Act III, Scene II shows the absurdity of Kate manifested by Petruchio. His strange behavior, however humorous, is his way of showing Kate the ridiculous manner in which she acts. The absurdity of Petruchio’s attire and arrival cause one to believe that he is not taking the wedding seriously. This costume shows, however, that Petruchio has taken control of the relationship. The clothes can also be seen as symbolic for the institution of marriage and the financial business behind it. There is an absurdity, yet also a safety, in marrying for financial purposes. While Petruchio’s original intent was for wealth, his outlook has changed. The attire in which he wears enables Kate to see that he is willing to adhere, or even join, Kate’s behavior. Kate better understands her own behavior through Petruchio's behavior.
The following passage illustrates the manner in which Petruchio acted.
“They shall go forward, Kate, at thy command.—
Obey the bride, you that attend on her.
Go to the feast, revel and domineer,
Carouse full measure to her maidenhead,
Be mad and merry, or go hang yourselves.
But for my bonny Kate, she must with me.
Nay, look not big, nor stamp, nor stare, nor fret;
I will be master of what is mine own.
She is my goods, my chattels; she is my house,
My household stuff, my field, my barn,
My horse, my ox, my ass, my anything.
And here she stands, touch her whoever dare.
I'll bring mine action on the proudest he
That stops my way in Padua.—Grumio,
Draw forth thy weapon, we are beset with thieves.
Rescue thy mistress if thou be a man.—
Fear not, sweet wench, they shall not touch thee, Kate.
I'll buckler thee against a million.” (Act III, scene II. 195-212)
Petruchio begins by giving power to Kate. He says "thy command" in order to distinguish her. It is he who commands the guests, however, in saying "obey the bride...go to the feast... carouse full measure...be mad and merry..." This asserts his power, not only over the situation, but, over Kate as well. His power, although his intentions are playful and not malicious, is asserted with his threats and insults. It is interesting that he calls the guests "thieves" and draws his sword. This absurd action is far more exaggerated than Kate's behavior, however it illustrates the depiction of her behavior. Petruchio claims that Kate is a possession of his, no different than his house, field, or barn. It is strange and domineering for him to compare Kate to these inanimate things. The guests all find Petruchio's behavior humorous and to be suited for Kate.
Sunday, June 8, 2008
The Taming of the Shrew: Genre/Opinion
I found the Taming of the Shrew to be comical. Kate's defiance and strong-willed attitude towards her suitors is cause for laughter. I can imagine that it would be much funnier if watched as a play. One is bound to laugh at the banter that ensues between Petruchio and Kate. The deception of disguise is humorous and witnessed throughout the play. The play begins with the absurdity of a poor tinker, Sly, being treated like a king. This scene prepares the reader for the role switching and humor that will entail. It is also comical how Petruchio alters Kate's behavior so dramatically, however scary. One finds it strange how the institution of marriage could control one so greatly.
I am unsure as to how I feel about the ending. There are mixed opinions of how Kate's submission should be viewed. As this play is meant to be satirical, one can guess that Kate is being sarcastic towards Petruchio's dominant rule over Kate. However, I am not sure that this is the case. It is true that she is annoyed with him, but is she breaking and becoming a submissive woman? In the time of Shakespeare, a woman was deemed appropriate and good if she obeyed her husband. I feel that he slightly pokes fun at the institution of marriage through the absurdity of the play. It seems that Kate realizes that it will be easier on her if she accepts her role as Petruchio's wife. Secretly, the slight feminist in me wishes that Kate stood her ground.
I am unsure as to how I feel about the ending. There are mixed opinions of how Kate's submission should be viewed. As this play is meant to be satirical, one can guess that Kate is being sarcastic towards Petruchio's dominant rule over Kate. However, I am not sure that this is the case. It is true that she is annoyed with him, but is she breaking and becoming a submissive woman? In the time of Shakespeare, a woman was deemed appropriate and good if she obeyed her husband. I feel that he slightly pokes fun at the institution of marriage through the absurdity of the play. It seems that Kate realizes that it will be easier on her if she accepts her role as Petruchio's wife. Secretly, the slight feminist in me wishes that Kate stood her ground.
