The Tempest Act IV-V

I found the first half of Act IV to be much more symbolic of a romance than any other scene in the play. In this scene, we not only witness Ferdinand’s true love and devotion for Miranda, but we also see Prospero’s acceptance of their union. Prospero apologizes to Ferdinand, telling him, “If I have too austerely  punished you, your compensation makes amends…”(4.1.1-2). One thing that I noticed was the emphasis on purity and chastity in this scene. Prospero made Ferdinand swear that Miranda stay a virgin until a proper wedding ceremony. In this, we see Prospero’s need to keep his only daughter pure and innocent. I thought the showcase of the nymphs were something like a big bang before Prospero decides in the next act to surrender his magical powers. It all seemed to express the sheer happiness and enchantment surrounding the lover between Miranda and Ferdinand. The second half of Act IV was quite the opposite of the former. We witness Prospero transform from joyful to agitated in the matter of minutes because of the plot against him. This half of the scene really emphasized the stupidity of Caliban, Stefano and Trinculo. I honestly feel that besides showing the varying degrees of Prospero’s emotions, as well as his extent of magical powers, there is no real connection between the two halves.

In Act V, there are a few interactions that stuck out to me. The first was the interaction between Alonso and Prospero. Considering that it was Antonio who usurped the throne, there seemed to be much more remorse and apology coming from Alonso. There was even some embrace, which is strange and would be expected between two brothers, not two strangers. The second interaction that I noticed was the re-introduction of the Boatswain. I noticed there to be no disrespect directed towards him unlike the first scene in Act I. Im assuming that this was supposed to highlight the change and growth in the men from their tumultuous experience on the island. Last but not least, Prospero’s epilogue at the end of the play really stuck out. This is perhaps the first time in which a character has spoken directly to the audience and has also requested applause. This sort of gesture demonstrates a sort of consciousness that characters from other Shakespearean plays do not possess. I thought it was odd for Shakespeare to do that in  this particular play

The Tempest Act III

The most important speech in Act three would have to be Scene 2, lines 53-82. In this passage Ariel has appeared as a spirit to these several men in order torment them as well as make them aware of why they are on the island. Up until this point in the play, everyone is under the assumption that they are tragically misplaced on the island out of misfortune or fate. Ariel comes and dispute this notion by telling them directly that their actions has caused their misfortune, calling them, “You ‘mongst men being most unfit to live”(57-8). He also calls them fools, telling them that the spirits are ministers of fate. What is most important is his mentioning of Prospero, which lets them know that he has something to do with their situation.

The second most important speech in Act three is in Scene 1, lines 1-15. In this speech Ferdinand is reflecting on his enforced servitude to Prospero. He says that there are types of labor that are difficult but the rewards of it make it worth doing. He states that Miranda is his delight in his hard labor. “The mistress which I serve quickens what’s dead and makes my labors pleasures” in lines 6-7. It is easier for Ferdinand to be a servant when imagining he is serving to Miranda rather than Prospero. This speech is important because it demonstrates not only Ferdinand’s undying love for Miranda but also his hate of her father.

I would consider the final speech in scene 2 to be the least important. In this scene, Caliban is assuring Stefano to not be afraid of the noises and sounds heard on the island, and that is is common to hear such things. This speech demonstrates how isolated and insane that Caliban has become, since he finds unseen noises to be completely normal. 

The Tempest Act 1-2

From the very beginning of Act 1, Scene 1 there seems to be tension between the Boatswain and mariners such as Alonso, Antonio and Gonzalo.. Why is that so? Do they feel he is not competent? They even begin to curse him, “A pox o’your throat, you bawling, blasphemous incharitable dog!” Sebastian says to Boatswain in lines 36-37.

While answering the first part of the blog post I decided to do my second anti-blog post for the semester because I am particularly intrigued by Shakespeare’s use of language in Scene 1. I think the use of vile language in this scene sort of prepares the reader on what type of dialogue to expect in the future. Antonio says to Boatswain, “Hang, cur, hang, you whoreson insolent noisemaker” in line 39. I would like to list a few terms and then reflect on them in the context of the play as well as Shakespeare.

