Elements of tragedy, are that a protagonist has to suffer some kind of
separation from his society.He also has to
make some kind of mistake or show bad judgment.There are usually deaths which more often, occur
at the end of the play in the same way that comedies typically can end
in a marriage or a feast. These elements include:
1) Supernatural elements (Paulina's mysterious supernatural powers)
2) Tragic hero : person with noble qualities and a flaw in his character(Perdita)
3) Tragic error: some disorder that has been committed against the laws if nature and needs to be corrected. (Leonte's allegations towards Hermiones)
4) Conflict :with country or with the hero himself (Leontes' inner battles)
5) Revenge :the hero is usually often revenge or he is being avenged (apollo's revenge on Leontes
6) Sad ending: the death or destruction (death of hermiones and mamillius)
7) Comic relief : some light scenes to relieve the stress of tragic events (Autolycus)
8) Isolation of main character (Everyone turned against Leontes because of his allegations towards Hermiones)
Thursday 25 October 2012
Tuesday 23 October 2012
Significance of Autolycus in Winter's Tale
Autolycus, who does not appear in the play until Act 4 scene 3, is a con artist who roams
around the Bohemian taking advantage of anyone he happens to come across paths with .Autolycus is also a likeable character, in the way his uses antics to entertain the audience.His lying and cheating is interspersed with singing and
dancing that helps inject Act 4 with a festive spirit.
When we first meet him in act 4, scene 3, Autolycus is singing.He sings of spring time, and of the ‘red blood’ which ‘reigns in the winter’s pale’, and thus changes the tone of the whole drama.
Autolycus fabricates a story about being robbed in order to evoke sympathy and pick the pockets of the country Clown. Soon after, Autolycus shows up at the sheep-shearing feast disguised as an ordinary peddler. He is determined to attend and steal even more money. He is a huge success at the festival, selling his wares and picking the pockets of the guests there. After selling his merchandise to the festival-goers, Autolycus,who is now wearing the Prince Florizel’s clothing, then pretends to be a helpful nobleman, scamming the Shepherd in order to help Prince Florizel escape to Sicily.Autolycus does more than introduce music and laughter. Shakespeare uses him to effect the outcome of the play. When, at the end of the sheep-shearing scene, Autolycus is witness to the denunciation by Polixenes of Florizel and Perdita, Autolycus decides to take a hand in the action.
We can’t help but notice all the disguises and dramatic acting that goes down when Autolycus is on the scene.Autolycus's appearance provides comedy to the more serious love-plot. Although he is a rogue, Autolycus’ association with music and song ensures that he carries with him a light-hearted atmosphere
The role of Autolycus is significant in lightening up tense moments within the play and changes the mood of the play. Autolycus has a knack for entertaining and pleasing the audience.
When we first meet him in act 4, scene 3, Autolycus is singing.He sings of spring time, and of the ‘red blood’ which ‘reigns in the winter’s pale’, and thus changes the tone of the whole drama.
Autolycus fabricates a story about being robbed in order to evoke sympathy and pick the pockets of the country Clown. Soon after, Autolycus shows up at the sheep-shearing feast disguised as an ordinary peddler. He is determined to attend and steal even more money. He is a huge success at the festival, selling his wares and picking the pockets of the guests there. After selling his merchandise to the festival-goers, Autolycus,who is now wearing the Prince Florizel’s clothing, then pretends to be a helpful nobleman, scamming the Shepherd in order to help Prince Florizel escape to Sicily.Autolycus does more than introduce music and laughter. Shakespeare uses him to effect the outcome of the play. When, at the end of the sheep-shearing scene, Autolycus is witness to the denunciation by Polixenes of Florizel and Perdita, Autolycus decides to take a hand in the action.
We can’t help but notice all the disguises and dramatic acting that goes down when Autolycus is on the scene.Autolycus's appearance provides comedy to the more serious love-plot. Although he is a rogue, Autolycus’ association with music and song ensures that he carries with him a light-hearted atmosphere
The role of Autolycus is significant in lightening up tense moments within the play and changes the mood of the play. Autolycus has a knack for entertaining and pleasing the audience.
Importance of Disguise in the play
Disguise can be defined as a means of altering one's appearance or concealing one's identity. In the Winter's Tale , disguise is greatly important. The characters incorporate the use of disguise to reveal truths about each character.
In act 4 Polixenes and Camillo disguise themselves as shepards in order to investigate Florizel’s constant absence in his royal curt.This disguise reveals that Florizel is engaged to Perdita, a commoner. With this revelation, Polixenes' controlling and furious side begins to reveal itself also. Hurt by his son's betrayal, Polixenes proclaims that the shepherd will be executed for allowing a prince to court his daughter, Perdita's beauty shall be "scratched with briers" and Florizel will be disinherited if he ever speaks of her again.
Disguise is also used when Florizel decides to give up his succession and flee with Perdita to Sicilia to escape his father's rage. In order to flee without suspicion, Camillo asks Autolycus to exchange clothes with Florizel. Autolycus agrees, and the prince puts on the peddler's rags, which he hopes, will enable him to reach a ship undetected by his father. This done, Florizel, Perdita, and Camillo leave Autolycus and head to Sicilia. As Autolycus talks to himself, the Clown and the Shepherd come in. Still wearing Florizel's clothing, Autolycus pretends to be a nobleman . The Clown is advising the Shepherd to tell King Polixenes how he found Perdita in the forest years before. Hearing this, Autolycus tells them that the king has gone aboard a nearby ship, and sends them in that direction. and this play a significane part in the revelation of Perdita's identity.
Perdita is the daughter of King of Sicilia. After being abandoned, she was raised by a shepherd in Bohemia. She grows up as a Shepherd girl falls in love with Florizel, the Prince of Bohemia who is later stripped of his succession by his father for being engaged to a commoner. When her disguise is revealed however, it does not change the relationship between Perdita and Florizel; it strengthens it and made it easier for her to be accepted by his father.
Florizel also uses disguise and disguises himself as a commoner to ensure that Perdita does not know about his royalty. This disguise is intentional as to ensure that Perdita’s love is true and that she is not swooned by his riches.
In conclusion, the physical disguise of characters shadows the theme that people are not always as they seem, and the importance of the inner spirit. In this process of change characters go through, Shakespeare uses physical disguise as a metaphor of the spiritual disguise some people possess, and provides the reader with an enlightened mind as well.
In act 4 Polixenes and Camillo disguise themselves as shepards in order to investigate Florizel’s constant absence in his royal curt.This disguise reveals that Florizel is engaged to Perdita, a commoner. With this revelation, Polixenes' controlling and furious side begins to reveal itself also. Hurt by his son's betrayal, Polixenes proclaims that the shepherd will be executed for allowing a prince to court his daughter, Perdita's beauty shall be "scratched with briers" and Florizel will be disinherited if he ever speaks of her again.
Disguise is also used when Florizel decides to give up his succession and flee with Perdita to Sicilia to escape his father's rage. In order to flee without suspicion, Camillo asks Autolycus to exchange clothes with Florizel. Autolycus agrees, and the prince puts on the peddler's rags, which he hopes, will enable him to reach a ship undetected by his father. This done, Florizel, Perdita, and Camillo leave Autolycus and head to Sicilia. As Autolycus talks to himself, the Clown and the Shepherd come in. Still wearing Florizel's clothing, Autolycus pretends to be a nobleman . The Clown is advising the Shepherd to tell King Polixenes how he found Perdita in the forest years before. Hearing this, Autolycus tells them that the king has gone aboard a nearby ship, and sends them in that direction. and this play a significane part in the revelation of Perdita's identity.
Perdita is the daughter of King of Sicilia. After being abandoned, she was raised by a shepherd in Bohemia. She grows up as a Shepherd girl falls in love with Florizel, the Prince of Bohemia who is later stripped of his succession by his father for being engaged to a commoner. When her disguise is revealed however, it does not change the relationship between Perdita and Florizel; it strengthens it and made it easier for her to be accepted by his father.
Florizel also uses disguise and disguises himself as a commoner to ensure that Perdita does not know about his royalty. This disguise is intentional as to ensure that Perdita’s love is true and that she is not swooned by his riches.
