Reflections...

Working with blogger was a pretty cool experience. I honestly didn't know anything about it other than its existence in the Internet world. It was pretty easy to navigate and get control over. Its kind of like a myspace type of situation where you add certain things to make it your own. I really liked that aspect of it and the fact that it wasn't hard to do. I also really liked getting feedback from my peers. When I had felt as though I had done a good job, they were always there and very complimentary towards my work. I also like that when my work was a little off, they were honest enough to oppose some of my beliefs. Writing the blogs on blogger was easy. It beats having to write numerous papers or having quizzes every other class period. Although some of the topics were more difficult than others to write about, the use of the blogger made life easier. If one read the reading material, it was not difficult to write any entries. Blogger really reminds me of the old Microsoft works, where they make everything simple and idiot-proof. The minimum of 250 words was never an issue for me. I spoke about each and every topic until i felt my points were made clearly. I just figured it would always end up being around 250 words. At times it was a little difficult to meet the deadlines. Between the chunks of reading that had to be done, we also had to work on our papers, other projects, and deal with the workload from other courses. Blogging was easy to forget to do for me because it was all done online from my house. I think the deadline should be inforced but accepted late with a certain amount of penalties due to the. The 8:00 in the morning timing I think should be done away with completely because it is a little ridiculous. Especially since we don't have class anywhere near that time. If a person were to do the majority of their blogs on time, they may deserve a few extra points added onto their lower graded blogs. I really liked being forced to leave comments on the blogs of my peers as well. it forced me to read their work which is something I probably wouldn't have done on my own. But it turned out to be really enjoyable. It was also enjoyable to see how different people interpret different things. Blogging was mucheasier and much more convient than the more traditional forms of essay writing. I feel that blogger allowes more freedom of expression that wtiting essays does not. Even the writing prompt we had to do during the first few classes were painful, even though i was keeping upwith the readings. Umm, i have no idea what in the world i would blog about outside of schoolwork. I would never post my feelings on here or anything dealing with my personal life, so, im too cool for blogging.

My Favorite Lady

In order of my favorite to my least favorite:


Judi Dench- As soon as she screamed, she won the title of my favorite lady. You can see, hear and feel the pain and the crazy she is experiencing. Initially, the way she walks right in between the other two characters catches my attention. Then, when she hold her hands up to the candle, she doesn't really examine the "blood" on them. She looks past her hands and looks crazed and extremely remorseful. When she says "hell is murky" and then looks directly at the other actors as well and into the camera and then delivers the "fie my lord fie" line, her look is penetrating. Her voice and her hand motions are so believable. Dench looks genuinely perturbed to her core and it manges to shake the viewer to the core. She seems so depressed when she delivers the "all the perfumes of Arabia line." She then rocks back and forth while sitting on the floor and that is something i can see someone who is losing their mind doing. She just comes across very believable in her techniques and really manages to deliver the emotions that needed to be portrayed for this scene.



Jane Lapotaire- Her portrayal overall seems rather manic. The way she plays the Lady does not feel as emotional or remorseful as Dench did. I like that her entrance felt ominous. Her "hell is murky" line delivery seemed a little fake. But she then compensates for it by her delivery of "who would have thought..." line. She seems shaken by that thought. She seems genuinely disgusted by the thoughts shes having. Then she begins to sing the delivery of her lines and i did not feel as though that was necessary. It enhances the belief that she is losing her mind, but i feel as though that it didn't fit into the scene. I also thought the her sniffing her hands the way she did after the "perfumes of Arabia" line was ridiculous. When she was pretending to pull Macbeth to bed, she seemed like she hasn't gone to the bathroom in a long time and was trying to push one out. Overall i don't think her performance was believable especially since she played lady Macbeth more crazed than sorry. Her remorse was meant to be hidden beneath her insanity.

Shirley Verrett- I think that the fact that this is an operatic performance, it gives the speech a totally different vibe. The acting skills in this scene are secondary to the voice of the singer. We really only have Verrett's singing to have any emotions evoked. The fact that is is a different language (even with the words in front of me) made it more complicated for me to understand. I think the singing was beautiful and it made me tear up, but i don't think it holds as strongly as Dench's performance, unless you are looking for an opera. For me, i missed the physicality of the other performances. I must admit though, they had the best staircase.

