How does Act 1, Scene 1 establish the play as a comedy? (Attempt)

Since everything we've done so far is copied from you (sir)
 i have copied it back from Steven, i have left his point in
below as to " revise " from, i added a bit
at the bottom. if you wish me to re word it i will.

SUNDAY, 20 JANUARY 2013

How does Act 1, Scene 1 establish the play as a comedy? (Attempt)

Wit is used to establish the comedic style of the play in Act 1, Scene 1. The fast-paced insults exchanged between Beatrice and Benedick, "You are a rare parrot teacher." "A bird of my tongue is better than a beast of yours." The humorous sparring suggests a history between, and their persona; attacks against one another challenege the institutionalized love expected during the Shakespearean Era. Beatrice's characteristics also challenge the expectations of women of the time, who should be "weak, frail, [...] feeble." according to John Knox, a juxtaposition to Beatrice's fiery behaviour.

ALSO- we are introduced to claudio who falls instantly for young hero- showing the " young love " and " marriage fixes all element into the comedy,  furthermore B&B show comedy pairing- their sparring of wit and insult adds to the comedy aspect.

Criticism

David Stenson

'They are everywhere presented as completely aware of the act that they are playing roles with and for each other - Beatrice as shrew, Benedick as misogynist - and enjoying the playing.' (Dramatic convention)

MAAN 

• rebels against institutionalized love, distaste for idealised romance. Goes against cliches.

The Book of the Courtier (Castiglione)

I have also seen a most fervent love spring in the heart of a woman who seemed at first not to bear him the least affection in the world, only for that they had heard say it was the opinion of many that they loved together.

Exploring Comedy (Lesson 1)

Lysistra Extract

• Bawdy, crude
• Sexual innuendos/double entendre

Country Wife

• Increased subtlety in comparison with Lysistra, but same jokes
• Starts off hating london, discussed "naughty town woman" and changes mind.

Much Ado

• Witty, quick retorts, fairly viscious and abusive

SEX IS FUNNY, SO IS EMBARRASSMENT

COMEDY IS CONSTRUCTED, CAN BREAK THE 4TH WALL AND OFTEN WANTS YOU TO KNOW YOU'RE WATCHING A COMEDY. SUSPENSION OF DISBELIEF.

Comedy isn't necessarily funny/comical.

Old Comedy 

•  BC, Greek origins
• Bawdy (extreme,sexual,crude)
• Scatalogical (fart gags, shit)
• No narrative, set pieces and sketches

New Comedy

• BC, but not as old as Old
• Romance
• Reunions
• Plot
• Happy ending
• Fast paced
• Witty
• Stock characters (Love struck young man, cunning yet cowardly slave, angry father, bragging soldier, kind-hearted soldier)

Shakespearean Comedy (1580 onwards)

• Young love overcomes obstacles
• Marriages solve everything
• Doesn't have to be funny
• Mixed bawdy, slapstick with serious for different people in audiences
•