Revenge is central to the play The Merry Wives of Windsor. We see plots of revenge with Sir Hugh and Dr. Caius (and later they gang up against the Host of the Garter), Falstaff and his servants, Ford and his alledged unfaithful wife as well as the central acts of the Merry Wives' humiliation of Falstaff. Yet unlike a revenge tragedy like Hamlet that leaves a host of corpses littering the stage at its conclusion, all the main characters (including Falstaff) party at the end.
What makes the play a Revenge Comedy and not a Tragedy? Is it just luck -- or does it have something to do with the motivations of the schemers, the nature of the methods of vengeance, or the community in which the play takes place?
"The Merry Wives of Windsor" presents revenge as originating from small wrongs and humorous misunderstandings rather than deep-seated hatred. For example, Sir Hugh and Dr. Caius feud over their shared affection for Mistress Quickly, resulting in comical arguments like Sir Hugh's insult, "Thou mis-shapen Dick, thou unlick'd bear-whelp!" (Act 1, Scene 4) Similarly, Ford's suspicion of his wife's faithfulness leads him to drastic actions, such as disguising himself as "Master Brook" to test her loyalty. The exaggerated reactions, like Ford's outcry, "See the hell of having a false woman!"(Act 4, Scene 2) contribute to the play's comedic atmosphere. Additionally, Falstaff's failed attempts at seduction end in his humiliation rather than tragedy. Despite their elaborate schemes, the Merry Wives aim more for embarrassment than harm, as shown when Mistress Ford jests, "Why, this is the very same; the very hand, the very words. What doth he think of us?"(Act 2, Scene 1) The absurdity of their tactics, such as the laundry basket trick, underscores the play's comedic tone. Moreover, the resolution emphasizes reconciliation over vengeance, exemplified by Ford's forgiveness: "I think the devil will not have me damned, lest the oil that's in me should set hell on fire; he would never else cross me thus"(Act 5, Scene 5). Unlike revenge tragedies, where death and despair reign, "The Merry Wives of Windsor" concludes with a joyful gathering, highlighting its classification as a comedy.
ReplyDelete"The Merry Wives of Windsor" shows a humorous story of mostly petty and harmless revenge acts, the absurdity of the actions taken, and the lack of seriousness. One constant that you'll see with almost every tragedy is the concept of a character dying. If not a death it's going to be a relatively serious situation. You can't seriously say, "Corrupt, corrupt, and tainted in desire!
ReplyDeleteAbout him, fairies. Sing a scornful rhyme,
And, as you trip, still pinch him to your time." (Act 5, Scene 5) and then expect one to see this as someone who's really in danger. Falstaff at the end isn't even that concerned about what happened to him. There aren't consequences for anyone's actions, the play just ends. That's the final revenge act of the play, other ones are even more confusing as to what they're doing. You'd think that if someone were to insult your honesty, and play you at this time you might even want to kill them. We see as they dress Falstaff as the "aunt of Brentford", causing Ford to insult who he perceives to be a bad woman, "’ll pratt her. (He beats Falstaf.) Out of my
door, you witch, you rag, you baggage, you polecat,
you runnion! Out, out! I’ll conjure you, I’ll
fortune-tell you!" (Act 4, Scene 2) There is comedic effect in this scene, it plays out almost as a slapstick scene where someone's being chased by a crazy person. Actions such as these show that what they're planning to do isn't outright malicious as opposed to just embarrassing Falstaff to no end. This shows a more comedic side to the play compared to what you expect out of a tragedy which is grievous harm to characters.