If I Could Make a Perfect Man...

The
characteristics my ideal man would possess are:

1.Sensitive 2.Caring 3. A Good Listener 4.VERY handsome but not conceited 5.Goals to further himself 6. Willful with strong moral beliefs 7.The ability to
cope in rough times 8.Strong but knows when to be gentle 9. Responsible 10.Not easily influenced by others (knows who he is and what he wants) 11.Calm, even during times when it is hard to restrain himself
I believe it is hard, speaking from a modern American standpoint, for a man like Macbeth to hold all of the characteristics I have listed. However there are several characteristic a man should have held from generation to generation.

Macbeth:
1.Sensitive- I think Macbeth is sensitive in a warped way. He doesn't kill King Duncan without remorse. He is so torn about the murder that he lets Lady Macbeth literally clean up his mess.
2.Caring- I think this goes hand in hand with sensitivity. He cared that he was a murderer and is tortures himself over the path that he chose 3.Good Listener-Obviously he is a good listener to a fault. His wife is a little nutty and suggests death as a means to obtain a goal. That was one time he probably shouldn't have listened to his Lady. He also listens too closely to what the three crazed witches have to say
4.Very Handsome but not conceited- I do not know exactly how handsome Macbeth is supposed to be. I'm sure he was to a certain degree (a powerful man is always sexy) but it is impossible to tell if he is conceited or not . 5. Willful With Strong Moral Beliefs- Willful Macbeth may be, in all the wrong ways of course, but he is obviously lacking in the morality department. He is the type of man where he believes that the end justifies the means. That makes him lack any sets of guidelines whatsoever. 6. The Ability to Cope in Rough Times- Although Macbeth outwardly acts like nothing is wrong in his life after the murder of King Duncan, he did not have that capability immediately after the murder. He reacted on instinct immediately after the murder and relied on his wife. He is also struggling internally, and eventually that will catch up with his outward actions. 7. Goals to Further Themselves- It is quite clear that Macbeth's goal is to become king with using unconventional methods. I never thought that a man with goals could be so flawed, but in Macbeth's case it is his fatal flaw. 8. Strong but Knows When to Be gentle- Macbeth is a murder, a villain no doubt, but he is a loving and gentle husband with his wife. He is a man of war that con protect his wife and family but still holds a gentle (but bloody hand). 9. Responsible- I feel that this is one trait that Macbeth lacks completely. His actions were completely irresponsible and was not the right choice for him to make. Does he own his responsibility for the terrible path he chose (which inevitably lead to his own demise)? Yes. but he does not act in any responsible form. 10. Not Easily Influenced- This is one trait that Macbeth also completely lacks in. He is not his own man. He is talked into committing an unspeakable crime and is spellbound by the idea of being king and is captivated by the witches. I wouldn't want to know what else he would be able to be talked into. 11. Calm- He is not in any way calm. He tortures himself almost daily and lets his deed completely was over him. He is not taking care of the situating he created for himself and is internally going insane. You can't blame a man that has just commited murder to be collected in his emotions or feelings, but he does almost nothing to cope and come to terms with what he has done.

Destiny is Dead in The Hand's of Bad Luck

Hamlet's fate in the play is quite clear once the reader realizes the plays plot. We have this man who is already depressed and torn apart over what he believes is his father's murder. His depression and "madness" beings to be verified to him when he speaks to his father's ghost. I believe the outcome of this is shaped both by divinity and his sometimes nonsensical course of actions. Had Hamlet's father never been murdered (divinity??) and had he never had any sort of suspicion to the death of his father like the other characters in the play (his character) there would be no course of action necessary for him to take. I believe that Shakespeare wanted to impose the belief of divinity being a means for a result simply by using a ghost as a character. In other plays he used soothsayers and other means to bring about the truth behind a matter. The fact that Hamlet speaks to his father's ghost brings about a feeling that there are bigger factors coming into play other than the bitterness Hamlet has against his uncle. However, Hamlet's constant over analytical plotting and double guessing himself brought about more harm than good it seems. His action/inaction lead to several death's that were seemingly unnecessary to help his cause (Polonius, Ophelia,etc...). The methods behind his madness did not help his master plan as much as it hindered his course of action further (although it made for great reading material). If Hamlet was not always a step ahead of everyone else and had he not had been a believer, there would be no Hamlet to begin with.

