Pantalone

Definition

Pantalone is a stock character from the Italian theatrical tradition of Commedia dell'Arte, typically depicted as a wealthy, greedy merchant who is often foolish and easily duped. He embodies the archetype of the miserly old man, characterized by his distinctive red trousers and long, pointed nose, serving as a humorous representation of avarice and folly within the comedic narrative.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Pantalone is traditionally portrayed wearing a red outfit with black accents, along with a distinctive mask that highlights his long nose and exaggerated facial features.
2. As a character, Pantalone often serves as an antagonist to younger characters, particularly the lovers, trying to thwart their romantic pursuits for his own financial gain.
3. His interactions often highlight themes of deception and mistaken identity, as he is frequently outsmarted by more cunning characters.
4. Pantalone's character has influenced various forms of theater beyond Commedia dell'Arte, including modern comedy and farce, where similar archetypes can be observed.
5. The character's name is derived from 'Pantalone da Venezia,' which indicates his Venetian origins, further emphasizing his role as a merchant in the context of Italian commerce.

Review Questions

• How does Pantalone serve as a foil to other characters in Commedia dell'Arte?
  • Pantalone serves as a foil to younger characters, particularly the lovers and clever servants like Arlecchino. His greed and foolishness often lead him to attempt to manipulate or control situations for his financial benefit. This creates comedic conflict as he tries to thwart the romantic pursuits of the lovers, only to be outwitted by their cleverness or by other characters who see through his schemes.
• In what ways does Pantalone represent societal attitudes toward wealth and greed in 16th-century Italy?
  • Pantalone embodies the societal attitudes towards wealth and greed prevalent in 16th-century Italy, reflecting concerns about merchants' growing power and influence during that period. His characterization as a miserly old man underscores the idea that excessive greed leads to foolishness and social ridicule. This portrayal serves as both a critique of avarice and an exploration of the dynamics between different social classes in a rapidly changing economy.
• Evaluate the impact of Pantalone on modern comedic theater and how his character has evolved over time.
  • Pantalone has had a lasting impact on modern comedic theater by establishing archetypal traits that continue to resonate in contemporary works. His characteristics of greed, foolishness, and obsession with wealth have evolved into various forms seen in today's comedy, influencing characters such as Scrooge in 'A Christmas Carol' or Mr. Krabs in 'SpongeBob SquarePants.' The essence of Pantalone’s role highlights how humor can critique human flaws while providing audiences with relatable figures that embody both comedic absurdity and moral lessons about greed and folly.

Related terms

Commedia dell'Arte: A form of improvisational theater that originated in Italy in the 16th century, known for its stock characters and use of masks.

Arlecchino: A clever servant character in Commedia dell'Arte, often serving as a foil to Pantalone's greed and foolishness.

Innamorati: The young lovers in Commedia dell'Arte who typically represent the themes of romance and passion, often contrasting with the older, more absurd characters like Pantalone.