... " Cassio in his "own courtship. " (II.i.171) He takes the rules of common courtliness and uses it as evidence of Desdemona's supposed infidelity, creating chaos. As a practical joker, Iago's practical jokes are a demonstration that the discrepancy between seriousness and play is not a law of nature but a social convention that can be broken. The role of the outsider drives the Joker and ... ...

• Word Count: 1268
• Approx Pages: 5
• Grade Level: High School

... witty, inebriated characters all bring comedic relief to Shakespeare's play. In Twelfth Night, there are numerous scenes with a clown and intoxicated characters. In speaking, the clown inserts puns and foolish jokes in to his lines: "Let he hang me. He that is well hanged in this world needs to fear no colors- (1.5.5-6). In addition to the clown, Sir Toby and Sir ... ...

• Word Count: 2423
• Approx Pages: 10
• Grade Level: High School

... at a distance. Notes The first scene of the third act provides a brief and somewhat comic interlude. The humorous dialogue between the musicians and the clown is lively, especially the bawdy jokes about tails and wind instruments. At the end of their comic interchange, Cassio sends the Clown to Emilia, asking her to come out and speak with him. The real business ... ...

• Word Count: 6585
• Approx Pages: 26
• Grade Level: High School