Shakespeare's The Tempest is renowned for its breathtaking magic, profound themes, and complex characters. But amidst the drama and intrigue, Prospero, Caliban, and even Ariel occasionally deliver lines that are surprisingly humorous, even by modern standards. This post explores some of The Tempest's most shareable funny quotes, offering context and exploring why they resonate even centuries later. We'll also delve into some common questions about the play's humor.
Why is The Tempest Funny?
Before diving into the quotes themselves, it's important to understand why Shakespeare’s The Tempest, a play often considered highbrow, can actually be quite funny. The humor stems from several sources:
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Wordplay and Puns: Shakespeare was a master of language, and The Tempest is rife with puns and witty wordplay that often relies on double meanings and misunderstandings. This creates a comedic effect, particularly in scenes involving the less sophisticated characters.
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Situational Irony: The play is full of ironic situations, where the outcome is the opposite of what's expected. This creates humor through the unexpected and the absurd. For example, the drunken antics of Stephano and Trinculo provide ample opportunities for situational comedy.
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Character Interactions: The interplay between the various characters – the noble Prospero, the bumbling Stephano, the mischievous Ariel, and the resentful Caliban – generates a surprising amount of comedic tension and unexpected reactions.
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Slapstick and Farce: While not exclusively slapstick, the play incorporates elements of physical comedy and farcical situations, particularly in scenes involving the drunken conspirators.
What are some of the funniest quotes from The Tempest?
Now let's get to the heart of the matter – the funny quotes themselves! These are lines that are not only witty but also relatively easy to understand and share, even without a deep understanding of Elizabethan English.
1. "A plague upon your throats, you barking curs!" (Act II, Scene II) – This line, delivered by Caliban, is funny due to its unexpected fury and the absurdity of calling the conspirators "barking curs." It's a perfect example of Shakespearean understatement.
2. "I'll show thee every fertile inch o' th' island." (Act II, Scene II) - While potentially inappropriate by modern standards, Caliban’s offer to Stephano, spoken with the promise of freedom and riches, is darkly humorous given the context of their bizarre alliance. The blatant transactional nature of this statement juxtaposes the romantic image of the island.
3. "Misery acquaints a man with strange bedfellows." (Act II, Scene II) – This quote, also from Act II, Scene II, is not only funny in its phrasing but also profoundly ironic, particularly given the unlikely and somewhat desperate alliance between Caliban, Stephano, and Trinculo. The quote has since become a common saying, reflecting the strange circumstances people often find themselves in.
4. "You taught me language; and my profit on’t / Is, I know how to curse." (Act I, Scene II) – Caliban’s bitter reflection on Prospero's teaching is undeniably funny due to its honesty and the ironic twist. It highlights the unexpected and often unwanted consequences of education.
What makes these quotes so shareable?
The shareability of these quotes stems from several factors:
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Relatability: Even though The Tempest is set in a fantastical world, the underlying emotions and situations are relatable to modern audiences. The frustrations of Caliban, the drunken antics of Stephano and Trinculo, and the manipulative nature of Prospero tap into universal experiences.
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Brevity and Impact: These quotes are concise and memorable. They are easy to understand and share without requiring extensive explanation.
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Modern Relevance: The themes of betrayal, ambition, and the search for power are as relevant today as they were in Shakespeare's time. This timelessness contributes to the quotes' enduring appeal.
Are there other funny moments in The Tempest?
Absolutely! While these quotes highlight the verbal humor, the play also contains many funny moments through actions and situations, particularly involving the subplot with Stephano, Trinculo, and Caliban. Their drunken antics and misguided schemes provide plenty of comedic relief.
How does the humor in The Tempest contribute to the overall play?
The humor in The Tempest serves several important functions:
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Relief from Tension: The comedic moments provide a much-needed break from the more serious and intense scenes. This balance helps to keep the audience engaged and prevents the play from becoming overly heavy.
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Character Development: The humor helps to reveal the personalities and motivations of the characters, particularly the more minor ones.
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Thematic Exploration: The humor subtly underscores the play's central themes of power, revenge, and forgiveness, often in an ironic or unexpected way.
By appreciating these funny lines and understanding their context, we can gain a deeper appreciation for the complexity and versatility of Shakespeare's genius. The Tempest is not just a highbrow drama; it’s also a surprisingly funny play with quotes that continue to resonate with audiences today.
