JOHN FALSTAFF AS THE HERO OF THE FIRST QUARTO AND THE FIRST FOLIO OF THE WILLIAM SHAKESPEARE’S PLAY “THE MERRY WIVES OF WINDSOR”

Abstract

In the article, by means of a three-level linguopoetic analysis, some episodes from W. Shakespeare’s play “The Merry Wives of Windsor” with the participation of one of the most striking characters of the play – Sir John Falstaff are analyzed. This work develops the ideas and complements the conclusions made in previous articles (see “References”). The editions of the first quarto and the first folio of “The Merry Wives of Windsor” are also considered. The researcher thoroughly studies the image of John Falstaff, who in the second edition appears from an unexpected side, whereas his image in the first version is much simpler from a stylistic and conceptual point of view. The personality of this character is analyzed by means of a three-level linguopoetic analysis, which allows supplementing conclusions made in previous works. The paper answers a question about the degree of aesthetic impact that a particular episode, but in different editions, produces on readers or viewers.