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Carnival in Venice. Arlecchino mask.
Harlequin: The Mask of Trickery and Charm
The Harlequin mask is one of the most colorful and playful masks of the Venetian Carnival. It is often decorated with bright checkered patterns, symbolizing the quick-witted and mischievous servant from Commedia dell’arte, a famous form of Italian theater. Unlike other masks, it allows for full facial movement, perfect for comedy and acrobatics.
Harlequin, or Arlecchino, is a clever and energetic trickster. He jumps, dances, and plays pranks to get out of trouble, often helping himself rather than his master. Despite being poor, he outsmarts the rich with his wit and charm. He is also known for his love of Columbina, a clever maid, and will do anything to impress her.
Legend says that the first Harlequin mask might have been created by Michelangelo himself! It is said that he sculpted it from an old piece of marble as a gift for a poor actor. Today, the Harlequin mask remains a favorite for those who love humor, trickery, and the joyful chaos of Carnival.
The Harlequin mask is one of the most colorful and playful masks of the Venetian Carnival. It is often decorated with bright checkered patterns, symbolizing the quick-witted and mischievous servant from Commedia dell’arte, a famous form of Italian theater. Unlike other masks, it allows for full facial movement, perfect for comedy and acrobatics.
Harlequin, or Arlecchino, is a clever and energetic trickster. He jumps, dances, and plays pranks to get out of trouble, often helping himself rather than his master. Despite being poor, he outsmarts the rich with his wit and charm. He is also known for his love of Columbina, a clever maid, and will do anything to impress her.
Legend says that the first Harlequin mask might have been created by Michelangelo himself! It is said that he sculpted it from an old piece of marble as a gift for a poor actor. Today, the Harlequin mask remains a favorite for those who love humor, trickery, and the joyful chaos of Carnival.
Vocabulary for Venice Carnival
checkered - divide into or mark with an arrangement of squares of different colour or character.
клетчатый, пестрый
quick-witted - showing or characterized by an ability to think or respond quickly and effectively.
сообразительный, находчивый
pranks - a practical joke or mischievous act.
шалости
trickery - the practice of deception.
обман, хитрость
Vocabulary for the video
key location - strategically important location
ключевое место
square - an open, typically four-sided, area surrounded by buildings in a village, town, or city.
площадь
stock characters - a character archetype, is a type of character whom audiences recognize as part of a storytelling tradition or convention.
стандартный персонаж
predictable - able to be predicted.
предсказуемый
entirely - completely (often used for emphasis).
полностью
- Phrasal verb of the dayФразовый глагол дня
- To go outвыходить в свет
- to leave home for an event or social activityвыйти из дома на мероприятие
What do you remember? (Vocab)
| Take the quiz |
The Harlequin mask is often paired with a ____ costume, covered in colorful diamond shapes.
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| Check |
Harlequin is a ____ servant, always coming up with clever solutions to problems.
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| Check |
During performances, Harlequin entertained the audience with jokes and playful ____.
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| Check |
His character was known for its ____ and clever tricks, often fooling the rich and powerful.
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| Check |
The Venetian Carnival takes place in a ____ like St. Mark’s Square, where masks and costumes fill the streets.
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| Check |
Many traditional Commedia dell’arte performances were staged in a public ____, attracting large crowds.
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| Check |
Harlequin is one of the most famous ____ from Commedia dell’arte, appearing in many plays.
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| Check |
Unlike other characters, Harlequin’s actions were never ____, keeping the audience entertained.
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| Check |
Some believe the Harlequin mask may have been designed ____ by the great artist Michelangelo.
| Next |
| Check |
Great work! Well done!
| Restart |
Tilda Publishing
Questions to discuss with your teacher:
- What genre of theater is your favorite? Why?
- When was the last time you went to a theater? What did you watch?
- What is your favorite play? Why?
- Have you been to Shakespeare's Globe (a famous theater)? Would you like to watch a play there?