The History of English Podcast: Episode 173 – "Fooling Around"

Host: Kevin Stroud
Release Date: January 2, 2024
Title: Fooling Around
Description: Exploring the development of English comedy in the early modern era through Shakespeare’s early works and Italian influences.

Introduction to Humor and Elizabethan Theatre

In Episode 173: "Fooling Around," Kevin Stroud delves into the evolution of English comedy during the Elizabethan era, primarily through William Shakespeare's early comedies. Stroud begins by exploring the concept of "humor," tracing its origins from the ancient Greek and Roman notion of the four bodily humors to its modern sense of something that induces laughter. He explains, “the word humor came to refer to something that caused a person to be happy” (00:10).

Shakespearean Comedy vs. Traditional English Entertainment

Stroud distinguishes between traditional English comedy and the emerging Shakespearean style. Traditional forms were largely improvised, relying on physical comedy like tumbling and jesting during festivals and holiday celebrations. In contrast, Shakespearean comedy focused on structured, scripted dialogue rich with wordplay, puns, and malapropisms, catering to a literate audience. As Stroud notes, “the use of wordplay and eloquent language in those plays appealed to an audience who was becoming accustomed to those literary features in the books they were reading” (12:45).

Impact of the Plague on Elizabethan Theatre

The episode highlights the significant impact of the bubonic plague outbreak from 1592 to 1594, which halted theatrical performances in London. Two major acting companies emerged post-lockdown: the Lord Admiral's Men, managed by Philip Henslowe, and the Lord Chamberlain's Men, Shakespeare’s company. Stroud explains how these companies revitalized the London theatre scene once the theaters reopened in May 1594 (25:30).

Italian Influences: Commedia dell'arte

A substantial portion of the episode is dedicated to the influence of Italian comedy, particularly commedia dell'arte, on English theatre. Stroud describes commedia dell'arte as a blend of structured storytelling and improvisational physical comedy, featuring stock characters like Pantalone and Harlequin. He states, “commedia dell'arte started to influence English drama in the late 1500s” (45:15). This style introduced elements such as cross-dressing, improvisation, and interactive performances, which Shakespeare incorporated into his plays.

Shakespeare’s Early Comedies: Case Studies

Stroud examines several of Shakespeare’s early comedies to illustrate the fusion of Italian influences with English traditions:

• The Taming of the Shrew: Set in Padua, this play introduces phrases like “all of a sudden” (36:50) and explores themes of mistaken identity and social roles.

• The Two Gentlemen of Verona: Highlighting cross-dressing and stock characters, this play showcases Shakespeare’s adaptation of Italian comedic devices.

• The Merchant of Venice: Often classified as a comedy, this play blends tragic elements, particularly through the character Shylock. Stroud discusses the complex portrayal of Shylock and the introduction of phrases like “a pound of flesh” (1:20:30).

Language Development Through Shakespeare’s Works

Throughout the episode, Stroud emphasizes how Shakespeare’s comedies contributed to the evolution of the English language. He highlights several first usages of phrases and words:

• “Not budge an inch” from The Taming of the Shrew (15:00).

• “All of a sudden” in The Taming of the Shrew (37:10).

• “Bated breath” in The Merchant of Venice (1:05:45).

• “Laughable” in The Merchant of Venice (1:10:20).

These linguistic innovations underscore Shakespeare’s role in shaping modern English humor and expression.

Blending Comedy and Tragedy in "The Merchant of Venice"

Stroud explores how The Merchant of Venice defies simple genre classification by intertwining comedic elements with tragic undertones. The play’s resolution, which sees Shylock face severe losses, introduces a tragic dimension to an otherwise comedic framework. Stroud remarks, “The Merchant of Venice isn’t the simple, straightforward comedy that most audiences were accustomed to” (1:35:00), highlighting Shakespeare’s ability to blend genres and reflect complex social issues.

Legacy and Influence on Modern Theatre

Concluding the episode, Stroud traces the lasting impact of early modern English comedy and Italian influences on contemporary theatre. He discusses the evolution of English pantomime in the 1700s, which embraced elements from commedia dell'arte such as improvisation, audience interaction, and elaborate costumes. Stroud notes, “the focus remained on a story told through dialogue and words with little outside distraction” (1:55:30), emphasizing the enduring legacy of Shakespearean dialogue-based comedy.

Conclusion and Teaser for Next Episode

Stroud wraps up by affirming the critical role of language and structured humor in the success and longevity of Shakespeare’s comedies. He hints at continuing the exploration of Shakespeare’s influence in the next episode, specifically focusing on Romeo and Juliet and its linguistic contributions to English (2:00:00).

This episode provides a comprehensive examination of the roots and development of English comedy, showcasing how Shakespeare and Italian theatrical traditions coalesced to shape modern English humor and theatre. Stroud’s insightful analysis, enriched with notable quotes and linguistic examples, offers listeners a deep understanding of the interplay between language, culture, and performance in early modern England.