Comedic characteristics of William Shakespeare’s work are prominent in every form of his plays – be it a comedy, a tragedy, or a history – though as the given name might indicate, Shakespeare’s comedies are evidently more representative of Shakespearean humor. The Taming of the Shrew is a well-known comedy by Shakespeare, and is about a play that happens within the physical play the audience goes to see and or read. The primary storyline of this play involves two sisters, Bianca and Kate, and their “experiences” with male suitors, and lessons in obedience. The entire work is full of comedic aspects, ranging from confusion among the characters to trickery, sudden changes of heart towards well-held beliefs, and a reader’s pondering worth of identity swapping. …show more content…
These are seen more often in modern day comedy and are extremely frequent among Shakespeare’s works, comedy, history, or tragedy, though present more so in his comedies. There are plenty of these qualities in Shr., as the banter between the characters is almost always colorful as well as active, plenty full of sarcasm, condescending attitudes and metaphors. One of the most popular and early puns in the play takes place between Gremio and Pertruchio. Pertruchio tells Gremio to knock on Hortensio’s door, by saying: “Villain, I say, knock me here soundly.” Gremio responds with: “Knock you here, sir? Why, sir, what am I, sir, that I should knock you here, sir?” Gremio is making a play on the word “knock,” and insinuating that Pertruchio meant “hit.” Gremio also repeatedly calls Pertruchio “sir.” This is in a sarcastic tone, and is meant to be somewhat disrespectful towards Pertruchio. These fun little back and forth sarcasm spats are used by Shakespeare because they are funny, oftentimes witty, and simply enjoyable for the