What is the purpose of the characters the First and Second Clown? Are they simply comic relief or do they have a deeper purpose? If so, what?
Kate
3/19/2014 03:29:09 pm
In Shakespearian literature, Clowns do serve as comedic relief. They are what they are named, clowns. In this particular case, Shakespeare did something a little unusual. Normally, the clowns would simply be comedic and provide a sense of relief for the audience in a dramatic play. However, Shakespeare uses the two clowns in this particular play to shed some humor on a very serious issue. They discuss why Ophelia does not get a "traditional" Christian funeral, but they also talk in nonsensical terms which dramatically lighten the mood. "Cudgel thy brains no more about it, for your/ dull ass will not mend his pace with beating; and when/ you are asked this question next, say 'A grave-maker'" (V.i.55-57). In this respect the clowns do serve a greater purpose. By providing comic relief they ease some tension out of the scene, which was most likely a good thing considering that at this time people still felt very strongly about suicide. The clowns in Act V do serve a purpose, but they are also comedic relief.
Deanidactyl
3/20/2014 11:39:50 am
The clowns definitely serve as comic relief. However, I think that they are much deeper than you seem to claim. There is a moment when one of the clowns talks about Ophelia and provides a comment upon society that if she had been a peasant or a commoner, she would not receive a proper burial. He says that because she was of high status the church will pardon her sin. This comments on the corruptibility of humans. If even the church does not uphold the bible then how might others?
Mrs. Lopez
3/20/2014 02:10:53 pm
I find both of these comments to be thoughtful. Two questions arise from the above conversation:
HR1997
3/23/2014 03:59:18 pm
To be honest Dean, I didn't even think of the point you made but the point is effective because the clowns do use the phrase "peasant or a commoner". I also think that this shows the corruptious nature of humans because no matter how much a king tells that he is a common man's people, deep inside his heart the king lives the "royal" style and considers lower everything beneath him.
Kate
3/23/2014 04:03:44 pm
In response to Mrs. Lopez first question. I think that the perception of suicide is different now then it was then. It is still viewed as wrong, but in different lights. In the 16th century, it was wrong to commit suicide because the belief was that then you were not allowed into Heaven, which for many people was the ultimate goal, it was what they lived their lives for. It could also have been perceived as the work of the devil which is, for obvious reasons, wrong. However, in today's society, suicide is often viewed of as "weak" or an "easy escape." It is no longer thought of as a biblical sin, but as a sign of weakness. Many times when you hear of a suicide on the news, you'll hear students say "That is just stupid. They were weak. They could have fought harder." So while suicide is still perceived as wrong the reasoning behind that declaration is varied.
Skyler Timmins
3/30/2014 11:02:13 am
All the comments above are correct. The clowns offer up that comment of society, the church, and the nature of man. Humans are corruptible, and back in that time, the church ran things. They became a respecter of persons, using a sense of bias towards people. Ophelia was "forgiven" and received a proper burial because she was a high society member. If she had been just an average person she would have been left in the river or pulled out and left on the side. It almost feels like things haven't changed much in society, as those that are high up in society receive a different level of authority as opposed to the common people.
Emma
3/20/2014 04:32:25 am
I believe the gravediggers serves as comedic relief. At this point in the play the events and actions that have taken place had been of very extreme nature. The plotting to kill and destroy other people has been a driving force for several characters. To upscale the revenge being planned the reader sees the loss of innocence and destruction caused by manipulation. Ophelia was a character loved by many characters. She was however, abused and manipulated by many of those characters as well. When Polonious dies Ophelia becomes extremely distressed. She looses her mind and then kills herself. When the gravediggers speak of her death and their job as gravediggers it provides much needed relief in the play. However, their conversation is an extremely important message that relates greatly to the times it was written in. In many senses Shakespeare was ahead of his times. He uses the gravediggers to discuss whether suicide is an acceptable act to commit. One gravedigger was completely against giving her a proper Christian burial. Back in the Elizabiethan Era suicide was a complete sin. To this day it is still considered a sin in many religions. The other gravedigger defends Ophelia, saying the madness and uncomprehendable sorrow had led her to killing herself. He asked how the actions of others were not responsible and how was it fair for her to live in a life if constant misery and deciet? Althought their conversation was a common use if Shakespeare-ian comic relief, there was an extremely deep hidden messages behind their words.
Ariana
4/1/2014 02:45:01 am
Comedy often is the best way to convey strong and radical opinions. I think that we can see that Shakespeare is stating his belief about the church and suicide in this sort of of ambiguous way like many people, especially people in the art's, had too. We see many delicate subjects addressed in this part, but you cannot help but laugh, even if it is an uncomfortable laugh. We still see that today even if it is often more then obvious. Audiences have an easier time accepting difficult subjects and reflecting on it in a humorous manner. Comments are closed.
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AuthorMrs. Lopez (AP Literature and Composition Instructor) Archives
September 2014
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