4Chirchik State Pedagogical University Current Issues of Modern Philology and Linguodidactics
Staatliche Pädagogische Universität Chirchik Aktuelle Fragen der modernen Philologie und Linguodidaktik
HUMOR AND SATIRES IN WILLIAM SHAKESPEAR'S COMEDIES
Makhzuna Zafar kizi Ravupova
Student, Chirchik State Pedagogical University, Uzbekistan E-mail: zafarovnamakhzuna@gmail .com Scientific adviser: Nafisa Raimovna Kobilova
ABSTRACT
This article examines the use of humor and satire in Shakespeare's comedies, exploring how these elements contribute to the comedic effect and social critique found in his works. It highlights examples of wordplay, mistaken identity, social critique, comical characters, and bawdy humor in plays such as 'Much Ado about Nothing', ' Twelfth Night', 'As you like it', 'Hamlet', 'A Midsummer Night's Dream', and 'The Merry Wives of Windsor'. The article emphasizes Shakespear's ability to engage audiences through witty dialogue, comedic situation, and clever social commentary, making his comedies timeless in their appeal.
Keywords: comedies, comedic situations, bawdy humor, satirical elements, mistaken identities, exaggerated gestures, humorous confusion, love, women roles .
INTRODUCTION
Shakespeare's comedies are largely composed of humour and satire, which serve to both amuse the audience and provide insightful societal critique. Shakespeare skillfully employs humour and satire to expose the oddities of life, challenge society standards, and mock human faults through his sharp language, brilliant wordplay, and hilarious situations. This article will delve into the various forms of humor that Shakespeare employed in his comedies, as well as the satirical elements he incorporated to highlight specific social and cultural conventions of his time. Shakespeare wrote comedies that both the intelligent members of the nobility and the common people could enjoy , from mistaken identities to bawdy humor.
Shakespeare's comedies are largely composed of humour and satire, which serve to both amuse the audience and provide insightful societal critique. Shakespeare skillfully employs humour and satire to expose the oddities of life, challenge society standards, and mock human faults through his sharp language, brilliant wordplay, and hilarious situations.
Shakespeare employs wordplay and puns to great effect as one of his comedic devices. His plays are full of hilarious puns, double entendres, and deft wordplay that make the audience laugh out loud. For instance, in "As You Like It," Touchstone, a
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Chirchik State Pedagogical University Current Issues of Modern Philology and Linguodidactics
Staatliche Pädagogische Universität Chirchik Aktuelle Fragen der modernen Philologie und Linguodidaktik
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character, makes fun of the artificiality of courtly life by contrasting the pretentiousness of the court with Arden's natural environment using witty puns. These language-based.
Shakespeare's plays mostly employ wordplay puns as a source of humour. His characters are linguistically skilled, using sharp wordplay that frequently results in humorous double entendress. These witty exchanges not only showcase the linguistic prowess of the characters but also serve as a source of amusement for the audience. For example, there is a lot of bawdy humor in his 'A Midsummer Night's Dream' as seen by the double entendres. In it, Titania says, 'Come, sit thee down upon this flowery bed. What, wilt thou here be starved in the cold night?' as Bottom has a donkey's head transformed on him.One can take the word 'bed' literally or as a euphemism for sexual activity.
Another comedic technique employed by Shakespeare is the use of slapstick humor. Physical comedy and exaggerated gestures, such as falls, slaps, and chases, are frequently used to generate laughter. These comedic moments often occur during chaotic or farcical scenes, adding a light-hearted and entertaining element to the plays.
In addition to humor, Shakespeare's comedies frequently contain satirical elements that offer a commentary on the social and and cultural norms of his time. Shakespeare carefully criticized society structures, hierarchical connections, and common prejudices that were present during the Elezabethan era using satire. By exposing the flaws and follies of his character, he sought to entertain while also challenging the status quo. He crafts enduringly funny characters, such as the clever coward Falstaff in 'Henry IV' and the foolish old advisor Polonius in 'Hamlet'. These characters offer social critique and comedic relief.