In conclusion, the physical disguise of characters shadows the theme that people are not always as they seem, and the importance of the inner spirit. In this process of change characters go through, Shakespeare uses physical disguise as a metaphor of the spiritual disguise some people possess, and provides the reader with an enlightened mind as well.
Saturday 13 October 2012
Tutorial: October 11th: Foreshadow
Evidence of foreshadowing in the play.
In Shakeshpeare's A Winter's Tale, foreshadowing is evident. Foreshadow is a warning or indication of a future event. It keeps the audience interested and gives the play a touch of mystery.
In Act 1 Scene 1, the opening dialogue between Camillo and Archidamus foreshadows events that will occur during the play. They discuss the striking differences between the two kingdom, the great and enduring friendship between the two kings, and the beauty and promise of Leontes's young son,Mamillius.
"Mamillius: it is a gentleman of the greatest promise that ever came into my note. (act 1 scene 1) "
"I very well agree with you in the hopes of him: it is a gallant child (Act 1 scene 1) "
When Archidamus states that "If the king had no son, they would desire to live on crutches till he had one." , in act 1, this is a sign of foreshadow within the play. Foreshadow begins to fulfill its purpose in act 2 scene 3, when Mamillius becomes ill as a result of his mother's imprisonment ("'Tis hoped his sickness is discharged.") and the discussion in act 1 scene 1 between the Kings' lords about Leontes not having an heir, comes to mind and creates suspense.
Though act 3 scene 2 is filled with joy after Hermione was declared innocent of her accusations, it is also a moment of greatest disaster, since it leaves us with Mamillius and Hermione dead and the foreshadow and the oracle's warning fulfilled. This occurs when a servant rushes into the trial with word that Mamillius has died.
"O sir, I shall be hated to report it!
The prince your son, with mere conceit and fear
Of the queen's speed, is gone."
Leontes has lost his heirs to the throne and the oracle prophesied that he cannot produce another heir until his lost daughter is found.
The foreshadowing techniques used in the play help grasps the audience's attention throughout the play and holds them in suspense.
In Shakeshpeare's A Winter's Tale, foreshadowing is evident. Foreshadow is a warning or indication of a future event. It keeps the audience interested and gives the play a touch of mystery.
In Act 1 Scene 1, the opening dialogue between Camillo and Archidamus foreshadows events that will occur during the play. They discuss the striking differences between the two kingdom, the great and enduring friendship between the two kings, and the beauty and promise of Leontes's young son,Mamillius.
"Mamillius: it is a gentleman of the greatest promise that ever came into my note. (act 1 scene 1) "
"I very well agree with you in the hopes of him: it is a gallant child (Act 1 scene 1) "
When Archidamus states that "If the king had no son, they would desire to live on crutches till he had one." , in act 1, this is a sign of foreshadow within the play. Foreshadow begins to fulfill its purpose in act 2 scene 3, when Mamillius becomes ill as a result of his mother's imprisonment ("'Tis hoped his sickness is discharged.") and the discussion in act 1 scene 1 between the Kings' lords about Leontes not having an heir, comes to mind and creates suspense.
Though act 3 scene 2 is filled with joy after Hermione was declared innocent of her accusations, it is also a moment of greatest disaster, since it leaves us with Mamillius and Hermione dead and the foreshadow and the oracle's warning fulfilled. This occurs when a servant rushes into the trial with word that Mamillius has died.
"O sir, I shall be hated to report it!
The prince your son, with mere conceit and fear
Of the queen's speed, is gone."
Leontes has lost his heirs to the throne and the oracle prophesied that he cannot produce another heir until his lost daughter is found.
The foreshadowing techniques used in the play help grasps the audience's attention throughout the play and holds them in suspense.
Thursday 11 October 2012
Tutorial : October 10th
Character Sketch :
Leontes
Leontes is the king of Sicilia. He is responsible for instigating the action of the play. What is most relevant to his character is his constant change of temper. Early in the play he is possessed of an insane jealousy and suspicion towards his wife and his friend.This situation ought immediately to make the audience lose both sympathy and respect for him.
Instead just as quickly as he becomes jealous, so does he repent mightily. He eventually confesses his sins openly, withdraws from the world and gives up all hope of remarriage. He shows a firm determination to change by keeping a tight rein on his passions. It is through the other characters' respect and forgiveness of Leontes, which consequently allows the audience to accept their evaluation of the situation.
However, Shakespeare does not make Leontes pay for his sins. He regains what he has lost. In place of Mamillius he receives Florizel and, with him, the hope of many sons, through his marriage to Perdita and harmony is restored.
Hermione
As the wife of Leontes, Hermione is a gentle, yet strong feminine character. She disappears from the scene in the third act itself and does not reappear until the last scene. Yet, the charm of her personality is perceived throughout the play. She has the ease of manner, which is born of complete confidence in her husband and in the absoluteness of her innocence.
In the trial scene Hermione speaks to her delusional husband. She first takes his accusations as a joke. Only later does she realize that he is serious. She suggests that evil influence may be the cause of his distemper. She thinks of the comfort of others rather than her own. She comforts her ladies as she is hauled off to prison. Her patience, dignity and virtue underscore the baseness of Leontes' accusations. Hermione defends herself in an extremely interesting way. She does not attempt to deny the charges in a legal manner. In response to Leontes' accusations, she appeals to her previous conduct, the well-known evidence of her blameless life and her way of life.She has complete confidence in her own innocence. Hermione knows that she must have been vindicated by the oracle.
Hermione is generous and never criticizes him for the death of young Mamillius. Once again, Shakespeare is revealing his characters indirectly through what other people express about them. Hermione's resolution, courage and integrity given all toher, yet in some ways she is almost too ideal of a character, with no flaws granted her. In many ways, she is the most memorable character of the play.
Perdita
Perdita is in every way Hermione's flesh and blood. Brought up among peasants, she possesses the gifts of natural virtue rather than those of civilized virtue, possessed by her mother. She displays many virtues;honesty, graciousness, a love of nature, modesty.
Like her mother, Perdita is put on trial, during the debate about nature and art with Polixenes. She is a child of nature who practices natural virtue. She dislikes being "prank'd up" like a goddess.
Fearless as her mother at her trial, she argues courteously, but firmly with Polixenes. She naively proclaims that the same sun that shines on the court also shines on the shepherd's hut yet there is an element of practical truth about her observation. This is a rather bold statement but it indicates the existence of Perdita's royal blood.
Perdita is portrayed as a youthful foil to Hermione. However, she is a less important character. She is more fearful in some respects than Hermione yet she also fears the consequences that may befall Florizel with his love for her. Still, she manages to defend herself when necessary.
Polixenes
Polixenes is the king of Bohemia and a great friend of Leontes. On the whole, he is not a very fully developed character yet he plays an important role earlier in the play on bringing up the theme of friendship.
In the fourth Act, however, he begins to come into his own. He is largely used as a foil to Leontes. His suspicion of his son parallels Leontes' suspicion of Hermione. His anger at his son and his debate with Perdita also parallels the behavior of Leontes.His main function here is to reveal the fact that Perdita would not be considered a suitable mate for Florizel, despite her gifts of natural virtue.
On the whole, Shakespeare uses Polixenes to state many important opinions in the course of the play; on friendship, on nature and art, and on nobility.
Florizel
Florizel is the son of Polixenes, a young prince. He is honest, faithful and above all optimistic. While Perdita is not sure of the progress of their love, Florizel is confident that all will turn out well. He is willing to brave the disapproval of his father in getting married to Perdita.
Florizel believes that he can overcome all obstacles. Consequently, he tells the disguised Polixenes that he has no intention of telling his father about his marriage until it is a fact. In this statement, he shows a flash of royal arrogance as well as selfishishness. As a result, Polixenes' anger is intensified and his reason more clouded than might have been otherwise.
Florizel believes most highly in love and will do anything to marry Perdita. He is a highly resourceful young man who is a practical, courageous, and virtuous lover.
Camillo
Camillo is the wise and an honest counselor. Throughout the play, he is shown to be loyal, trustworthy and honest yet he is morally courageous. Consequently, he deserts Leontes when he cannot follow him in an immoral act. Polixenes appreciates this righteous man and relies greatly on his advice. He is more than willing to take Camillo with him when he returns to Bohemia.
