Just Humor Me!

Sarcasm may be defined as a keen, reproachful expression, a satirical remark uttered with some degree of scorn to taunt perhaps in the form of praise to signify an insult. Shakespeare was a pioneer in its usage and its usage is a common part of the cutting edge dialogue for many of his plays whether in comedy or tragedy. Sarcasm is used to great effect in As You Like It in a comical parody.

Sarcasm adds to the verbal duels between the characters whether it be, the love between two characters Rosalind and Orlando or hate such as Orlando and Oliver or simply for no real reason in jest as often shown by the clown. This exchange adds spark to the dialogues and aides in keeping the audience on their toes as they have to be sharp and in tune to keep up with the real meaning behind the false words and amused by the sheer audacity of the character using this form of speech. Sarcasm often invites an equally scathing rebuttal unless the remark is so casual and flippant that while the audience appreciates it the victim either does not notice or ignores it. There are many examples but below I highlight a chosen few to illustrate my point:

The first scene in Act 1 begins with a verbal scuffle between the two brothers Orlando and Oliver where Orlando begrudgingly acknowledges that Oliver is his superior as he is the eldest and by law should be left his fathers fortune while he should have a life of penury.

“Nothing: I am not taught to make anything,” Scene 1, 26

Here, Oliver takes a pot shot at his brother that he is simply idling as what more can he do as his brother does not pay for his education. Further, in polite tones laced with bitter sarcasm he states, he knows that the orchard he is in is owned by birthright to his elder brother and how he should gainfully spend his time.

Act 1 scene 1,32. “Shall I keep your hogs and eat husks with them”
Act 1 scene 1.36 “O, Sir, very well: here in your orchard”
Act 1 scene 1. “The courtesy of nations allows you my better”

While the scene starts gently with a tug of sarcasm this is simply to set the scene as quickly Orlando employs direct insults which leads to violence, but the scene ends after the tussle with Oliver leaving with a sarcastic note of fake concern as he scorns his elder brother of his capabilities without his protection.

Act 1 scene 1,67. “And what wilt thou do? Beg when that is spent?”

In another example in scene 3 Duke Frederick praises himself to be forgiving and kind in self mockery and in the same breath threatens Orlando of his fortune and willingly instigates the murder of Orlando.
Act 3 scene 1,2. “But were I not the better part made mercy”

Shakespeare also highlights the love at first sight concept but often mocks the very idea as fickle and frivolous. Love is often compared to a form of madness and here with the budding romance of Rosalind and Orlando he uses the court jester to make a mockery of the constitution as he rewrites the clumsy love poem written by Orlando to Rosalind. (curiously Romeos first love was Rosalind which turned out to be short lived)

Act 3 scene 2,93. “Winter garments must be lined so must slender Rosalind”

When Jacques remarks flippantly he does not like Orlando’s lady love name, he retorts that they did not name her to please him and Jacques responds with a truth it seems but with a tinge of sarcasm which is met with an equally strong sarcasm.

Act 3 scene 2, 251 “you are full of pretty answers. Have you not been acquainted with goldsmiths’ wives and conned them out of rings?”
“Not so. But I answer you right painted cloth from whence you have studied your questions”
The duel continues with insults galore;
Act 3 scene 2, 264 “By my troth I was seeking a fool when I found you”
Act 3 scene 2, 270 “Farewell, good Signior Love”
Adieu good Monsieur Melancholy “

The dialogues allow the narrative to flow, give way to the true feelings of the characters and almost make the verses flow with the lightening speed of the firing of bullets. In comedy timing is paramount or else the joke will be lost. Sarcasm is a very clever tool which allows the wit to be enhanced and the volleys lightening fast.

Shakespeare understood that sarcasm is wit only to the intelligent ear in the same way slapstick is for the fool and so he used this literary device to great effect. The language for sarcasm by its very essence has to be highly sophisticated but almost sets itself up with an open invitation for rebuttal.

I am looking forward to yours!!