Shakespeares theatrical works are generally categorized into three all encompassing groups: the uplifting comedy, the lamented tragedy, and the excruciatingly boring history play. However, things can get a little confusing when you end up with a comedy like Measure for Measure or a tragedy like Titus Andronicus. Often we find that many of Shakespeares plays do not fit into their ascribed categories, but is it the plays that dont fit the categories, or the reverse? Are the general groupings of comedy and tragedy really applicable to Shakespeare?Society generally defines a comedy as a piece a theatre with some good laughs, a problem posed, and a fabulous resolution, after which everyone lives pretty much happily ever after. We run into problems, though, when we try labeling a large group of Shakespearean plays as such. Few of his comedies have pretty, tidy little endings, and even fewer are devastatingly funny. Measure for Measure, for example, finishes off with men dying and a would-be nun possibly betrothed to a man she cares nothing about. Though there are some jokes, theyre few and far between. In fact, it would seem that Measure for Measure in todays terms would be a kind of soap opera on a Friday afternoon: no one knows what will happen, but it sure wont be good. The links between Shakespearean comedies are rather tenuous. There always seems to be some sort of problem which arises, threatening the lives or the happiness of the central characters. Usually, these central characters are one or more romantically inclined couples who are a little unfamiliar with the ways of the world. Many mishaps occur, plans go awry, and in the end a solution is formed to cope with the characters problems. However, this solution tends to bring up different problems for the characters to deal with after the curtain closes. These comedic solutions also tend not to end with too many people disemboweled, a trend that is seen in another gro...