Camillo is evidently sympathetic towards the fate of the lovers. In the presence
of Polixenes he advises Florizel not to talk to his father when he is in such
a furious state of mind. When he is alone with the young lovers, however, he assures
Florizel that he is concerned with their well being. He suggests that
they head for Sicilia and present themselves at court. In the meantime, he will
remain in Bohemia and try to calm Polixenes. Throughout the play, Camillo
always works towards resolving the chaos that has been the result of the intrusion
of evil in the harmony of life.
Camillo's marriage to the equally worthy and upright Paulina seems to be a well-earned reward for both of them. Marriage in this play symbolizes harmony as well as order.
Paulina
Paulina is a remarkable character. She is a loyal waiting woman of Hermione.It is she who thinks of various means to bring Leontes to a state of repentance. She defies her husband, Antigonus, who at times seems almost afraid of her, and even dares to argue with her. She thinks of taking the child to Leontes in the hope of softening his hard heart. Though the scheme failed, it clearly reveals the determination in the character of Paulina.
Fearless, she confronts the king fiercely when he is caught in his delusions about Hermione. At the end of the play, her magic brings Hermione back to life.
Antigonus
Husband of Paulina, Antigonus is a decent man who tries ineffectively to bring Leontes back to reason. Under oath to obey his king, he tries to defy Leontes concerning the fate of the innocent infant but he is outwitted by him. Antigonus carries the infant Perdita to the wilds of Bohemia and abandons her. The gods punish him for his part in the unjust act, and he is eaten by a bear. His death by a bear may be considered a kind of judgment on him for having been so willing to suspect Hermione and to follow Leontes' cruel command.
Mamillius
Praised by all at court as a boy of great promise, Mamillius is the charming and beloved heir of the Sicilian throne. He appears in only two scenes of the play, yet his identity is so well established. When he does make an entry, he is seen in a very merry and innocent state.He dies of grief after his father wrongly imprisons his mother.
Autolycus
Formerly in the service of Florizell, Autolycus is now a theif who cons innocent people out of their money yet Autolycus also has a function in the play. He manages to turn the old shepherd and the clown away from their intention of going immediately to the Bohemian king. In this way he helps to ensure the escape of the lovers.
Cleomenes and Dion
Lords in the Sicilian court, Cleomenes and Dion are sent by Leontes to consult the oracle of Apollo.
Summary of Act 1
Scene1
Scene One is a short conversation between Archidamus, a Bohemian courtier, and Camillo, a Sicilian courtier and trusted friend of Leontes. Archidamus praises the generous hospitality he has been treated to in Sicilia.Camillo talks about the friendship between Leontes and Polixenes, King of Bohemia. The two rulers were raised together since boyhood, although now their responsibilities as kings keep them apart. Both courtiers agree that Prince Mamillius of Sicilia shows great promise.
Scene 2
Polixenes proclaims his intent to return home. He has been staying as a guest in the court of Leontes for nine months. Leontes tries, without any success, to convince Polixenes to stay a short while longer. At Leontes' request, Hermione, Leontes' wife, tries to convince Polixenes to stay. She is persuasive, and Polixenes gives in. Hermione is extremely affectionate to Polixenes, treating him with great love because he is her husband's best and oldest friend. Leontes reveals that he is insanely jealous of Polixenes and Hermione. He is convinced that they are secretly committing adultery, although he has no hard evidence on which to base his suspicions. In full view of the others, he asks his young son Mamillius questions loaded with double meanings about whether or not the child is his. When Hermione and Polixenes ask if Leontes is feeling well, he replies that he is only unsettled because Mamillius reminds him of himself in the days of his own childhood. Leontes asks if Polixenes' son back in Bohemia is as dear as Mamillius, and Polixenes speaks of the great love he has for his own boy.
Leontes questions Camillo, who is clearly unaware of the king's suspicions. The king, convinced that Camillo is either stupid or playing dumb, grows irritated. When he finally tells Camillo of what he suspects, the advisor is horrified and does not believe it. Leontes' grows increasingly furious, and Camillo, seeing the king's conviction, seems to give in. At Leontes' expressed desire to see Polixenes dead of poison, he offers to carry out the task. His condition is that Leontes' keep the queen in her present status, and do nothing to stain her honor. The king agrees, and Camillo affirms again that he will poison Polixenes. He is a loyal courtier, but he believes Polixenes and Hermione are innocent. He resolves not to do it. Polixenes enters he asks Camillo about the change in the king's manner, and Camillo initially refuses to give a straightforward answer. When Polixenes continues to entreat Camillo, worried that his safety might be at risk, Camillo tells him the truth. He agrees to help Polixenes, using his authority as Leontes' most trusted advisor to ensure a safe escape for Polixenes and all of his men. Camillo says that he will serve at Polixenes' court, since in helping Polixenes he can no longer stay in Sicilia. Polixenes' ship has been ready for departure for days, and Polixenes assures Camillo that he will remember this service.
Act 2
Scene 1
Hermione sits with her ladies-in-waiting and Mamillius. Leontes enters with Antigonus and various lords. They are telling him about the flight of Camillo and Polixenes, and their news makes Leontes feel certain that his suspicions were correct. He now believes that Camillo was a double agent working for Polixenes. He has Mamillius taken from Hermione, and he cruelly insults Hermione in full view of the lords and Hermione's ladies. He says that she has committed adultery, and Hermione bears his insults with dignity. When he tells her that she is to be put in prison, she insists that her ladies accompany her because she is pregnant and needs their help. The lords cryas she is escorted out, and she tells them that they would have reason to cry if she were guilty. She brings her women with her as she goes to her prison.
Antigonus tries without success to make Leontes reconsider his
suspicions. He professes absolute faith in the queen's virtue, but
Leontes remains unconvinced. From Leontes' point of view, the truth of
the matter is apparent, and he seeks no counsel from his men in
determining whether or not his suspicions are correct, he has been all
the more convinced by Camillo's flight. The king announces that he has
sent messengers to Apollo's oracle at Delphos to ask about the queen's
fidelity. Although he has no doubt as to what the answer will be, the
oracle will at least put the minds of his subjects at ease.
Scene 2
Paulina, courtier and wife of Antigonus, tries to see the queen in her cell, but the guard will not let her pass. Instead, the jailer will allow Emilia, one of Hermione's ladies-in-waiting, to come out and speak for the queen. Emilia reveals that Hermione has had her baby, a healthy daughter. Paulina resolves to take the baby to the king, in hopes that the sight of his daughter will restore his senses to him. The jailer has anxieties about releasing the child, but Paulina convinces him that the baby should not be in prison. She also assures him that she will protect him from harm.
Scene 3
Leontes speaks of burning the queen to put his mind at rest. A servant enters, and from their conversation we learn that Prince Mamillius has been sick since his mother's imprisonment. Leontes tells the servant to tend to the boy. Since he cannot harm Camillo and Polixenes, he will satisfy himself by dealing with Hermione. Paulina enters, along with Antigonus, servants, and lords. She fearlessly confronts the king, defending the queen's innocence. She refuses to do anything but praise the queen's character. The king mocks Antigonus for being unable to control his wife, but Paulina brushes these comments aside. She tries to convince the king that the infant is his by pointing out the strong physical resemblance between the monarch and the child, but the king remains unmoved. He keeps telling Antigonus to control his wife better, but Antigonus does not bother trying. Paulina leaves the child, hoping that Leontes will soften and come to his senses. The king orders Antigonus to destroy the child. Leontes accuses Antigonus of instructing his wife to behave as she has, which Antigonus denies, with the lords backing his word. The king refuses to believe them. He asks Antigonus what he would be willing to sacrifice to save the child's life, and Antigonus replies that he would give anything. Leontes asks him to swear to do his bidding, in order to save the life of the child, and Antigonus swears. The king orders Antigonus to take the child and leave it in a wild and remote place, to be saved or killed according to the dictates of chance. If Antigonus does not do so, he and Paulina will both be executed. Antigonus is compelled to obey because he has given his word he goes to it miserably. A servant enters with the news that Dion and Cleomenes have arrived back from the oracle. Leontes announces his attention to have the queen put on trial.
Act 3
Scene 1
Cleomenes and Dion, the courtiers dispatched by Leontes to the oracle at Delphi, speak with wonder about the ceremony they witnessed at the shrine. They hope that the oracle's judgment will help Queen Hermione.