I honestly believe in the quote "Destiny is dead in the hands of bad luck". This means that divinty or destiny can only take a person so far. There is a path that is already paved for one to take but it is up to the person to choose how that path is going to turn out. The divinty aspect was a ghost appearing and speaking with Hamlet. The man's power with divinty is seen in Hamlet's choice to believe in the ghost and then follow up on the ghosts promting to avenge his death. Hamlet, when hearing his proof that his uncle is guilty of murdering his father (more divinity??), has a chance to confront him on it or wait it out. Hamlet waits it out and well, we all see how that worked out for him. It is a combination of divine power meshed with our own human instincts that lead to how things will turn out.

I feel that Hamlet truly believed he was put upon this path of destructive revenge by a higher power. He recognizes the ghost of his father to be, well, a ghost. I also think he recognizes that the choices he makes, even with the guidance of his father's ghost, played a hand in the outcome of the play. He recognizes that he is not the agent of God like he once said but just played with the hand he was dealt. I feel that "There's a divinity that shapes our ends, /Rough-hew them how we will" he is giving himself and his actions completly over to God. That this was the path god set him out on and he only being human only reacted as a human would.

Blog 8: You've Gotta Be Cruel To Be Kind in The Right Measure

Hamlet and Othello, although on a similar quest for justice, are two very different characters and are put on their paths for very different reasons. They both share a fatal flaw of needing to seek out justice by means of their own hands. However similar their goals may be, they approach the situation in very different ways. Hamlet, from the moment we meet him, is a thinker. He is very aware of the situations going on around him and is already brewing on the inside. We can see his anger and depression within the first few lines he speaks. He has been "royally screwed" by his family and is unsure of what action he should take, if any at all. Othello starts off a very calm, collective man. He is a man of war and therefor is logical, well planned, and is in full control of the situations around him. He starts off with the image of a big teddy bear. Othello is the war hero who turns to mush at the mere sight of his wife. He does not change his ways until someone else plants doubt in his mind. Hamlet had the doubt to begin with. The ghost, similarly to Iago, confirms Hamlet's worst nightmares. (Iago did this by giving Othello Desdemona's handkerchief) Both men however, waited until they had solid proof of their suspicions until they started to take action. Othello, before having his "proof" did not really put much thought into his actions. He reacted to Desdemona on the pure emotions he was feeling in the moment. One could see Othello's "in the moment" thinking when he sees Desdemona and begins questioning if he should really kill her because just by looking upon her, he falls in love all over again. It is not until Desdemona is actually dead he really knew that he was going to go through with his plans. Hamlet knew all along what action he was going to take. Timing and having the right evidence was key to the action (and sometimes inaction) Hamlet took. Due to Hamlet's precautions, he let all of his emotions brew inside of him to a point where he could no longer control them. He then, with the first taste of the release of his pent up aggression, could not "bottle the monster" back inside of him. He took on the personality of a man hellbent on evening the score. He initially did not want to ruin more people's lives than necessary, but didn't care enough at the end to stop himself. He was unapologetic in his actions even until his death. Othello on the other hand realized and admitted his own wrongdoing and was truly sorry for the actions he took. Can I really blame Hamlet for letting himself follow the path of justice he took? No. I can also see why he takes on this omnious god-like character. He is mentally a step ahead of all of the other characters in the play and knows that the end will be bloody.

Blog 6: It Was Fun While it Lasted...

