Double entendres

Definition

Double entendres are phrases or expressions that have two meanings, one of which is often risqué or humorous. In Shakespearean comedy, this device serves to create humor, engage the audience, and add layers of meaning to dialogue. The clever use of double entendres showcases the wit and wordplay that characterize Shakespeare's comedic style, often allowing characters to navigate social norms and express desires in a playful manner.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Shakespeare skillfully employs double entendres in his comedies to create humorous situations and reveal character motivations.
2. These expressions often play on societal taboos, allowing characters to discuss sensitive topics with a layer of humor and cleverness.
3. Double entendres can serve as a means for characters to flirt or express desire without directly stating their intentions, adding to the playful nature of the comedy.
4. The use of double entendres often requires the audience's active engagement, as they must recognize the dual meanings to fully appreciate the humor.
5. In plays like 'Twelfth Night' and 'A Midsummer Night's Dream', double entendres enhance the comedic misunderstandings and complexities of relationships.

Review Questions

• How do double entendres enhance the comedic elements in Shakespearean plays?
  • Double entendres enhance comedy by allowing characters to express ideas that may be socially inappropriate in a humorous way. This wordplay invites the audience to engage with the text on multiple levels, making them part of the joke when they catch the implied meanings. The use of these phrases creates layers of humor that enrich character interactions and plot developments, contributing to the overall enjoyment of the play.
• Discuss how Shakespeare uses double entendres as a tool for character development within his comedies.
  • Shakespeare uses double entendres as a clever tool for character development by revealing deeper desires and motivations through witty dialogue. Characters who utilize these phrases often display intelligence and cunning, making them more relatable and engaging. Through their playful use of language, we see how characters navigate complex social situations and relationships, revealing their true nature and intentions while keeping the audience entertained.
• Evaluate the impact of double entendres on the themes of love and desire in Shakespeare's comedic works.
  • Double entendres significantly impact themes of love and desire by allowing characters to flirt and express affection without overt declarations. This nuanced communication reflects the societal constraints around romantic expression during Shakespeare's time, creating an atmosphere where humor intertwines with deeper emotional truths. The playful use of language not only highlights the complexities of romantic relationships but also provides insight into human nature, making these themes resonate with audiences across generations.

Related terms

Pun: A form of wordplay that exploits multiple meanings of a term or similar-sounding words for humorous or rhetorical effect.

Innuendo: An indirect or subtle reference, often suggestive in nature, that implies something without explicitly stating it.

Wit: The ability to make clever and quick verbal connections; in comedy, it often involves humor through sharp and inventive language.