Scene 2
The trial of Hermione. Hermione defends her chastity and condemns the
injustice that has been done to her. Leontes remains as stubborn and
angry as ever, attacking and threatening Hermione while she counters him. An officer breaks the seal on the message from the oracle
and reads: Hermione, Polixenes, and Camillo
are innocent and Leontes is a jealous tyrant. The oracle also predicts
that Leontes will be without an heir unless the lost daughter is found.
The court is delighted, but Leontes denounces the words of the oracle as false. But then a servant enters, bringing terrible news. Prince Mamillius is dead, killed by anxiety about his mother's fate. Hermione faints, and is helped out of the room by Paulina and several officers. Leontes is now fully penitent, asking the gods' forgiveness and promising to make amends. Paulina reenters and lashes out at the king, condemning his tyranny and jealousy. Hermione is dead. Paulina continues to rebuke the king harshly, but when she sees his grief and penitence she regrets her roughness. Leontes says that he will have queen and prince buried in the same grave, and he will grieve for the rest of his days.
Scene 3
Antigonus, carrying the baby, enters with a mariner. They have set down on the shores of Bohemia, and the sailor is nervous because the sky is threatening. He fears the gods are angry with them because of what they are doing, and he warns Antigonus not to wander too far or too long, because this land is famous for its wild beasts. After the sailor has left, Antigonus tells the baby that he saw Hermione's spirit last night in a dream. The ghost cried and then told him that the child's name is Perdita, because she is lost. Hermione's ghost also informed Antigonus that because of his hand in the child's abandonment, Antigonus will never see his wife again. Antigonus believes that the dream is a sign of Hermione's death. He has either come to believe or forced himself to believe Leontes' suspicions, and so he is abandoning the child in the wilds of Bohemia, the land of her supposed father. He leaves the child with a bundle and a box. He regrets his task, but he feels bound by his oath. Then he suddenly exits, pursued by a bear.
A shepherd wanders, complaining about young people and looking for two lost sheep; instead of finding them, he stumbles onto Perdita. He believes she must be the unwanted offspring of two servants, and he resolves to take care of her. The Shepherd and his son find that the box left with the baby is full of gold, and he now believes that the child is a changeling, a child left by fairies.
Leontes
Leontes is the king of Sicilia. He is responsible for instigating the action of the play. What is most relevant to his character is his constant change of temper. Early in the play he is possessed of an insane jealousy and suspicion towards his wife and his friend.This situation ought immediately to make the audience lose both sympathy and respect for him.
Instead just as quickly as he becomes jealous, so does he repent mightily. He eventually confesses his sins openly, withdraws from the world and gives up all hope of remarriage. He shows a firm determination to change by keeping a tight rein on his passions. It is through the other characters' respect and forgiveness of Leontes, which consequently allows the audience to accept their evaluation of the situation.
However, Shakespeare does not make Leontes pay for his sins. He regains what he has lost. In place of Mamillius he receives Florizel and, with him, the hope of many sons, through his marriage to Perdita and harmony is restored.
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Hermione
As the wife of Leontes, Hermione is a gentle, yet strong feminine character. She disappears from the scene in the third act itself and does not reappear until the last scene. Yet, the charm of her personality is perceived throughout the play. She has the ease of manner, which is born of complete confidence in her husband and in the absoluteness of her innocence.
In the trial scene Hermione speaks to her delusional husband. She first takes his accusations as a joke. Only later does she realize that he is serious. She suggests that evil influence may be the cause of his distemper. She thinks of the comfort of others rather than her own. She comforts her ladies as she is hauled off to prison. Her patience, dignity and virtue underscore the baseness of Leontes' accusations. Hermione defends herself in an extremely interesting way. She does not attempt to deny the charges in a legal manner. In response to Leontes' accusations, she appeals to her previous conduct, the well-known evidence of her blameless life and her way of life.She has complete confidence in her own innocence. Hermione knows that she must have been vindicated by the oracle.
Hermione is generous and never criticizes him for the death of young Mamillius. Once again, Shakespeare is revealing his characters indirectly through what other people express about them. Hermione's resolution, courage and integrity given all toher, yet in some ways she is almost too ideal of a character, with no flaws granted her. In many ways, she is the most memorable character of the play.
Perdita
Perdita is in every way Hermione's flesh and blood. Brought up among peasants, she possesses the gifts of natural virtue rather than those of civilized virtue, possessed by her mother. She displays many virtues;honesty, graciousness, a love of nature, modesty.
Like her mother, Perdita is put on trial, during the debate about nature and art with Polixenes. She is a child of nature who practices natural virtue. She dislikes being "prank'd up" like a goddess.
Fearless as her mother at her trial, she argues courteously, but firmly with Polixenes. She naively proclaims that the same sun that shines on the court also shines on the shepherd's hut yet there is an element of practical truth about her observation. This is a rather bold statement but it indicates the existence of Perdita's royal blood.
Perdita is portrayed as a youthful foil to Hermione. However, she is a less important character. She is more fearful in some respects than Hermione yet she also fears the consequences that may befall Florizel with his love for her. Still, she manages to defend herself when necessary.
Polixenes
Polixenes is the king of Bohemia and a great friend of Leontes. On the whole, he is not a very fully developed character yet he plays an important role earlier in the play on bringing up the theme of friendship.
In the fourth Act, however, he begins to come into his own. He is largely used as a foil to Leontes. His suspicion of his son parallels Leontes' suspicion of Hermione. His anger at his son and his debate with Perdita also parallels the behavior of Leontes.His main function here is to reveal the fact that Perdita would not be considered a suitable mate for Florizel, despite her gifts of natural virtue.
On the whole, Shakespeare uses Polixenes to state many important opinions in the course of the play; on friendship, on nature and art, and on nobility.
Florizel
Florizel is the son of Polixenes, a young prince. He is honest, faithful and above all optimistic. While Perdita is not sure of the progress of their love, Florizel is confident that all will turn out well. He is willing to brave the disapproval of his father in getting married to Perdita.
Florizel believes that he can overcome all obstacles. Consequently, he tells the disguised Polixenes that he has no intention of telling his father about his marriage until it is a fact. In this statement, he shows a flash of royal arrogance as well as selfishishness. As a result, Polixenes' anger is intensified and his reason more clouded than might have been otherwise.
Florizel believes most highly in love and will do anything to marry Perdita. He is a highly resourceful young man who is a practical, courageous, and virtuous lover.
Camillo
Camillo is the wise and an honest counselor. Throughout the play, he is shown to be loyal, trustworthy and honest yet he is morally courageous. Consequently, he deserts Leontes when he cannot follow him in an immoral act. Polixenes appreciates this righteous man and relies greatly on his advice. He is more than willing to take Camillo with him when he returns to Bohemia.
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Camillo's marriage to the equally worthy and upright Paulina seems to be a well-earned reward for both of them. Marriage in this play symbolizes harmony as well as order.
Paulina
Paulina is a remarkable character. She is a loyal waiting woman of Hermione.It is she who thinks of various means to bring Leontes to a state of repentance. She defies her husband, Antigonus, who at times seems almost afraid of her, and even dares to argue with her. She thinks of taking the child to Leontes in the hope of softening his hard heart. Though the scheme failed, it clearly reveals the determination in the character of Paulina.
Fearless, she confronts the king fiercely when he is caught in his delusions about Hermione. At the end of the play, her magic brings Hermione back to life.
Antigonus
Husband of Paulina, Antigonus is a decent man who tries ineffectively to bring Leontes back to reason. Under oath to obey his king, he tries to defy Leontes concerning the fate of the innocent infant but he is outwitted by him. Antigonus carries the infant Perdita to the wilds of Bohemia and abandons her. The gods punish him for his part in the unjust act, and he is eaten by a bear. His death by a bear may be considered a kind of judgment on him for having been so willing to suspect Hermione and to follow Leontes' cruel command.
Mamillius
Praised by all at court as a boy of great promise, Mamillius is the charming and beloved heir of the Sicilian throne. He appears in only two scenes of the play, yet his identity is so well established. When he does make an entry, he is seen in a very merry and innocent state.He dies of grief after his father wrongly imprisons his mother.