I think my picture pretty much sums up what my response to this prompt is going to be. As a very strong minded, self sufficient, "miss independent" woman, reading Othello, I can't help but stop and think "What the F*ck is this woman thinking??" I have a very low tolerance for taking any kind of crap from a man. There is very little a man can do for me that I can't do for myself. Especially since I'm not looking to have any children in the near future, there is nothing a man can do for me that I can't do for myself. Yes it is nice to share love and be dedicated to one person, but what happens when that man turns on you? If a man were to ever call me a whore, tell me I was unfaithful, and belittle me just because he is insecure in himself, I would do a lot worse than just slam a few doors on my way out. Sticking around and listening to false accusations would not even be a possible option for me. If my own husband were to make the accusations, I feel like that would an even bigger betrayal . That is proof that the marriage has failed and the love has faded. If my husband loved me and didn't believe what was being said about me he would approach me in a different way than Othello approached Desdemona. If the slurs and slanders continued throughout the conversation I was attempting to have one with him, his chances of me staying in the marriage decreases. I would leave and not hesitate at all. Things may be rough for a while but I know it would be for the best if I left.

I do know that my mentality is in 2008 and women are VERY different than the women in Desdemona's time. Today women have options and are more aware of the fact that there is more than just one possible match for them. We see less arranged marriages and more freedom for women. Sadly Desdemona did not live with that luxury. For her time period and the constraints of her situation, I feel she reacted as any other sane woman would have. She is married to a prince whom she loves and respects completely. She has pretty much removed herself from the safety of her fathers name, and is living in a land she is unfamiliar with. Moreover, she has no real support system to turn to other than Emilia. Yet, even Emilia is not completely on her side because she is the dutiful wife of Iago. Desdemona had nothing to gain and everything to lose if she would've been defiant with Othello. Adding to the mixture is the zeitgeist that Desdemona lived in. It was only natural for the woman to do whatever it took to keep their husbands happy and she did. She took the belittling with a grain of salt and did what she could to rectify the situation. Even though I, in today's society, would've punched Othello in the mouth for speaking to me that way, I can't say for sure that my reaction would've been the same if I was living in Desdemona's time. So I guess in the end, and regardless of how crappy the actions she took were, she made the best choice for all of those involved.

Blog 5: Barbantio vs. Leonato

Barbantio and Leonato are two fathers who completely adore, praise, and believe in their daughter's. They hold the highest opinions of their daughters and never forget to sing their praises. Due to their undying love and faith in their children, they are deeply distraught and torn apart when they feel their daughters have wronged them. Both believe their daughters are faithful to their wishes and would always obey what daddy says under any and all circumstances. I think it is key in understanding the astronomical faith these fathers have in their daughters in order to fully understand the plays. When these fathers realize that their daughters aren't "little miss perfect" they feel as though their entire world is caving in around them. Having a daughter that is defiant or has been ummm... deflowered before marriage was probably the worst thing possible for a father during Shakespearean times. Their daughters were then viewed as damaged goods and would probably never marry. Barbantio and Leonato both wanted to beat the crap out of whomever questioned their daughters. When the accusations were based in truth, the father's then turned their anger to their daughters. Both Desdemona and Hero were belittled, almost disowned, and put through a lot of mental anguish due to their fathers disappointment. Barbantio and Leonato initially had a lot of respect for the men in their daughter's life. They felt Othello and Claudio were men of honor and they were looked upon like adopted sons. Leonato reacted to Claudio appropriately. He shunned him and made him feel extremely guilty for wronging his daughter and his family's name. Massive apologies were called for and there were severe repercussions for Claudio's actions. Once the situation was amended Leonato forgave Claudio and fully accepted him as his own. Barbantio on the other hand never really fully accepted the part Othello played in wooing his daughter. Othello was never fully accepted again as an adopted son. He was always "the Moor" to Barbantio and was always viewed as the man who stole his only daughter.

The Many Faces Of Hamlet

Before I put my two cents in on these actor's capabilities and who passed my test on the best portrayal of Hamlet, there were three lines that I was waiting to hear and see how they were portrayed. These lines were "Fie on it", "... Frailty thy name is woman..." and "...to incestuous sheets...". For some reasons these lines really stuck out to me as a time where an actor could really show us a lot of emotions. The delivery of these lines played a part in my critiques of the scenes.



