Satire is a unique way to critize the culture and society as opposed to directly stating the negative aspects. It illustrates the opposing view in an ironic and sarcastic manner. These techniques are exposed in The Servant of Two Masters.
The play is accepted as satire as the scorn and derusion of topical issues is evident through costume, role, relationships of characters, timing and the deliberate use of space.
Not only is it satirical but it is also based upon ideals and factors derived from Commedia del" Arte. This exuberant popular Italian theatre form, emerged from the streets of Italy in the 16th centaury. Well known for elaborate masked performers, comic gags and improvised comedy, which delighted audiences all over Europe. A form which flourished when A Servent Of Two Masters was written by Carlo Goldoni in 1745. Like other famous playwrites, Goldoni adapted commedias" package of characters and scenarios to suit the particular time and place and poking fun at the foible of the nobles of Venice.
The characters are direct descendants of the original Commedia del" Arte cast. Pantalone, the tight ass merchant, Smerledina, the outspoken maid and Il Dottore, the gasbag academic and perhaps the most favoured Commedia figure of all, the clownish servant best know in Commedia as Arelcchino who was renamed Truffaldino, the ultimate Servant of Two Masters. .
The story opens with the engagement celebration of Sylvio and Clarice, which is only possible as Frederigo Rasponi (brother of Beautrice and formally arranged to wed Clarice) has been killed in a duel with the lover of his sister. The proceeding is interrupted when Truffeldino, servant of Beautrice (who has come to Venice disguised as her brother in order to claim money owed to Federigo by Pantalone and use it to find her lover Florindo, who fled to Venice after the duel.).
Pantalone feels compelled to honour his previous commitments of his daughter to marry Fredrigo Rasponi, with much dismay of Clarice who refuses to comply.