Autolycus
Formerly in the service of Florizell, Autolycus is now a theif who cons innocent people out of their money yet Autolycus also has a function in the play. He manages to turn the old shepherd and the clown away from their intention of going immediately to the Bohemian king. In this way he helps to ensure the escape of the lovers.
Cleomenes and Dion
Lords in the Sicilian court, Cleomenes and Dion are sent by Leontes to consult the oracle of Apollo.
Summary of Act 1
Scene1
Scene One is a short conversation between Archidamus, a Bohemian courtier, and Camillo, a Sicilian courtier and trusted friend of Leontes. Archidamus praises the generous hospitality he has been treated to in Sicilia.Camillo talks about the friendship between Leontes and Polixenes, King of Bohemia. The two rulers were raised together since boyhood, although now their responsibilities as kings keep them apart. Both courtiers agree that Prince Mamillius of Sicilia shows great promise.
Scene 2
Polixenes proclaims his intent to return home. He has been staying as a guest in the court of Leontes for nine months. Leontes tries, without any success, to convince Polixenes to stay a short while longer. At Leontes' request, Hermione, Leontes' wife, tries to convince Polixenes to stay. She is persuasive, and Polixenes gives in. Hermione is extremely affectionate to Polixenes, treating him with great love because he is her husband's best and oldest friend. Leontes reveals that he is insanely jealous of Polixenes and Hermione. He is convinced that they are secretly committing adultery, although he has no hard evidence on which to base his suspicions. In full view of the others, he asks his young son Mamillius questions loaded with double meanings about whether or not the child is his. When Hermione and Polixenes ask if Leontes is feeling well, he replies that he is only unsettled because Mamillius reminds him of himself in the days of his own childhood. Leontes asks if Polixenes' son back in Bohemia is as dear as Mamillius, and Polixenes speaks of the great love he has for his own boy.
Leontes questions Camillo, who is clearly unaware of the king's suspicions. The king, convinced that Camillo is either stupid or playing dumb, grows irritated. When he finally tells Camillo of what he suspects, the advisor is horrified and does not believe it. Leontes' grows increasingly furious, and Camillo, seeing the king's conviction, seems to give in. At Leontes' expressed desire to see Polixenes dead of poison, he offers to carry out the task. His condition is that Leontes' keep the queen in her present status, and do nothing to stain her honor. The king agrees, and Camillo affirms again that he will poison Polixenes. He is a loyal courtier, but he believes Polixenes and Hermione are innocent. He resolves not to do it. Polixenes enters he asks Camillo about the change in the king's manner, and Camillo initially refuses to give a straightforward answer. When Polixenes continues to entreat Camillo, worried that his safety might be at risk, Camillo tells him the truth. He agrees to help Polixenes, using his authority as Leontes' most trusted advisor to ensure a safe escape for Polixenes and all of his men. Camillo says that he will serve at Polixenes' court, since in helping Polixenes he can no longer stay in Sicilia. Polixenes' ship has been ready for departure for days, and Polixenes assures Camillo that he will remember this service.
Act 2
Scene 1
Hermione sits with her ladies-in-waiting and Mamillius. Leontes enters with Antigonus and various lords. They are telling him about the flight of Camillo and Polixenes, and their news makes Leontes feel certain that his suspicions were correct. He now believes that Camillo was a double agent working for Polixenes. He has Mamillius taken from Hermione, and he cruelly insults Hermione in full view of the lords and Hermione's ladies. He says that she has committed adultery, and Hermione bears his insults with dignity. When he tells her that she is to be put in prison, she insists that her ladies accompany her because she is pregnant and needs their help. The lords cryas she is escorted out, and she tells them that they would have reason to cry if she were guilty. She brings her women with her as she goes to her prison.
Scene 2
Paulina, courtier and wife of Antigonus, tries to see the queen in her cell, but the guard will not let her pass. Instead, the jailer will allow Emilia, one of Hermione's ladies-in-waiting, to come out and speak for the queen. Emilia reveals that Hermione has had her baby, a healthy daughter. Paulina resolves to take the baby to the king, in hopes that the sight of his daughter will restore his senses to him. The jailer has anxieties about releasing the child, but Paulina convinces him that the baby should not be in prison. She also assures him that she will protect him from harm.
Scene 3
Leontes speaks of burning the queen to put his mind at rest. A servant enters, and from their conversation we learn that Prince Mamillius has been sick since his mother's imprisonment. Leontes tells the servant to tend to the boy. Since he cannot harm Camillo and Polixenes, he will satisfy himself by dealing with Hermione. Paulina enters, along with Antigonus, servants, and lords. She fearlessly confronts the king, defending the queen's innocence. She refuses to do anything but praise the queen's character. The king mocks Antigonus for being unable to control his wife, but Paulina brushes these comments aside. She tries to convince the king that the infant is his by pointing out the strong physical resemblance between the monarch and the child, but the king remains unmoved. He keeps telling Antigonus to control his wife better, but Antigonus does not bother trying. Paulina leaves the child, hoping that Leontes will soften and come to his senses. The king orders Antigonus to destroy the child. Leontes accuses Antigonus of instructing his wife to behave as she has, which Antigonus denies, with the lords backing his word. The king refuses to believe them. He asks Antigonus what he would be willing to sacrifice to save the child's life, and Antigonus replies that he would give anything. Leontes asks him to swear to do his bidding, in order to save the life of the child, and Antigonus swears. The king orders Antigonus to take the child and leave it in a wild and remote place, to be saved or killed according to the dictates of chance. If Antigonus does not do so, he and Paulina will both be executed. Antigonus is compelled to obey because he has given his word he goes to it miserably. A servant enters with the news that Dion and Cleomenes have arrived back from the oracle. Leontes announces his attention to have the queen put on trial.
Act 3
Scene 1
Cleomenes and Dion, the courtiers dispatched by Leontes to the oracle at Delphi, speak with wonder about the ceremony they witnessed at the shrine. They hope that the oracle's judgment will help Queen Hermione.
Scene 2
The court is delighted, but Leontes denounces the words of the oracle as false. But then a servant enters, bringing terrible news. Prince Mamillius is dead, killed by anxiety about his mother's fate. Hermione faints, and is helped out of the room by Paulina and several officers. Leontes is now fully penitent, asking the gods' forgiveness and promising to make amends. Paulina reenters and lashes out at the king, condemning his tyranny and jealousy. Hermione is dead. Paulina continues to rebuke the king harshly, but when she sees his grief and penitence she regrets her roughness. Leontes says that he will have queen and prince buried in the same grave, and he will grieve for the rest of his days.
Scene 3
Antigonus, carrying the baby, enters with a mariner. They have set down on the shores of Bohemia, and the sailor is nervous because the sky is threatening. He fears the gods are angry with them because of what they are doing, and he warns Antigonus not to wander too far or too long, because this land is famous for its wild beasts. After the sailor has left, Antigonus tells the baby that he saw Hermione's spirit last night in a dream. The ghost cried and then told him that the child's name is Perdita, because she is lost. Hermione's ghost also informed Antigonus that because of his hand in the child's abandonment, Antigonus will never see his wife again. Antigonus believes that the dream is a sign of Hermione's death. He has either come to believe or forced himself to believe Leontes' suspicions, and so he is abandoning the child in the wilds of Bohemia, the land of her supposed father. He leaves the child with a bundle and a box. He regrets his task, but he feels bound by his oath. Then he suddenly exits, pursued by a bear.
A shepherd wanders, complaining about young people and looking for two lost sheep; instead of finding them, he stumbles onto Perdita. He believes she must be the unwanted offspring of two servants, and he resolves to take care of her. The Shepherd and his son find that the box left with the baby is full of gold, and he now believes that the child is a changeling, a child left by fairies.
Sunday 7 October 2012
What role do prophecies and the gods play in the Winter's Tale?
What role do prophecies and the gods play in Winters Tale?
Throughout The Winter’s Tale, we are made aware that Kings and Queens, however powerful, are not in charge of their futures. Leontes’ refusal to acknowledge these higher powers brings swift retribution.The fact that The Winter’s Tale seems to be set in a pagan world is evident from Florizel’s recollections of the actions of the gods as he describes them to Perdita in act 4, scene 4:
"The gods themselves/Humbling their deities to love, have taken/The shapes of beast upon them: Jupiter/Became a bull, and bellow’d; the green Neptune/A ram, and bleated; and the fire-rob’d god,/Golden Apollo, a poor humble swain,/As I seem now." The most obvious evidence of the higher powers and of divine beings in The Winter’s Tale, is Apollo and his Oracle.
