Welcome to the History of English Podcast, a podcast about the history of the English language.

This is episode 173, fooling around. In this episode we're going to look at the development of English comedy in the early modern era.

We'll do that by examining some of William Shakespeare's early comedies.

We'll also distinguish Shakespearean comedy from other types of comedic performances which had been popular for centuries.

And we'll also look to Italy to see how developments in literature and drama there had an influence on the theatre of Elizabethan, England.

And of course, as always, we'll see how those developments shape the English language.

But before we begin, let me remind you, elements shape the English language.

But before we begin, let me remind you that the website for the podcast is

History of English Podcast.com.

And you can sign up to support the podcast and get bonus episodes at

Patreon.com slash history of English.

And one other quick note, at the end of the last episode I mentioned that I was going to discuss

Romeo and Juliet this time, but I've decided to wait until the next episode to discuss that play.

Since this episode will focus on developments in comedy,

it doesn't really make sense to include a tragedy about young lovers.

But we will look at Shakespeare's fascination with Italy in this episode, and that will provide some important context for the story of Romeo and Juliet next time.

Now, before I delve into a discussion about English comedy during the Elizabethan period, I hope you have a good sense of humor.

And if you're feeling a bit run down, maybe this episode will pick you up because, as we all know,

laughter is the best medicine. That may seem like an old proverb, but it's actually found

for the first time in the early 1900s.

Nevertheless, the sentiment is widely accepted, and in fact,

humor itself is derived from the practice of medicine.

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