·      Cur- It is defined as a dog, now always depreciative or contemptuous; a worthless, low-bred, or snappish dog by OED. I think it is important to note that a cur is often low-bred or mixed breed because this signifies a conflict of class within the boat. Antonio, who is the Duke of Milan, felt the need to point out the low position of the Boatswain. He is determined to assert his higher social rank even in the confines of a ship that is headed for disaster, which implies much about Antonio’s character, a man who usurped the throne from his own brother. The snappish dog reference in the definition can also be seen by Boatswain, who has no qualms about snapping to his superiors. He says in line 34, “Yet again? What d you here? Shall we give o’er and drown?”.

·      Whoreson- This term was clearly meant as a means of degradation and insult. We have previously witnessed issues of illegitimacy and offense that is associated with the offspring of “whores” or other women in plays such as King Lear. This once again signifies the shame that is correlated with being illegitimate. Antonio does not even state “bastard” but instead tries to undermine every bit of identity with saying “whoreson”.

·      Noisemaker-Is a person or device that functions primarily for creating loud noise. I thought this term was most interesting. It seemed to imply that Boatswain’s instruction was considered as nothing more than noise, rather than direction. This sort of resistance goes back to the lack of respect that these men have for Boatswain as someone who is in charge of the ship.

By reflecting on a few words within a curse directed towards a character, we are able to arrive to significant and continuing themes of class, legitimacy and identity in Shakespeare’s play.

Winters Tale Act V

In my opinion, Act V seemed to be some sort of deviation from Shakespeare’s past plays and writings for several reasons. The first was scene two, in which Autolycus, three gentlemen, the Clown and the shepherd were interacting.  What stroked me about his scene was that a group of characters were all relaying an occurrence during the play. In past plays we have seen characters reflect on things such as Salerio and Solanio in Merchant of Venice, but they usually did so to impart their opinion and wisdom to the audience concerning the situation. These characters seemed to be relaying the entire order of events after scene 1, which is strange. Usually we see these sorts of scenes acted out, in fact that is the purpose of a play. This scene in a way was disruptive and it makes me question Shakespeare’s purpose for including it instead of the characters acting it out. The second deviation was undoubtedly the Hermione scene. Out of all the plays we have read this semester, no matter how ridiculous or ironic the plot seemed, it never incorporated a sense of the supernatural. I know that Shakespeare has touched on this before on plays like Macbeth, but witchcraft was a major theme in that play, unlike this one. It was surprising to say the least that she springs to life from the statue and their reactions do not seem to be appropriate. If I saw someone come to life, I feel that I would have been shocked more than anything but Leontes seemed to welcome it, saying “If this be magic, let it be an art lawful as eating” in 5.3.110-11. At the end of the play, I find myself struggling to classify its genre. Its listed as a romance, although I find there to be more tragic elements than anything. Im assuming that because it does have a “happy ending”, it cannot be considered a tragedy. I would like to think that Leontes and Hermione possess a love that is unwavering but that is simply untrue. The fact of the matter is that Leontes was willing to kill his own child and banish his wife because of his insecurity and jealously. In my opinion, that is not real love and it is certainly not romantic. 

Winter's Tale Act II & III

An interchange in Act 2 that I was particularly interested in was that between Leontes and Antigonus. Antigonus seemed to be quite disturbed by the King’s accusations towards Hermione. He is even so convinced of her chastity that he swears his own daughters’ reproductively upon it. The harshness of this claim seemed to really emphasize both Antigonus and Hermione’s characters. Antigonus is clearly a man who stands strong in his conviction and has no qualms about expressing them directly to King Leontes. Hermione’s reputation as a virtuous and honest woman is also so indisputable that men are willing to swear upon their children on it. It makes Leontes’ accusations seem even more absurd. In 2.1.139-41, Antigonus states, “For every inch of woman in the world, ay, every dram of woman’s flesh is false if she be”.

3.1 may have been dramatized to emphasize the innocence of Hermione. It also could have demonstrated the reliance that was placed on the oracle during this time period.

I would have to say that Hermione is the most compelling during her trial. Her insistence of her innocence is nonwithstanding, but she also accepts whatever is meant to happen. Throughout this scene she speaks rationally and assures the King that she loved polixenes no more than a friend should. She also seems to be unafraid and even welcomes his unfair judgment. She tells the king that “The bug which you would fright me with, I seek” in 3.2.90. She knows that she is innocent but is willing to face whatever the gods have in store for her. The next compelling character would have to be Paulina. It is ironic that the most compelling characters in this scene are both women. You would usually categorize women during this time as quiet but neither of them held their tongues when talking to Leontes. Paulina seemed to be chastising the King for his wrongful decisions that led to the deaths of both his son and wife. 