In The Winter’s Tale, the Oracle, a holy prophet, is consulted to determine Hermione’s innocence.The Oracle belonged to the Greek god Apollo and was consulted for truths and insights by Cleomenes and Dion,
the courtiers dispatched by Leontes about Hermione's infertility. Cleomenes and Dion hope that
the oracle's judgment will help Queen Hermione. Cleomenes and Dion then bring in the oracle's scroll into the trial which declares,
"Hermione is chaste, Polixenes blameless, Camillo a true subject,
Leontes a jealous tyrant..." The Oracle in The Winter’s Tale offers both the truth and a warning to Leontes: “the King shall live without an heir if that which is lost be not found.” The Oracle clears Hermione of her accusations and cautions Leontes against his rage. Leontes does not pay attention to the warning, however, making the Oracle’s prophecy come true. His and wife die as a result.The "resurrection" of Hermoine in in act 5, is also presented as a supernatural
event. Paulina is anxious to avoid any implication that she
is bringing Hermoine back to life by the use of magical arts.
Wednesday 3 October 2012
Tutorial Oct 4th .. Act 3: scene 1-2
Short Answer Questions - Act 3, Scene 1
1. When Cleomenes says "fertile the isle/the temple much surpassing", what is he referring to?
Cleomenes is refering to the divine home of the gods
2. In what city is the Oracle located?
The Oracle is located in the city of Delphi
3. In what country is the Oracle located?
The country where the Oracle is located is Greece
4. How many characters speak in Act three, scene one?
In act 3,scene one, two (2) characters speak
5. What is one of the topics of conversation between the men in Act three, scene one?
Making their way back from Delphi, the lords Dion and Cleomenes discuss events and express their hope that the message they bring from the Oracle will vindicate the unfortunate Hermione.
6. What do the men, in Act three, scene one, want the Oracle to say?
The men want the Oracle to proclaim Hermione's innocence
7. How do the men, in Act three, scene one, say the journey to the Oracle is?
The men state that the journey was very "celestial" meaning it as heavenly
8. Act three, scene one offers more support for the proposition that the king is the only person who thinks that Hermione is what?
Act 3, scene 1 shows that only the King regards Hermione as an adulteress
9. Who is the God the Oracle is dedicate to?
The god Oracle is dedicated to the great Apollo
10. What does "Apollo's great divine seal" refer to?
"Apollo's great divine seal" refers to the judgement that was passed by the Oracle that will reveal the truth
11. At the end of Act three, scene one, what do the men get to make their journey home faster?
At the end of Act 1 scene 1, the men get horses to make their journey faster
12. What do the men, in Act three, scene one, think of forcing faults on Hermione?
The men find that forcing faults on Hermoine to be unjust, and dislike the claims that are being forced upon her by king Leontes
Short Answer Questions - Act 3, Scene 2
1. What does Leontes call for at the beginning of the trial?
At the beginning of the trial, Leontes calls for "The prisoner"
2. What is one of the charges laid against Hermione at her trial?
One of the charges laid against Hermione is adultery
3. What does Hermione think is sufficient proof of her innocence?
Hermione thinks that her loyalty and behavior prior to Polixenes visit is sufficient proof of her innocence
4. What does Hermione say makes her life not worth living?
Hermione says that the accusations against her makes her life not worth living because she lost her children and her husband
5. Hermione tells her husband that his accusations exists only where?
Hermione tells her husband that his accusation only exist in his dreams
6. Who reads, at the trial, what the Oracle says?
An officer reads the Oracle at the trial
7. How does the Oracle characterize Leontes?
The Oracle characterizes Leontes as a jealous tyrant
8. What does the king live without, according to the Oracle, if that which is lost be not found?
The Oracle states that the king will live without an heir
9. Who tells the king that Mamillius dies?
A servant gives Leontes the news
10. What does Hermione do when she hears the news that Mamillius dies?
Hermione faints upon hearing the news
11. Who tells the king that the queen dies?
Paulina tells the King that Hermione has died
12. How many times does Leontes say he visits the graves of his wife and son?
Leontes promises to visit their graves once everyday
1. When Cleomenes says "fertile the isle/the temple much surpassing", what is he referring to?
Cleomenes is refering to the divine home of the gods
2. In what city is the Oracle located?
The Oracle is located in the city of Delphi
3. In what country is the Oracle located?
The country where the Oracle is located is Greece
4. How many characters speak in Act three, scene one?
In act 3,scene one, two (2) characters speak
5. What is one of the topics of conversation between the men in Act three, scene one?
Making their way back from Delphi, the lords Dion and Cleomenes discuss events and express their hope that the message they bring from the Oracle will vindicate the unfortunate Hermione.
6. What do the men, in Act three, scene one, want the Oracle to say?
The men want the Oracle to proclaim Hermione's innocence
7. How do the men, in Act three, scene one, say the journey to the Oracle is?
The men state that the journey was very "celestial" meaning it as heavenly
8. Act three, scene one offers more support for the proposition that the king is the only person who thinks that Hermione is what?
Act 3, scene 1 shows that only the King regards Hermione as an adulteress
9. Who is the God the Oracle is dedicate to?
The god Oracle is dedicated to the great Apollo
10. What does "Apollo's great divine seal" refer to?
"Apollo's great divine seal" refers to the judgement that was passed by the Oracle that will reveal the truth
11. At the end of Act three, scene one, what do the men get to make their journey home faster?
At the end of Act 1 scene 1, the men get horses to make their journey faster
12. What do the men, in Act three, scene one, think of forcing faults on Hermione?
The men find that forcing faults on Hermoine to be unjust, and dislike the claims that are being forced upon her by king Leontes
Short Answer Questions - Act 3, Scene 2
1. What does Leontes call for at the beginning of the trial?
At the beginning of the trial, Leontes calls for "The prisoner"
2. What is one of the charges laid against Hermione at her trial?
One of the charges laid against Hermione is adultery
3. What does Hermione think is sufficient proof of her innocence?
Hermione thinks that her loyalty and behavior prior to Polixenes visit is sufficient proof of her innocence
4. What does Hermione say makes her life not worth living?
Hermione says that the accusations against her makes her life not worth living because she lost her children and her husband
5. Hermione tells her husband that his accusations exists only where?
Hermione tells her husband that his accusation only exist in his dreams
6. Who reads, at the trial, what the Oracle says?
An officer reads the Oracle at the trial
7. How does the Oracle characterize Leontes?
The Oracle characterizes Leontes as a jealous tyrant
8. What does the king live without, according to the Oracle, if that which is lost be not found?
The Oracle states that the king will live without an heir
9. Who tells the king that Mamillius dies?
A servant gives Leontes the news
10. What does Hermione do when she hears the news that Mamillius dies?
Hermione faints upon hearing the news
11. Who tells the king that the queen dies?
Paulina tells the King that Hermione has died
12. How many times does Leontes say he visits the graves of his wife and son?
Leontes promises to visit their graves once everyday
Monday 1 October 2012
Assignment 1
Qestions
-Explain an incident where you have been accused for something you never did?
I was in the middle of a test once when my pen ran out, I whispered to the person who was sitting next to me to ask them if I could borrow a pen. My teacher saw the whispers and accused me of cheating.
-Recall an incident where you were loyal to someone only to be betrayed? How did you feel?
Once, I confided in someone and them,in me, we swore never to tell anyone what we told each other.Eventually, I heard my secret from someone else too. She admitted that she accidentally told someone my secret. I felt hurt and I felt that I could not trust her again.
-The terminology OBEAH is a prevalent term with the caribbean. Have you or your family member been affected by it?
My family is not affected by Obeah. They are aware that it is real but they do no make it an important issue and they make a tremendous effrot not to every bring up the topic.
-Infidelity is a common practice in marriages today. Imagine that you suspect your spouse of cheating, what would your reaction be?
If my spouse was cheating, i would be in a state of shock but i would also see it as a sign that he isn't the right one or this is not the right time for a relationship, look at it as a blessing and move on.
