Early English Comedy Written by a Schoolmaster!

Rajasthan Public Service Commission (RPSC): Question Paper for Assistant Professor (College Education) – 2020 Paper-II (English-II)

Question 01. ___________ was an early English comedy written by a schoolmaster to be performed by his students, which illustrates the early Renaissance belief in the educational advantages of acting?

  • A. Ralph Roister Doister
  • B. Gammer Gurton’s Needle
  • C. The Old Wives’ Tale
  • D. The Shoemaker’s Holiday

Answer: A. Ralph Roister Doister

Explanation: Ralph Roister Doister is considered one of the first English comedies, written by Nicholas Udall, a schoolmaster. This play is a significant example of early Renaissance drama, which emphasized the educational benefits of acting.

"Gammer Gurton's Needle" is attributed to Mr. S., Master of Art, and is thought to have been written by William Stevenson, a member of Christ's College, Cambridge, around 1553. It is one of the earliest comedies in English.

"The Old Wives' Tale" was written by George Peele and first published in 1595. Peele was an English dramatist who was part of the vibrant London theatre scene during the late 16th century.

"The Shoemaker’s Holiday," also known as "The Gentle Craft," was written by Thomas Dekker. It was first performed in 1599 and published in 1600. Dekker was a prolific playwright and writer during the Elizabethan era.

“Ralph Roister Doister: The Dawn of English Comedy”

“Ralph Roister Doister” is widely considered the first comedy written in the English language. Penned by Nicholas Udall, the play dates back to around 1552, though it was not published until 1566.

Nicholas Udall, an English playwright, poet, and schoolmaster, is best known for this work, which showcases his talent for crafting humor and social commentary.

The play is a farce that satirizes the foolishness of a braggart named Ralph Roister Doister, who is convinced by his crafty servant, Matthew Merrygreek, that he can woo and win the hand of the wealthy widow, Dame Custance. Despite her clear lack of interest and her engagement to another man, Roister Doister pursues her, encouraged by Merrygreek’s manipulations. The comedy unfolds through a series of humorous misunderstandings, schemes, and comic relief provided by the play’s array of quirky characters.

“Ralph Roister Doister” is structured in five acts, following the classical model, and is written in rhymed couplets, a style that was innovative for its time. The play is significant not only for its historical place in English literature but also for its influence on the development of English comedy. It blends elements of classical Roman comedy with English folk traditions, setting the stage for the comedic works that would follow in the Elizabethan and Jacobean periods, including those by William Shakespeare.

Udall’s work is celebrated for its lively characterizations, witty dialogue, and the way it reflects the social mores and concerns of Tudor society, making “Ralph Roister Doister” a cornerstone in the history of English drama.

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