Publication Date
5-1-1973
Degree Program
Department of English
Degree Type
Master of Arts
Abstract
This study will attempt to reveal in detail the techniques, purposes, and results of Shakespeare's use of the low-status character in the comedies. It will be shown that Shakespeare's use of low-status characters was not static. For example, the early low-status characters are more farcical than those of later plays. The characters of the middle plays are more satiric and those of the last plays are sometimes almost allegorical abstractions. Some low-status characters such as his comic law officials are used to develop satiric themes which run throughout his career. At other times, he uses the low-status character to develop serious themes such as the nature of art or reality. For these and other reasons low-status characters of Shakesneare's comedies deserve a comprehensive treatment.
Disciplines
English Language and Literature
Recommended Citation
St. Clair, Linda, "The Low-Status Character in Shakespeare's Comedies" (1973). Masters Theses & Specialist Projects. Paper 1028.
https://digitalcommons.wku.edu/theses/1028