(In order of my favorite to my least favorite)



1. From Tony Richardson's Hamlet (Nicol Williams as Hamlet)- I was really moved by the way the scene was shot using just flickering candles in the background with only Nicol's face being shown. His eyes alone are pretty intense and you can see the emotion of the soliloquy in them. When he says "...Fie on it..." you can really see his disgust and it seemed like he was really passionate about dropping the Shakespearean F-Bomb. His voice cracks when hes reflecting on the disgusting acts done by his mother and uncle, which adds another dimension of emotion. While delivering the "...Frailty..." line he looks directly into the camera and it feels as though hes looking right through me. I like that hes almost punching himself in the head as he continues his lines. I think this video is proof that sometimes its better to strip an actor of any devices and let them completely depend upon their talents.

2. From Franco Zefirelli's Hamlet (Mel Gibson as Hamlet)- This particular scene I really thought I was going to laugh until I peed. I had forgotten Gibson had serious acting skills after all of his DUI's, anti-Semitisim, and outreaching to Brittney Spears. I was pleasantly proven wrong and here is why: It starts out similar to Nicol's performance with just a close up of Gibson which let his face do the acting. He then delivers the "Fie on it" line with a lot of rage which then only continues to build. I like that you see his mother and uncle outside his window because it looks like he's talking over them and is quite ominous in his delivery. The sadness in his voice when reflecting on "...Not two months dead..." is also enhanced by his facial expression which he seems to scoff at. What really sold me on this being my number 2 choice was his delivery on the "...Frailty..." line. You can see hes pist and I must admit I jumped a little bit when he slammed his shudders.

3.From Kevin Kline's Hamlet (Kline as Hamlet)- Here's another one I didn't think I would enjoy much. In & Out happens to be a movie I still enjoy watching and I didn't think I would be able to look at Kevin Kline through different eyes. Although it is poorly shot and the scenery or wardrobe does not add to the scene, his delivery is emotion filled. The emphasis he uses in his delivery of lines is seething, just like Hamlet is. I like that he is on his knees during the "...Fie on it..." line. You really can see he is distraught. I definitely did not like his emphasis on the "...Frailty..." delivery. It was a bit laughable. But I feel like it was recovered through the use of his voice on the rest of the soliloquy. He seemed tormented, psychotic, and restrained all through the use of his voice. If you closed your eyes and didn't watch him, it wasn't terrible after all.

4.From Kenneth Branagh's Hamlet (Branagh as Hamlet)- The master of modern Shakespearean acting has finally failed me. I love Kenneth as every other Shakespearean character I've seen him play- except for this one. I really just didn't feel it at all. He had everything going for him- props, costume, apparently a decent budget to work with, and he lost it for me. He knows how to deliver a soliloquy, and Shakespeare's words roll off his tongue in a magical way but the emotions didn't read on screen for me the way the other's did. Nothing he said caught my attention until he yelled "Not two months married" and then lost it for me when he started talking normally again. I just really didn't get "it" from him. (Plus he kinda sounded like the Cowardly Lion from the Wizard of Oz if you ask me.)

Note: I did NOT rank this version of Hamlet because its just well, unrankable for me. I really didn't know where to put it on my list.

From Yukio Ninagawa's Hamlet (Fujiwara Tatsuya as Hamlet)- This was like watching Hamlet on acid for me. It was all just a little bit trippy for me from start to finish. I appreciate the symbolism of the cage for Hamlet's "caged" rage and heartfelt beliefs. I even "got it" while he thrashed around inside the cage. He seemed to be connected to whatever it was he was saying. However, he looked Dracula-esque to me in his cape. Then it got a little stranger while he was holding onto the cage because frankly, his face and body made it look as though he was taking a dump on the stage. I also feel that after his big explosion and rattling the cage in his opening, the rest of the soliloquy should not have been delivered in a corner. I did think it was riddled with emotion and Yukio really felt what he was delivering.

