[简答题,10分] In which period did Shakespeare write his major comedies? What are they about?

Shakespeare wrote his comedies in his early period. In these comedies he portrayed the young people who had just freed from the feudal fetters. He sang of their youth, their love and ideal of happiness. The heroes and heroines were sons and daughters of the Renaissance. They trust not in God or king but in themselves. Usually there are two groups of characters in Shakespeare’s comedies. The first group is composed of characters of young men and young women. They live in the world of youth and dreams and laughter, and fight for their happiness. The second group consists of simple and shrewd clowns and other common people. These characters make the play full of humor and laughter. The success of Shakespeare’s comedies owes much to the appearance of clowns. Without them the plays would become dull and humorless. Shakespeare put women characters at a prominent place in his comedies. He showed great respect for the dignity, honesty, wit, courage, determination and resourcefulness of women. The young heroines in the comedies are independent in character and very frank. They are no longer controlled by their parents and husbands. They are of a new type. They are witty, bold, loving, laughing and faithful. They are happy and make others happy. They carry their own hands. In speaking, thinking and feeling they are equal or even superior to men. Shakespeare’s comedies are imbued with bourgeoisie ideas and show progressive significance.