Richard III Passage
"The lights burn blue. It is now dead midnight.
Cold fearful drops stand on my trembling flesh.
What do I fear? Myself? There’s none else by.
Richard loves Richard; that is, I am I.
Is there a murderer here? No. Yes, I am.
Then fly! What, from myself? Great reason. Why:
Lest I revenge. Myself upon myself?
Alack, I love myself. Wherefore? For any good
That I myself have done unto myself?
O no, alas, I rather hate myself
For hateful deeds committed by myself.
I am a villain."
(Act V. scene v.134–145)
After Richard III is visited by the ghosts of his victims, he delivers a speech that reveals his uncertainty and self-doubt. He awakens from his dream filled with fear. His physical state is altered so much that "cold fearful drops" of sweat are on his "trembling chest." This is, perhaps, the first time that the reader finds him vulnerable. With a series of questions, Richard tries to justify his fear. He argues with himself, coming to the ultimate conclusion that he is the most dangerous person he could be with. "Is there a murderer here?" His first response is "No." He then says, "Yes, I am." Fear tightens its grip and Richard thinks about fleeing. In his confusion, he must decipher that he is thinking about fleeing from himself. This causes one to think that there are forces of evil that rest within Richard that even he is not capable of controlling. He questions whether or not he should seek vengeance on himself. Realizing that he loves himself too much ("Alack, I love myself"), he decides that he hates himself "for hateful deeds" that he committed. The last line, "I am a villain" is not a new piece of knowledge to the reader. This is asserted to emphasize Richard's decision. It is also said because Richard is trying to convince himself that he is capable of what he is doing. He says that he is a villain in order to instill confidence in himself for his actions.
Cold fearful drops stand on my trembling flesh.
What do I fear? Myself? There’s none else by.
Richard loves Richard; that is, I am I.
Is there a murderer here? No. Yes, I am.
Then fly! What, from myself? Great reason. Why:
Lest I revenge. Myself upon myself?
Alack, I love myself. Wherefore? For any good
That I myself have done unto myself?
O no, alas, I rather hate myself
For hateful deeds committed by myself.
I am a villain."
(Act V. scene v.134–145)
After Richard III is visited by the ghosts of his victims, he delivers a speech that reveals his uncertainty and self-doubt. He awakens from his dream filled with fear. His physical state is altered so much that "cold fearful drops" of sweat are on his "trembling chest." This is, perhaps, the first time that the reader finds him vulnerable. With a series of questions, Richard tries to justify his fear. He argues with himself, coming to the ultimate conclusion that he is the most dangerous person he could be with. "Is there a murderer here?" His first response is "No." He then says, "Yes, I am." Fear tightens its grip and Richard thinks about fleeing. In his confusion, he must decipher that he is thinking about fleeing from himself. This causes one to think that there are forces of evil that rest within Richard that even he is not capable of controlling. He questions whether or not he should seek vengeance on himself. Realizing that he loves himself too much ("Alack, I love myself"), he decides that he hates himself "for hateful deeds" that he committed. The last line, "I am a villain" is not a new piece of knowledge to the reader. This is asserted to emphasize Richard's decision. It is also said because Richard is trying to convince himself that he is capable of what he is doing. He says that he is a villain in order to instill confidence in himself for his actions.
Richard III Opinion/Genre
Never was there such a miserable, ruthless rat, as Richard III. Richard is first introduced as villainous, as he stands aside to tell the audience his evil intentions. It is out of bitter contempt and jealousy of his brother's reign that he decides to ascend to the throne. No outside sources influenced the intentions of Richard. His unhappiness with his physical deformity and his unattractiveness is what leads him to a heartless path of blood.
