ENGLISH FOLK HERO PUNCH : A MODEL OF CONSTANT BEHAVIOR

Abstract

The aim of the paper is to analyse one of the most famous and controversial puppet characters in European
puppet theatre, Punch, to find the reasons for his popularity and the roots of his behavioural patterns. The scientific
novelty. This article is the first attempt in Ukrainian theatre studies to describe a puppet character such as Punch, his
origins and development, his significance for English theatre culture, and his place in the system of European folk
puppet characters. Results. The influence of Italian puppetry traditions on the formation of English puppet culture has
been proven. The influence of social and economic factors on the development and modification of the image of Punch
is traced, in particular, the historical process of transformation of the principle of puppet manipulation – from
marionettes to glove puppets – is analysed. The reasons for the affection of audiences of different generations for
controversial episodes involving Punch, in particular scenes of violence and murder of stage partners, are explored.
Examples of the use of the name Punch for verbal metaphors in contemporary English communication are given. The
practical significance. The research materials of the article will be useful in courses on theatre history, scenography,
costume and dramaturgy.