A Winter's Tale Act I

The Comedy of Errors

Egeon , who is a merchant of Syracuse is in trouble because he has disobeyed a law governing the city of Ephesus. The law states that no native of Syracuse may enter the bounds of Ephesus and the penalty of doing so is either a thousand levies or death. Unfortunately Egeon does not have that type of capital to avoid execution. He is not currently in Syracuse for the exchange of goods or profit, but rather he is there to search for his long-lost son. He begins to tell Solinus, a Duke of Ephesus his reasoning for being there. Many years ago, he was happily married. His wife became pregnant with twins. When they were born. Egeon and his wife also decided to adopt another set of twins who happened to be poor to look after each son. Shortly after their birth, they left to sail back home when a violent storm wrecked their ship forcing them to separate. Each parent, son and twin boy drifted separately towards different cities. It is Egeon and his son’s mission to find the other members of their family which is what brings him to Syracuse. Because Shakespeare plays tend to be ironic, I feel that they will eventually meet up with the other family members but the question is how will Egeon survive with no money to pay his penalty?

Winter’s Tale

Leontes and Polixenes has the typical “bromance” relationship except there is a twist; Leontes is secretly jealous of his friend. It is really emphasized the closeness that these two characters posses with one another. They have a long friendship, being described as childhood friends. In Act 1, Scene 1, Lines 19-21, Camillo speaks of them, “There rooted betwixt them then such an affection which cannot choose but branch now”. Even Polixenes stated, “We were as twinned lambs that did frisk I’th’ sun, and bleat the one at th’other” in 1.2.69-70. Despite their closeness, Leontes seems to feel that his best friend is having an affair with his wife.

Hermione and Polixenes seem to have a relationship that definitely causes concern, and not merely because of Leontes’ accusation. As seen in Scene 2, it is Hermione that finally convinces Polixenes to stay for another week, despite his insistence. There also seems to be a slight sense of flirtation between them, especially after he agrees to stay. Even her husband remarks that there is only one other moment in which she has never spoken to better purpose, which is the time where she take his hand in love and marriage. But there are moments in which Hermione reminds the audience that Polixenes is merely a friend of the family, so her friendliness and being a gracious host could be mistaken for something more.

We have seen this type of jealously amongst friends in Much Ado About Nothing. Claudio quickly became suspicious of Hero and Don Pedro, one of his closest friends. The audience knew that this was unwarranted so I am predicting that it will be the same in Winter’s Tale. 

King Lear: Act V

The audience really starts to see the development in Edgar and Gloucester’s relationship in this act. We encounter a man at his lowest, having been betrayed by his illegitimate son and then horribly blinded by his enemies and it is at this moment in which he begins to reflect on his wrongdoing. He realizes the pain that he has caused Edgar, exclaiming that if only he could “live to see thee in my touch”(4.1.24) Ironically at this moment is where he unknowingly encounters Edgar disguised as a beggar. We then see Gloucester display a sort of concern towards the beggar, for example offering him clothing and money. It is as if he is trying to repent for his actions against Edgar by showing kindness towards a complete stranger who happens to actually be Edgar. Despite his father’s past treatment, Edgar cannot help but feel sorry for his condition and in this way we see a sort of unbreakable bond between a father and son no matter the circumstance. The love and respect for his father is still intact and demonstrates this by guiding him to Dover and not allowing his attempt for suicide. In what Gloucester thinks are his last words, he says, “If Edgar live, O, bless him!” (4.6.40). His dying wish was for God to bless the son that he has treated so horribly, which reveals his upmost apology and love that he still has for his son.

Even though I am slightly skeptical of Lear’s loss of consciousness, he certainly had a reason to drive him towards madness. The two daughters that he believed loved him most banished him outside his own kingdom and the only daughter who truly loved him he has cursed. I think that it is ironic that a man who began the play with so much power, authority and resolution has resulted in someone who is out of touch with reality and whose mind is beginning to falter. It seems to be a befitting punishment for someone who refused to listen to sound judgment from Kent and the Fool.