. So if they could only be told apart by their names, why were they both named Antipholus? The same goes for the slaves.

QHQs

Does Antipholus of Ephesus care about his wife cheating on him or is he more concerned with his reputation?What does Antipholuss plan to exact revenge on his wife reveal about his character?

Question: If this play catered to the twins having distinguishing features, would this still be a comedy or would the characters had a much different fate?

Read: The Comedy of Errors Acts 4 and 5Post #2Shakespeare s choice to make misidentification unintentional complicates the issue of both identity and trickery. Misidentification causes a rapid switching between social positions. For instance, Adriana is both an alluring temptress who tries to trick a traveler and a loyal wife who mistakenly invites an impostor into her house. Find a scene of intentional or unintentional deception. Who is the trickster? What are the results of the miscommunication or misidentification?Discuss the theme of Identity as it is presented in the play. Is there a difference between public/social identities and private identities? Are the Dromios servants or slaves? Are their beatings meant to be farcical? Are farce and social custom connected? Can you think of a contemporary example?Discuss Pinch and his role in the storyQHQ

Homework

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