The Growth and Structure of Elizabethan Comedy

The Growth and Structure of Elizabethan Comedy is a rich exploration of the evolution, dynamics, and cultural underpinnings of comedy during the Elizabethan and Jacobean periods. This work delves into the interplay of popular traditions and learned classical influences, illustrating how Elizabethan drama emerged from the fusion of folk revelry, rhetorical traditions, and evolving theatrical practices. It examines the roots of comedy in seasonal festivals, city pageantry, and moralistic plays, while also addressing the challenges faced by playwrights as they sought to balance the expectations of public entertainment with the structured demands of classical forms. Through an engaging analysis of major figures like Shakespeare and Jonson, the book traces how these writers navigated and shaped the comedic landscape, creating works that bridged the gap between the popular and the scholarly.

This comprehensive study not only contextualizes the comedies within their historical and social milieu but also highlights their enduring relevance. The book offers insights into the vibrant collaboration between audiences and performers, the transition from oral to literary traditions, and the shifting dynamics of humor, satire, and social commentary. From the organic growth seen in Shakespeare’s works to the structured precision of Jonson’s, The Growth and Structure of Elizabethan Comedy captures the vitality and complexity of a theatrical golden age. This is an essential resource for readers interested in the artistry, innovation, and cultural significance of one of the most dynamic periods in English literary history.

This title is part of UC Press's Voices Revived program, which commemorates University of California Press’s mission to seek out and cultivate the brightest minds and give them voice, reach, and impact. Drawing on a backlist dating to 1893, Voices Revived makes high-quality, peer-reviewed scholarship accessible once again using print-on-demand technology. This title was originally published in 1956.