(uN?)Happily EveR aFteR

Beatrice and Benedick fight against many obstacles throughout the play to formulate a relationship with each other. The back and forth between the two finally concludes when they share the final kiss. Readers are then left to speculate on what will happen between the two. It is in my opinion that the two genuinely found their soulmate in each other through very unorthodox methods. Is a happily ever after ever a guarantee? No. But, Shakespeare lent a little bit of Beatrice's character to Benedick and vice versa. They are complimentary reflections of one another. I genuinely think that if they story was based in truth they would have a "head up" on other couples because of that fact. Their attitudes and beliefs would probably hold them together rather than pulling them further apart. In regards to their kiss, in my opinion, Shakespeare put it in for a mixture of reasons. What better way to see all of the tension, animosity and mouthing off come to a halt than with a kiss? It is a great way to shut someone up but there is a lot of meaning behind it at the same time. If some stranger was non-stop talking to me chances are I would not kiss them to keep them quiet. It is a sign of love and cuteness between the two characters. The kiss is the end of the falling action between the two characters. It is also a harmonious kiss because we see Benedick learning to work with Beatrice. He is learning how to handle his Lady Tongue.

Should i Stay or Should i Go Now??

The "wedding" scene is an awkward situation for everyone in attendance. This is especially true for those who are directly involved and connected to those who were supposed to be wed. Benedick may have had the hardest decision/reaction to make because of his placement with all involved. On one hand his "brothers" leave the wedding shunning Hero and her entire family, but what about Beatrice? What would come of him acting in unison with his "brothers"? If Benedick were to have an aside during the shunning of Hero, it would go something like this...

Is it true? Could Hero be capable of committing such an act while betrothed? Nay. I thinkest she be fair and true. Look at her. She is shocked to her core. The love in her eyes while looking at Claudio would never permit such an act. Tis the same eye I give to mine Beatrice. Don Pedro be princely in manner but to think this? I have followed his lead for so long. Could it be the bastard? Don Pedro would never suspect him. It is his manner to stir the pot with trouble and spread this slanderous truth. Their tongues cut deep in the family's name. They must be sure of it. What to do? How to act? Nay, Hero's colour is still there. What of my Beatrice? Oh, how her heart must burn with hatred for the prince and his follower's. Yet, if they speak the truth, could Beatrice have committed the same sin? Fie on it! I shan't be blinded by these fool's. My heart knows whats true. I mustn't fall for this trickery. Beatrice will need me. Leonato will need me. I must keep my wits about me. Let my brethren curse me as well. If I were to leave, Beatrice will look upon me with the same eyes she looks upon the others. I must take my stand. My love must be proved true now. I will do what the situation calls for and help my beloved. She will know today what I feel through my actions. There will be a time when the truth will come to light. Til then...


Here's a cute video I found of Beatrice and Benedick on YouTube. Give it like 30 seconds and then turn up the volume!!

B & B: Perfect Couple or A Couple of Enemies?

Question 3: First of all, I'd like to think that it is nearly impossible for anyone to be completely immune to love. There is a difference when one is guarded or protective over who they love and may even deny they are/can love someone. Love is a special gift that deep down everyone craves and hopes to have a one point or another in their life. It can also be scary and off-putting to some. This is true especially when a person in love has a very independent attitude. Benedick here is no different. He swears off love from the moment we meet him and almost believe him when he says he'll die a bachelor. However, Beatrice brings out another side to him. They partake in this banter which is overflowing with sexual tension and the love/hate vibe. Benedick is extremely affected by the "skirmish of wit" that he and Beatrice shared. He swear revenges and curses her to high heaven but, one should look a little deeper at his emotions and reaction. If he truly despised her and thought she was a nuisance, he wouldn't have cared that much about what she had to say. He probably wouldn't have even went to talk to her at the ball. There is a lot of hurt, sadness, and disappointment behind his spoken words.

Diary Entry #1
The war is nearing and I must admit that I am completely prepared to go. Is it not a man's duty to go off and fight for his beliefs, freedom, and country? I will be amongst friends with whom I entrust my life completely. I may pay with blood but it will be rich with honour. It fairs me well that the war comes now. Alas, Lady Tongue and I did not share the bond in which I had hoped for. For after all she is Lady Disdain. What had I expected? A love fair and true? HA. I should think not. She is competent enough to undo God's first seven days with her quick tongue. I swear on it, I have a heart that beats for love like any man. Why must she break my every limb with her independence? Can she not be fair in any way? Maybe there will be a change of wind in her heart and mouth. Until then, never again. I shall be a war hero and never again play the fool in loves name. I shall stay a bachelor and enjoy my days in the favour of all women. As long as my name be Benedick, I will enjoy the pubs and the freedom that is bachelorhood.

