As You Like It: Act III

Phebe: "I'll write it straight; the matter's in my head and in my heart: I will be bitter with him and passing short. Go with me, Sylvius." (III.v.54)

Phebe falling in love with Rosalind who is disguised as a man adds to the comedic aspect of the play. While Othello was constantly serious with a somber tone, As You Like It is much more lighthearted. The conflicts are also lighter without intense emotions and manipulation. Not all of the characters are tangled in life threatening struggles with each other, and their problems have a humorous aspect. Phebe falling in love with who she thinks is a man is comical because the audience knows her love is actually a woman. Dramatic irony such as this adds to the humor in the play. Since the characters are mostly clueless, their actions are much more comical to the knowing audience. The dramatic irony in this play does not have a dark tone, but rather the tone is brighter and funnier, adding to the overall comedic effect.