Disguise

Definition

Disguise refers to the act of concealing one's true identity or character through the use of altered appearance or behavior. In the context of drama, particularly in the works of certain playwrights, disguise serves as a crucial device that allows characters to explore themes of identity, deception, and social critique, often leading to comedic or tragic consequences.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Disguise often leads to mistaken identities and misunderstandings among characters, which is a key source of humor in many comedic plays.
2. In Ben Jonson's works, disguise can serve as a social commentary on class structures and human behavior, revealing the hypocrisy in societal norms.
3. Characters using disguise may adopt different personas to achieve specific goals, whether for love, revenge, or personal gain, showcasing the fluidity of identity.
4. The use of disguise can also create tension in the narrative as the audience is often aware of a character's true identity while others remain oblivious.
5. Disguised characters frequently experience personal growth or transformation by the end of the play, as they confront truths about themselves and society.

Review Questions

• How does disguise function as a comedic device in Ben Jonson's plays?
  • In Ben Jonson's plays, disguise often generates humor through misunderstandings and mistaken identities. Characters might adopt different appearances or behaviors, leading to funny situations where they interact with others who are unaware of their true identities. This not only provides comic relief but also critiques social norms by highlighting the absurdity of rigid identities and roles within society.
• Discuss how disguise is utilized to comment on societal norms in Jonson's works.
  • Jonson employs disguise as a means to critique societal norms and class structures. By placing characters in situations where they must hide their true selves or adopt false identities, he exposes the hypocrisy inherent in social interactions. The contrast between appearance and reality prompts audiences to question accepted values and the superficial judgments often made based on outward appearances.
• Evaluate the role of disguise in character development within Ben Jonson's plays.
  • Disguise plays a pivotal role in character development throughout Jonson's works. As characters don masks or alter their behavior, they often embark on journeys that challenge their self-perception and reveal deeper truths about their desires and motivations. This transformative experience through disguise not only affects their relationships with others but also leads them to confront societal expectations, ultimately shaping their identity by the play's conclusion.

Related terms

Masquerade: A social gathering of people wearing masks and costumes, often used in literature and theater to explore themes of identity and concealment.

Identity: The qualities, beliefs, personality, looks, and expressions that make a person or group different from others, often challenged and redefined through disguise in narratives.

Deception:

The act of misleading or tricking someone into believing something that is not true, closely related to the use of disguise in both character motivations and plot developments.