It is interesting to know that this history was written to model a king from reality. The awesome evil of Richard is portrayed by his deceptive nature. He acts as a two-faced character, tricking the other characters into believing his kind persona, while secretly devising his evil plan. He talks aside, many times, to the audience revealing himself.
In my opinion, Richard III was not terrible. I did not enjoy it as much as Macbeth, but I found it more interesting than a Midsummer Night's Dream. I found it frustrating to witness his actions and wished that someone killed him sooner. I thought that it was appropriate that all the ghosts who Richard killed came back to haunt him.
It is interesting to know that this history was written to model a king from reality. The awesome evil of Richard is portrayed by his deceptive nature. He acts as a two-faced character, tricking the other characters into believing his kind persona, while secretly devising his evil plan. He talks aside, many times, to the audience revealing himself.
In my opinion, Richard III was not terrible. I did not enjoy it as much as Macbeth, but I found it more interesting than a Midsummer Night's Dream. I found it frustrating to witness his actions and wished that someone killed him sooner. I thought that it was appropriate that all the ghosts who Richard killed came back to haunt him.
Macbeth: Opinion
I enjoyed reading Macbeth. The level of comprehension was a little easier than the other plays we have read. I found the process of searching deeper than the surface of the play interesting. This tragedy was exciting with the many murders. I think what is the really captivating part of the play is the transformation of Macbeth. One is intrigued by how his motives change and the affect of a woman's influence.
Lady Macbeth: Uncensored, Unveiled
Come, you spirits
That tend on mortal thoughts, unsex me here,
And fill me from the crown to the toe top-full
Of direst cruelty. Make thick my blood.
Stop up the access and passage to remorse,
That no compunctious visitings of nature
Shake my fell purpose, nor keep peace between
The effect and it! Come to my woman's breasts,
And take my milk for gall, you murd'ring ministers,
Wherever in your sightless substances
You wait on nature's mischief. (Act I, scene v. 30-40)
This passage is voiced by Lady Macbeth after she reads a letter written by her husband. Lady Macbeth calls upon "spirits," which are essentially the devil. She understands that the devil tends "on mortal thoughts," or tends to murderous thoughts. Her famous line, "unsex me here," shows her desire to change her sex. She wishes to be a man and shed all her womanly duties and expectations. The word "crown" is used which can refer simply to one's head, or to a queen's crown. This word foreshadows and provides insight to Lady Macbeth's subconscious desires. Her desire for evil is immense with her plea for someone to "fill" her with "direst cruelty." Lady Macbeth desperately calls on someone to make her harder, "make thick" her "blood," and "stop up the access and passage," clog her veins. It is clear that she is set on Macbeth becoming king, with her words that request "no compunctious visitings of nature shake...[her] fell purpose." This phrase says that she does not want compassion to cause her to stray from her objective. A disgusting trade-off is requested. She says, "come to my woman's breasts and take my milk for gall," which essentially means that she wants to exchange her breast milk for vomit. This is the ultimate bashing of the restraints of her sex. She longs for the "murd'ring ministers" to turn her milk sour. The "nature" that is mentioned can refer to womanhood. The phrase "nature's mischief" is used in order to say that women are capable of evil things. This passage makes Lady Macbeth's purpose clear and recognized as forceful.
That tend on mortal thoughts, unsex me here,
And fill me from the crown to the toe top-full
Of direst cruelty. Make thick my blood.