What does loyalty mean to you?
-Explain an incident where you have been accused for something you never did?
I was in the middle of a test once when my pen ran out, I whispered to the person who was sitting next to me to ask them if I could borrow a pen. My teacher saw the whispers and accused me of cheating.
-Recall an incident where you were loyal to someone only to be betrayed? How did you feel?
Once, I confided in someone and them,in me, we swore never to tell anyone what we told each other.Eventually, I heard my secret from someone else too. She admitted that she accidentally told someone my secret. I felt hurt and I felt that I could not trust her again.
-The terminology OBEAH is a prevalent term with the caribbean. Have you or your family member been affected by it?
My family is not affected by Obeah. They are aware that it is real but they do no make it an important issue and they make a tremendous effrot not to every bring up the topic.
-Infidelity is a common practice in marriages today. Imagine that you suspect your spouse of cheating, what would your reaction be?
If my spouse was cheating, i would be in a state of shock but i would also see it as a sign that he isn't the right one or this is not the right time for a relationship, look at it as a blessing and move on.
What does loyalty mean to you?
Sunday 23 September 2012
Act 2 scene 1 of the Winter's tale : Video analysis
Hermione sits with her ladiesin waiting and Mamillius, her son. He is mischievous and charming. Leontes enters with Antigonus and various lords. They are telling him about the flight of Camillo and Polixenes, and their news makes Leontes feel certain that his suspicions were correct. He now believes that Camillo was a double agent working for Polixenes. He has Mamillius taken from Hermione, and he cruelly insults Hermione in front of the lords and Hermione's ladies. He says that she has committed adultery, and Hermione bears his insults with dignity. When he tells her that she is to be put in prison, she insists that her ladies accompany her because she is pregnant and needs their help. The lords weep as she is escorted out, and she tells them that they would have reason to weep if she were guilty; for the innocent, suffering leads to grace. She brings her women with her as she goes to her prison.
Act 2 opens with the peaceful scene of the prince playing with his mother and the ladies-in-waiting. The charm and happiness of the moment makes the contrast with the jealousy of Leontes all the more jarring. Shakespeare is giving us a glimpse of the normal pattern of their family life, which invites greater sympathy for the queen and prince and gives us a sense of what Leontes is destroying.
Leontes' delusions isolate him from his family and his court. He removes his wife and son from his company, and he continues to believe strongly in Hermione's infidelity even though everyone at court thinks the idea is ridiculous. He is completely alone in his suspicions, insisting on them most violently when someone at court tries to contradict him. These scenes reveal a king who is withdrawing further and further into his own paranoia. He interprets Camillo's flight with Polixenes as conclusive proof of his suspicions, ignoring the fact that if Camillo, Hermione, and Polixenes were innocent Camillo would do exactly the same thing.
Sunday 16 September 2012
Synopsis on Shakespeare : Elizabethan Theatre
William Shakespeare was born in 1564 in Stratford-upon-Avon, Warwickshire, England.
Though no birth records exist, church records indicate that William Shakespeare was baptized at Holy Trinity Church in Stratford-upon-Avon on April 26, 1564. From this, it is believed he was born on or near April 23, 1564, and this is the date scholars acknowledge as William Shakespeare's birthday.
William was the third child of John Shakespeare, a leather merchant, and Mary Arden, a local landed heiress. William had two older sisters, Joan and Judith, and three younger brothers, Gilbert, Richard and Edmund.
Scant records exist of William's childhood, and virtually none regarding his education. Scholars have surmised that he most likely attended the King's New School, in Stratford, which taught reading, writing and the classics. Being a public official's child, William would have undoubtedly qualified for free tuition. But this uncertainty regarding his education has led some to raise questions about the authorship of his work and even about whether or not William Shakespeare ever existed.
William Shakespeare married Anne Hathaway on November 28, 1582, in Worcester, in Canterbury Province. Hathaway was from Shottery, a small village a mile west of Stratford. William was 18 and Anne was 26. Their first child, a daughter they named Susanna, was born on May 26, 1583. Two years later, on February 2, 1585, twins Hamnet and Judith were born,. Hamnet later died of unknown causes at age 11.
William was an English poet and playwright widely regarded as the greatest writer of the English language, as well as one of the greatest in Western literature, and the world's pre-eminent dramatist. He wrote about thirty-eight plays and 154 sonnets, as well as a variety of other poems. Already a popular writer in his own lifetime, Shakespeare's reputation became increasingly celebrated after his death and his work adulated by numerous prominent cultural figures through the centuries. In addition, Shakespeare is the most quoted writer in the literature and history of the English-speaking world.
Shakespeare is believed to have produced most of his work between 1586 and 1616, although the exact dates and chronology of the plays attributed to him are often uncertain. It was in William Shakespeare's later period, after 1600, that he wrote the tragedies "Hamlet," "King Lear," "Othello" and "Macbeth." In these, Shakespeare's characters present vivid impressions of human temperament that are timeless and universal. Possibly the best known of these plays is "Hamlet," with its exploration of betrayal, retribution, incest and moral failure. These moral failures often drive the twists and turns of Shakespeare's plots, destroying the hero and those he loves.
In William Shakespeare's final period, he wrote tragicomedies. Among these are "Cymbeline," "The Winter's Tale," and "The Tempest." Though graver in tone than the comedies, they are not the dark tragedies of "King Lear" or "Macbeth" because they end with reconciliation and forgiveness.
He is counted among the very few playwrights who have excelled in both tragedy and comedy. Shakespeare's works have been translated into every major living language, and his plays are continually performed all around the world. In addition, many quotations and neologisms from his plays have passed into everyday usage in English and other languages. Over the years, many people have speculated about Shakespeare's life, raising questions about his sexuality, religious affiliation, and the authorship of his works.
Today, his plays are highly popular and constantly studied and reinterpreted in performances with diverse cultural and political contexts. The genius of Shakespeare's characters and plots are that they present real human beings in a wide range of emotions and conflicts that transcend their origins in Elizabethan England.
ELIZABETHAN THEATRE
In England, prior to 1576 or the reign of queen Elizabeth I there were no established theatres in the country. Actors of that time wandered around looking for spectators. They usually performed in the courtyards of Royal Palaces or anywhere that could accommodate large audiences.
Though no birth records exist, church records indicate that William Shakespeare was baptized at Holy Trinity Church in Stratford-upon-Avon on April 26, 1564. From this, it is believed he was born on or near April 23, 1564, and this is the date scholars acknowledge as William Shakespeare's birthday.
William was the third child of John Shakespeare, a leather merchant, and Mary Arden, a local landed heiress. William had two older sisters, Joan and Judith, and three younger brothers, Gilbert, Richard and Edmund.
Scant records exist of William's childhood, and virtually none regarding his education. Scholars have surmised that he most likely attended the King's New School, in Stratford, which taught reading, writing and the classics. Being a public official's child, William would have undoubtedly qualified for free tuition. But this uncertainty regarding his education has led some to raise questions about the authorship of his work and even about whether or not William Shakespeare ever existed.
William Shakespeare married Anne Hathaway on November 28, 1582, in Worcester, in Canterbury Province. Hathaway was from Shottery, a small village a mile west of Stratford. William was 18 and Anne was 26. Their first child, a daughter they named Susanna, was born on May 26, 1583. Two years later, on February 2, 1585, twins Hamnet and Judith were born,. Hamnet later died of unknown causes at age 11.
William was an English poet and playwright widely regarded as the greatest writer of the English language, as well as one of the greatest in Western literature, and the world's pre-eminent dramatist. He wrote about thirty-eight plays and 154 sonnets, as well as a variety of other poems. Already a popular writer in his own lifetime, Shakespeare's reputation became increasingly celebrated after his death and his work adulated by numerous prominent cultural figures through the centuries. In addition, Shakespeare is the most quoted writer in the literature and history of the English-speaking world.
Shakespeare is believed to have produced most of his work between 1586 and 1616, although the exact dates and chronology of the plays attributed to him are often uncertain. It was in William Shakespeare's later period, after 1600, that he wrote the tragedies "Hamlet," "King Lear," "Othello" and "Macbeth." In these, Shakespeare's characters present vivid impressions of human temperament that are timeless and universal. Possibly the best known of these plays is "Hamlet," with its exploration of betrayal, retribution, incest and moral failure. These moral failures often drive the twists and turns of Shakespeare's plots, destroying the hero and those he loves.
