Perceiving the True Nature of the Comic as Reflected in the Role of Touchstone in One of William Shakespeare's Middle Comedies, As You Like It

Author

Marietta Vanderputten, Marquette University

Date of Award

7-1971

Degree Type

Master's Essay - Restricted

Degree Name

Master of Arts (MA)

Department

English

Abstract

In today's world of· atom-smashing, napalm and mass starvation, there does not seem to be any obvious place for a play such as "As You Like It". Every age has its own fears and sees the reflection of them in Shakespeare's histories and tragedies--and even in his straightforward comedies, too; because Shakespeare's laughter is never without some tempering melancholy or rage. John S. Baxter in his essay, "The Setting and Function of Comedy," states that: ...Shakespeare does not have a tragic and comic point of view as separate and distinct things, but one set of assumptions and attitudes, one complex awareness of life, which can find expression equally in comedy and in tragedy.

Comments

Master's Essey Marquette University, Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

Recommended Citation

Vanderputten, Marietta, "Perceiving the True Nature of the Comic as Reflected in the Role of Touchstone in One of William Shakespeare's Middle Comedies, As You Like It" (1971). Master's Essays (1922 - ). 2830.
https://epublications.marquette.edu/essays/2830