The use of mistaken identities is another key aspect of Shakespearean comedies that contributes to the humorous and satirical tone. Characters often find themselves in comically absurd situations due to misunderstandings or disguised identities. These instances of mistaken identity not only create humorous confusion but also provide opportunities for social commentary and critique. As an example, Viola poses as a guy in 'Twelfth Night', which causes humorous complexity and identity confusion. The story is driven by this humorous premise, which also examines issues of appearance, gender and cross-dressing.
Shakespearean comedies get complex when it comes to gender. Shakespeare's tragedies include women who have very little power and who are frequently mistreated or ignored by males. Though there are a few exceptions, such as Lady Macbeth, women in tragedies typically experience oppression and helplessness.
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Current Issues of Modern Philology and Linguodidactics Aktuelle Fragen der modernen Philologie und Linguodidaktik Zamonaviy filologiya va lingvodidaktikaning dolzarb masalalari
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Shakespeare thought it particularly humorous that a boy was dressing like a girl and acting like a boy, especially since his casts were entirely male and the female roles were portrayed by young boys. This also makes for a great deal of humorous romantic blunders, such as men and women falling in love with attractive males who are actually women without realising it.
Furthermore, Shakespeare's comedies often explores theme of love, romance, and marriage. Robert Shaughnessy's "The Routledge Guide to William Shakespeare" provides insightful discussion and analysis on the theme of love in Shakespeare's plays. Robert says: "Love in Shakespeare's comedies often challenges societal expectations and conventions, breaking barriers of gender roles and social class". Shakespeare skillfully incorporates humor to depict the complexities and absurdities of these relationships, showcasing the follies of those in love. Through satirical portrayals of courtship and marriage, he sheds light on the unrealistic expectations and societal pressures placed upon individuals. Such as in 'As You Like It', the Princess Rosalind's intelligence and wit shine through as she disguises herself as a boy. Her humorous conversation with Orlando is delightful reflection on the norms of female roles in courtship and love, as well as an exploration of the nature of love and identi-
Usually, comedy is the opposite. Like Rosalind in "As You Like It," Viola in "Twelfth Night," Helena and Hermia in "A Midsummer Night's Dream," and many other female characters, women possess a great deal of power and are often smarter, more likeable, or three-dimensional than their male counterparts. Although some critics argue that "The Taming of the Shrew" is meant to be parody, the play's sexist themes frequently confound reviewers, and Kate's final monologue—in which she begs women to surrender to their husbands—is frequently performed with a wink. As a general rule, the action in comedies is typically dominated by women, while the action in tragedies tends to be more male-oriented.
CONCLUSION
Overall, Shakespeare's comedies are a masterclass in weaving humor and satire to create a delightful theatrical experience. He delivers incisive societal critique while entertaining audiences with witty wordplay, memorable characters, and funny situations. Through the lens of humor, his comedies explore the complexity of love, question authority, and highlight societal problems. Shakespeare's eternal genius lies in his ability to both make us laugh and encourage critical thought about the world we live in.
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Chirchik State Pedagogical University Current Issues of Modern Philology and Linguodidactics
Staatliche Pädagogische Universität Chirchik Aktuelle Fragen der modernen Philologie und Linguodidaktik
Chirchiq davlat pedagogika universiteti Zamonaviy filologiya va lingvodidaktikaning dolzarb masalalari
REFERENCES
1. Robert Shaughnessy, 'The Routledge Guide to William Shakespeare', Routledge, 2013
2. West, William N. 'Nothing as given:Economies of the Gift in Derrida and Sheakespeare.'Comparative Literature 48, 1996
3. Yusupova M. A., Djalilova A. N., Xoshimova D. R., Aminova S. A. 'History of English and American literature' , Yangi Chirchiq Prints, 2023
4. Garber, Marjorie. ' Shakespeare After All', Anchor Books, 2005.
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