Shakespeare's Exploration of Barriers to Fulfillment of Desire in Comedies
How did Shakespeare treat the barriers to fulfillment of desire in his comedies?
What are the common barriers explored by Shakespeare in his comedies?
In Shakespeare's comedies, barriers to fulfillment of desire are explored through mistaken identity, social class, and gender roles.
Explanation: In Shakespeare's comedies, he often explores the barriers to fulfillment of desire through various comedic devices and plot developments. One common barrier is mistaken identity, where characters assume false identities or are mistaken for someone else, leading to confusion and complications. This is evident in plays like 'Twelfth Night' and 'The Comedy of Errors'.
Another barrier is social class and hierarchy. Shakespeare often includes characters from different social backgrounds or with conflicting social statuses, which can create obstacles to desire fulfillment. For example, in 'A Midsummer Night's Dream', the love between Hermia and Lysander is hindered by Hermia's father's disapproval due to their different social standings.
Lastly, Shakespeare often incorporates gender roles and expectations as barriers to desire fulfillment. Female characters face limitations and restrictions due to societal norms, such as in 'As You Like It' where Rosalind disguises herself as a man to navigate the constraints of her gender.
William Shakespeare, one of the greatest playwrights in history, masterfully weaves complex themes and barriers into his comedies to explore the intricacies of desire and fulfillment. By examining mistaken identity, social class dynamics, and gender roles, Shakespeare delves into the challenges and obstacles that characters face in achieving their desires.
Mistaken Identity
One of Shakespeare's favorite comedic devices is mistaken identity, where characters are confused for someone else or take on false identities. This creates hilarious misunderstandings and adds a layer of complexity to the plot. For instance, in 'Twelfth Night', Viola disguises herself as a man named Cesario, leading to a series of comedic events and confusion in matters of love.
Social Class and Hierarchy
Shakespeare often plays with characters from different social backgrounds or conflicting social statuses to highlight the barriers that exist in society. The clash between social classes can hinder characters from fulfilling their desires, as seen in 'The Comedy of Errors' where the confusion of twins from different social classes leads to comedic chaos.
Gender Roles and Expectations
Gender roles and expectations also serve as significant barriers to desire fulfillment in Shakespeare's comedies. Women, especially, face societal limitations and constraints that hinder their choices and actions. In 'As You Like It', Rosalind challenges traditional gender norms by adopting a male disguise, allowing her to freely pursue her desires without the restrictions placed on women.
By incorporating these barriers into his comedies, Shakespeare invites audiences to reflect on the complexities of human desires and the obstacles that can arise in achieving them. His nuanced exploration of mistaken identity, social class dynamics, and gender roles adds depth and richness to his comedic works, making them timeless pieces that continue to captivate and entertain audiences to this day.