Editing Zanni (section)

==Two types of Zanni==
The evolution of the character Zanni was of two distinct types, one of the silly servant and the other of the cunning servant. These two components developed over the course of the history of the [[commedia dell'arte]], and players began to specialize in the two types who were called "first Zanni" (cunning) and "second Zanni" (silly). Mezzetino and Brighella are examples of the first Zanni; [[Harlequin]] and [[Pulcinella]] are examples of the second.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.sipario.it/mzanni.htm |title=Sipario |publisher=Sipario.it |access-date=2012-03-06}}</ref> A scenario must always have at least two Zanni.<ref name="The Commedia dell'Arte" /> 

The first Zanni is known to be clever and witty, and is known as ''il furbo'' ({{lit|the clever}}). The first Zanni can trick and cheat anyone whom they come across.<ref name="The Commedia dell'Arte">{{Cite book|title=The Commedia dell'Arte|author1=Oreglia, Giacomo|date=1968-01-01|publisher=Hill & Wang|pages=71|oclc=939808594}}</ref> It is a must that they are cynically sharp. The first Zanni is also known to be the go-between. The job of the first Zanni is to advance the action and give it some movement, with a slightly cynical twist.<ref name="The Commedia dell'Arte" /> In some traditions, first Zanni are said to be from [[Val Brembana]], in the [[province of Bergamo]]; in others they are attributed to the upper city of [[Bergamo]].<ref name="The Commedia dell'Arte" /> 

The second Zanni is known as ''lo stupido''. The second Zanni must be foolish, clumsy, and dull. The second Zanni is also unable to tell his right hand from his left. He is a dull-witted peasant who can be simple and also ridiculous.<ref>Nicoll M.A., Allardyce. ''Masks Mimes and Miracles: Studies In The Popular Theatre''. New York: Cooper Square Publishers, INC., 1963. 265-266. Print.</ref> Second Zanni, in particular with Harlequin, does not so much advance plot as maintain a steady stream of comic relief throughout the [[scenario]].<ref name="ReferenceD">{{Cite book|title=The Commedia dell'Arte|author1=Oreglia, Giacomo|date=1968-01-01|publisher=Hill & Wang|pages=56|oclc=939808594}}</ref> Second Zanni are assumed to be from the lower city of Bergamo.<ref name="ReferenceD" /> Between the two of them they make up one person of "less than average intelligence".<ref name="ReferenceC" /> Before developing this dualistic person of the two types of clever and silly servant, Zanni was a character in its own right.{{Citation needed|date=June 2024}}