Diary Entry#2
Ay, how treacherous that time hasn't turned that wicked woman! To think for a moment that happiness be in her heart to see me arrive whole! Methinks that tongue sprouted more roots in evil-be that possible? Nay, tis the same as before. How many fortnights have passed and still, still she rips me at the seams. If I were a bachelor before, I be a bachelor a thousand times over now. Never will thou see me a million yards nearest a church. Moments have passed since my arrival home and still that woman, if that's what thou calls her, be not blithe to see me. There is nothing plesant, fair, or blissful in her nature. I will keep on my war's armour. I shall'nt write a sonnet or listen to the fife. Tis I and I alone. Claudio and Hero. What fool's they be to be wed on a whim. Good Claudio, methinkest he were smarter than that. He all but melts in her hand! Why, what men do to woo a woman and make a bed with them. Never I. On my word, never I!!!

Shakespeare iN Love

Imagine living back in the world when women were only viewed as child bearers, housewives, and a man's plaything. Imagine that tomorrow all of the doctors, hospitals, and practical medications just disappeared. What would you do if there were laws that forbade you from moving up in class ranking or interacting with those in a higher class than you? What if love and marriage had nothing to do with each other? It should not come as a surprise that these are just some of the things that those living in Shakespearean times- including Shakespeare- had to deal with. This was the way of life that they knew, and they probably couldn't even fathom living in today's society. In the film Shakespeare In Love, the viewers get a glimpse of the society that Shakespeare had to cope with. Shakespeare was an actor, playwright, and ladies man. This also meant that he was a commoner and had no real power in his world. The only power he had was through his words and through the production of his plays. He did, however, manage to become somewhat of a local celebrity. This is due to the fact that going to the theater was open to all classes and ranks of people. It was also one of the only non-violent forms of entertainment that existed during this time. Aside from the morbid forms of public entertainment (public hangings general public embarrassment etc...) the plague was also killing hundreds by the day. Shakespeare was mostly broke, and only made money through selling his plays to the owners of the playhouses. He did use this to his advantage. He would promise his plays to different playhouses, and when it came time for the play to be produced, he would choose which playhouse benefited him most. He lived in a dirtier part of town which was very close to the playhouses. He also had a room atop the playhouse where he could write and sleep if need be. He did not get to partake in many of the luxuries of life aside from having a few drinks with his friends at a local pub. His closest friends were also his work associates- actors, other playwrights, costume designers, and a prostitute or two. He benefited from the ideas of the other playwrights and used some of their ideas as his own. Shakespeare also managed to manipulate roles in order to benefit his actor friends who would play his characters. One thing that was clear in Shakespeare In Love and it was that Shakespeare loved to love women. He was constantly looking for a muse, a great and life changing romance where he could draw inspiration from. Without a woman in his life Shakespeare was unable to write. He constantly needed to find a replacement for the women in which his feelings had begun to fade. Both would quickly become obsessed with each other and have a tumultuous, lust-filled relationship. Most ended as quickly as they had started and in a very heartbreaking situation. Part of the reasons he had so many torrid love affairs was partly because he was married and partly because he paid no mind to the class of women he became involved with. He was looking for raw passion. A true love that would stand the test of time and know no boundaries of class ranking, money, or trusts. He was trying to do this and live a life on love alone during a time where men were only concerned with women being tame, timid, loyal, trusting, quiet, and fertile. Shakespeare was not that kind of man. The success of his plays is due to the life he lead. He had a sense of humor about society and all the heartbreak it brought into his life. Those who seen his plays saw problems coming from their society. They saw their lives on stage- only better. Shakespeare mixed reality with these amazing stories of love, loss, revenge, and humor. Each story reflected his personal life in some way and it is the reason why his plays are still loved, laughed at, and cried over, hundreds of years later.