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Why Is Mucedorus So Popular

Decent Essays

The popularity of Mucedorus Mucedorus is an Elizabethan romantic comedy which was first performed by the end of the sixteenth century. It is an anonymous play, however, it is associated with William Shakespeare. In the play, a reader can find many words and other features typical for Shakespeare. And since Mucedorus was also performed by Shakespeare’s company, the King’s men, it is speculated that Shakespeare may not have been just an inspiration for writing this piece, he possibly may have collaborated with the real author. Despite the fact, that no author has been convincingly proposed for the original version, Mucedorus was the most popular play of the first half of the seventeenth century. The sympathetic romance, high adventure and connection …show more content…

It is sometimes expressed through lyricism and bizarre speeches. For example, when Bremo, a wild man, is enthralled by Amadine’s beauty, he tells her she is worthy of everything, but only if she loved him, he would do anything for her. Being lyrical, Bremo says she should be fed with quails, blackbirds, partridges, nightingales, and drink only goat’s milk or crystal water (1.11.100.-102.). Then he continues describing his vision of being Amadine’s lover. While the lark sings good morning, he kisses his queen (1.11.115.-116.). Before Mucedorus enters the scene, Bremo slightly supports his fantasy with lyrical narration about wood lanes which should be strewed with violets, cowslips, and marigolds, for Amadine to trample on …show more content…

For instance, when the bear appears in the play, Mouse speaks about the bear’s double identity and then the plot shows parallel elements of comedy and tragedy. When the bear tumbles over Amadine, it is a feature of comedy, whereas the chances that Amadine is killed by the bear express tragedy. Afterwards, the story changes again and shows comic twist when cowardly Mouse and Segasto run away. After Mucedorus kills the bear and wins the heroine’s heart, a reader notices that the play returns to a romantic storyline. Another example of transitions between comedy and tragedy is Bremo’s death. When he is killed, there is only one reference to it and then the play returns to the romantic storyline

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