Stop up the access and passage to remorse,
That no compunctious visitings of nature
Shake my fell purpose, nor keep peace between
The effect and it! Come to my woman's breasts,
And take my milk for gall, you murd'ring ministers,
Wherever in your sightless substances
You wait on nature's mischief. (Act I, scene v. 30-40)
This passage is voiced by Lady Macbeth after she reads a letter written by her husband. Lady Macbeth calls upon "spirits," which are essentially the devil. She understands that the devil tends "on mortal thoughts," or tends to murderous thoughts. Her famous line, "unsex me here," shows her desire to change her sex. She wishes to be a man and shed all her womanly duties and expectations. The word "crown" is used which can refer simply to one's head, or to a queen's crown. This word foreshadows and provides insight to Lady Macbeth's subconscious desires. Her desire for evil is immense with her plea for someone to "fill" her with "direst cruelty." Lady Macbeth desperately calls on someone to make her harder, "make thick" her "blood," and "stop up the access and passage," clog her veins. It is clear that she is set on Macbeth becoming king, with her words that request "no compunctious visitings of nature shake...[her] fell purpose." This phrase says that she does not want compassion to cause her to stray from her objective. A disgusting trade-off is requested. She says, "come to my woman's breasts and take my milk for gall," which essentially means that she wants to exchange her breast milk for vomit. This is the ultimate bashing of the restraints of her sex. She longs for the "murd'ring ministers" to turn her milk sour. The "nature" that is mentioned can refer to womanhood. The phrase "nature's mischief" is used in order to say that women are capable of evil things. This passage makes Lady Macbeth's purpose clear and recognized as forceful.
Macbeth: What Makes the Tragedy
In Shakespeare's Macbeth, one witnesses a tragedy fed by corruption and desire. What lures one to Macbeth is the transformation that occurs in the character Macbeth. In the beginning of the play, when the witches make a telling prediction, Macbeth finds this a little unsettling. At this point, he would not feel comfortable with murdering innocent victims. It is not until the influence of his defiantly feminist wife falls over him that he is able to carry out the prophecy. The novel begins with blood from war, however it is not until blood drips on Macbeth's hands that the novel really progresses. With each person that Macbeth slays, on his bloody path to the throne, desire and corruption grow within him. He becomes consumed by his quest for power and will not let anything stand in his way. As a tragedy is bound to end, Macbeth is eventually killed by Macduff. This creates a powerful death for Macbeth because he fights vigorously until the end. Macduff is able to feel some vengeance although this does not bring his family back. Shakespeare uses many methods to propel the tragedy forward, including foreshadowing, symbolism, and diction.
It is important to understand why the trio of witches begins the play. The solemn, almost disheartening, meeting sets a tone of darkness. The witches meet during thunder and lightning, which emphasizes the evil lurking. The connection of bad weather and evil is enforced with the departing of the witches.
The use of weather and meeting again foreshadows to the darkness that awaits. It is important to note that they do not mention sunshine or an overcast day to meet. They will commence when the darkness begins to surface.
The phrase that is reads "Fair is foul, and foul is fair" furthers the tone and foreshadows to the behavior that will ensue in the tragedy (Act 1, scene i. 13-14). This contradictory phrase draws attention to the weather but, also, sets up the reader for the uncertainties that are in the play. Macbeth and Lady Macbeth, especially, deceive the other characters. The two characters are not who they appear to be, as this quote foreshadows. This creates confusion for the reader. The "fair" and "foul" could also represent Macbeth and Lady Macbeth. Although Macbeth becomes foul, he was once fair. It was the persistence of his foul wife that turned him foul.
It is important to understand why the trio of witches begins the play. The solemn, almost disheartening, meeting sets a tone of darkness. The witches meet during thunder and lightning, which emphasizes the evil lurking. The connection of bad weather and evil is enforced with the departing of the witches.
| "When shall we three meet again? | |
| In thunder, lightning, or in rain?" (Act 1, scene i. 1-2) |
The phrase that is reads "Fair is foul, and foul is fair" furthers the tone and foreshadows to the behavior that will ensue in the tragedy (Act 1, scene i. 13-14). This contradictory phrase draws attention to the weather but, also, sets up the reader for the uncertainties that are in the play. Macbeth and Lady Macbeth, especially, deceive the other characters. The two characters are not who they appear to be, as this quote foreshadows. This creates confusion for the reader. The "fair" and "foul" could also represent Macbeth and Lady Macbeth. Although Macbeth becomes foul, he was once fair. It was the persistence of his foul wife that turned him foul.
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