In William Shakespeare's final period, he wrote tragicomedies. Among these are "Cymbeline," "The Winter's Tale," and "The Tempest." Though graver in tone than the comedies, they are not the dark tragedies of "King Lear" or "Macbeth" because they end with reconciliation and forgiveness.
He is counted among the very few playwrights who have excelled in both tragedy and comedy. Shakespeare's works have been translated into every major living language, and his plays are continually performed all around the world. In addition, many quotations and neologisms from his plays have passed into everyday usage in English and other languages. Over the years, many people have speculated about Shakespeare's life, raising questions about his sexuality, religious affiliation, and the authorship of his works.
Today, his plays are highly popular and constantly studied and reinterpreted in performances with diverse cultural and political contexts. The genius of Shakespeare's characters and plots are that they present real human beings in a wide range of emotions and conflicts that transcend their origins in Elizabethan England.
ELIZABETHAN THEATRE
The first proper theatre as was
built at Shoreditch in 1576. Before this time plays were performed in
the courtyard of inns, or sometimes, in the houses of noblemen. A noble
had to be careful about which play he allowed to be performed within
his home. Anything that was controversial or political was
likely to get him in trouble with the crown.
After the Theatre, further open air playhouses opened
in the London area, including the Rose , and the Hope.
The most famous playhouse was the Globe built in 1599 by the company
in which Shakespeare had a stake.The Globe was only in use until 1613, when a canon fired
during a performance of Henry VIII caught the roof on fire
and the building burned to the ground. The site of the theatre was
rediscovered in the 20th century and a reconstruction built near the
spot.
These theatres could hold several thousand people, most
standing in the open pit before the stage, though rich nobles could
watch the play from a chair set on the side of the stage itself.
Theatre performances were held in the afternoon, because,
of course, there was no artificial lighting. Women attended plays, though
often the prosperous woman would wear a mask to disguise her identity.
Further, no women performed in the plays. Female roles were generally
performed by young boys.
The history of the theater is fascinating. How
plays were first produced in the yards of inns - the Inn-yards. The very
first theater and the development of the amphitheatre.The Elizabethan
Entrepreneurs, the building,
design and construction of a London Elizabethan Theatre. The plays, the
playwrights, the politics and the propaganda all play an important part
in the history of the Elizabethan Theatre. The Elizabethan Theatre was a
booming business. People loved the Theatre.The Elizabethan plays and
theatres were as popular as the movies and cinemas of the early 20th
century. Vast amounts of money were made. The inn-keepers increased
their profits by allowing plays to be shown on temporary stages erected
in the yards of their innsIn England, prior to 1576 or the reign of queen Elizabeth I there were no established theatres in the country. Actors of that time wandered around looking for spectators. They usually performed in the courtyards of Royal Palaces or anywhere that could accommodate large audiences.
Tuesday 11 September 2012
What does friendship mean to me
1) Define "Theme" : This can be defined as the subject of a talk, a piece of writing, a person's thoughts, or an exhibition; a topic.
2) What does friendship mean to you?
Friendship is important to me but what is more important, is quality over quantity. A good friend should be someone who understands without asking, and always knows the best ways to make me feel good about myself and life in general.
3) What does loyalty mean to you?
Loyalty to me means being a true friend. Someone being there for me whenever I need it and will stick with me through thick and thin.
4) How would you react if you best friend betrayed you?
First off, I would resist the urge to character assassinate. It feels good in the moment, but afterwards, it seems quite immature. Secondly,I find someone who I trust and then talk about it, making sure that person is neutral. Not in a “he said, she said” kind of way, but talk through the situation and my feelings. And finally, I use it as an opportunity to get closer to other friends. They may have been my best friend, but they aren’t my only friend.
5) recall a situation where you thought you were betrayed only to find out you were wrong.
Once when I confided in my best friend, eventually, I heard the secret from someone else too. I thought my best friend was sharing my secret with others only to realize that I forgot that I told that person the secret too.
6) Have you ever been cheated on?
No.
7)What if you felt the betrayer was your best friend?
I would feel heart broken and deceived. If i cannot trust my best friend, who can I trust?
8) What length would you go to ensure payback to your friend?
I would do nothing. Pick myself up and move on.Vengeance belongs to God. It's up to him to wreak vengeance.
2) What does friendship mean to you?
Friendship is important to me but what is more important, is quality over quantity. A good friend should be someone who understands without asking, and always knows the best ways to make me feel good about myself and life in general.
3) What does loyalty mean to you?
Loyalty to me means being a true friend. Someone being there for me whenever I need it and will stick with me through thick and thin.
4) How would you react if you best friend betrayed you?
First off, I would resist the urge to character assassinate. It feels good in the moment, but afterwards, it seems quite immature. Secondly,I find someone who I trust and then talk about it, making sure that person is neutral. Not in a “he said, she said” kind of way, but talk through the situation and my feelings. And finally, I use it as an opportunity to get closer to other friends. They may have been my best friend, but they aren’t my only friend.
5) recall a situation where you thought you were betrayed only to find out you were wrong.
Once when I confided in my best friend, eventually, I heard the secret from someone else too. I thought my best friend was sharing my secret with others only to realize that I forgot that I told that person the secret too.
6) Have you ever been cheated on?
No.
7)What if you felt the betrayer was your best friend?
I would feel heart broken and deceived. If i cannot trust my best friend, who can I trust?
8) What length would you go to ensure payback to your friend?
I would do nothing. Pick myself up and move on.Vengeance belongs to God. It's up to him to wreak vengeance.
Thursday 12 January 2012
Biography on Francis Scott Fitzgerald
Francis Scott Key Fitzgerald was born in St. Paul, Minnesota, on September 24, 1896. Fitzgerald’s . His father, Edward, was from Maryland, with an allegiance to the Old South and its values. Fitzgerald’s mother, Mary McQuillan, was the daughter of an Irish immigrant who became wealthy as a wholesale grocer in St. Paul. Both were Catholics.
Edward Fitzgerald failed as a manufacturer of wicker furniture in St. Paul, and he became a salesman for Procter & Gamble in upstate New York. After he was dismissed in 1908, when his son was twelve, the family returned to St. Paul and lived comfortably on Mollie Fitzgerald’s inheritance. Fitzgerald attended the St. Paul Academy; his first writing to appear in print was a detective story in the school newspaper when he was thirteen.
During 1911-1913 he attended the Newman School, a Catholic prep school in New Jersey, where he met Father Sigourney Fay, who encouraged his ambitions for personal distinction and achievement. As a member of the Princeton Class of 1917, Fitzgerald neglected his studies for his literary apprenticeship. On academic probation and unlikely to graduate, Fitzgerald joined the army in 1917 and was commissioned a second lieutenant in the infantry. Convinced that he would die in the war, he rapidly wrote a novel, “The Romantic Egotist”; the letter of rejection from Charles Scribner’s Sons praised the novel’s originality and asked that it be resubmitted when revised.
In June 1918 Fitzgerald was assigned to Camp Sheridan, near Montgomery, Alabama. There he fell in love with a celebrated belle, eighteen-year-old Zelda Sayre. The romance intensified Fitzgerald’s hopes for the success of his novel, but after revision it was rejected by Scribners for a second time. The war ended just before he was to be sent overseas; after his discharge in 1919 he went to New York City to seek his fortune in order to marry.
In 1920 he married Zelda Sayre. His works, including the early novels This Side of Paradise (1920) and The Beautiful and Damned (1922) and the story collections Tales of the Jazz Age (1922), his brilliant The Great Gaspy and All the Sad Young Men (1926), capture the Jazz Age's vulgarity and dazzling promise. In 1924 Scott and Zelda became part of the expatriate community on the French Riviera, the setting of Tender Is the Night (1934). His fame and prosperity proved disorienting to them both, and he became seriously alcoholic. Zelda never fully recovered from a mental breakdown in 1932 and spent most of her remaining years in a sanitarium. In 1937 Scott moved to Hollywood to write film scripts; the experience inspired the unfinished The Last Tycoon (1941). He died of a heart attack at age 44.
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