In “The Argument of Comedy” by
Northrop Frye, he states “Comedy is designed not to condemn evil, but to
ridicule a lack of self-knowledge” (452).
The characters in these comedies must face the difference between
appearance and reality. The various
situations are eye-opening experiences for the character, where he is humorously
forced to recognize his true identity. The
character is developed by being put in situations that seem to have moral and
ethical issues, and is forced to choose based on his own true character.
In The Venetian Twins, Zanetto and Tonino are forced to face
reality. The ways the events unfold
create a feeling of laughter and lightheartedness throughout the play. Because
people keep getting them confused, each character is placed in situations in
which evil is a reality for them. They
both “deceive” women and seem to be treating them with disrespect, when in
reality it is just miscommunication and a case of mistaken identity. They must make ethical and honorable decision
through which their individual personalities shine.
Throughout the play, the characters
become more fully developed. Of the two,
Zanetto proves to be the mindless twin.
He acts radically and irrationally.
People are able to easily persuade him and make a fool out of him. He changes what he wants rapidly depending on
who he is having a conversation with. Tonino,
on the other hand, turns out to be quite crafty. Not only is he simply smarter, he is able to
figure out everyone’s relationships: “This has to be my long-lost sister and no
one else. Thank you, God. What an incredible story! Two brothers!
And a sister! All here! All together!
It’s like something from an old comedy” (80). He is able to put the pieces together and
also presents the climax of the play. Furthermore,
he is able to do it in a laughable way by pointing out the obvious.
I kind of thought the two characters were meant to represent opposing views. One was the slick city guy, while the other was the country bumpkin. I did notice, at one point, Zanetto somewhat redeemed himself to Rosaura when he sang to her. Right before, she stated that maybe he was smarter than everyone thought.
ReplyDeleteWhen reading your reading your description of Zanetto and Tonino’s traits, it popped in my mind that the women that were paired with them also exhibited some similar features. As you said, Zanetto is easily persuaded, so he’s under control of others. Rosaura, his sister/ almost-wife, is under the control of others, too, especially her father. Pancrazio was able to manipulate Rosaura and Zanetto with his words as well.
ReplyDeleteTonino, on the other hand, is honorable, and he is more a gentleman than Zanetto with his manners. Beatrice, his lover, is a perfect match for him. She radiates more feminine elegance than the other female characters. (Personally I think she does.) When she speaks, she sounds confident in what she wants. Even though Tonino is poorer than Zanetto, he doesn’t let his financial situations get the best of his strong, independent mind. Beatrice was bold and strong enough to leave her home to be with Tonino. They’re both strong-minded and loyal to each other.
Excellent points, Carol and Alice. Zanetto does have some complexity about his character in the written text, though it is noticeably lacking in the filmed performance. Alice, I particularly like your reading of Rosaura and her level of agency, the control she is able to exert over her life. I really want to us to explore that aspect tomorrow.
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