Shakespearean mentor challenge

I'm going to attempt to explain a few of my thoughts on these plays, sonnets, and poems by Shakespeare. I figure I need to jot down at least a few ideas to help me recollect later on down the road. Plus, I might discover the answers to my questions someday and wouldn't it be sad if I couldn't remember them, the questions, I mean. Anyway, I might do these in batches. It might be easier for me to make the writing commitment.
The Merchant of Venice - I enjoyed reading this book and found I was underlining text and taking notes in the margins. The only problem with that was that I had a library edition. Oops!!! Being the good citizen that I am, I erased all of the marks (good thing I write softly). I was drawn to Portia's "mercy" plea for Antonio. I actually used it in one of our Shakespeare Conquest lectures contrasting the verse with prose, "Don't be so hard on him." It's been one of my most successful lectures. Another thought I had was about Shylock. If he had received Antonio's "pound of flesh", what kind of man would he have become? Would he have changed from his revengeful state? Not likely, since revenge rarely douses anger and outrage, but instead festers into a hateful state. I think Bassanio has a lot of learning to pursue in order to equal Portia, but then again, maybe, just being by her side, by osmosis, he'll acquire the knowledge required. As it stands, Portia is obviously pleased with his good looks and character. Maybe he's just what she needs.
Sonnets 1-4,5-9 - Okay, I need to look up commentary for these verses. It sounds to me like the author is trying to seduce a virtuous woman. Not a very honorable beginning...
Measure for Measure - I watched this BBC version and thought it was great! I loved how Isabel desired to stayed pure and virtuous, even when her own brother, Claudio, begged her to give into Angelo's request. The Duke was also a favorite character of mine and I appreciated his timing wherein, concealed as a friar, he saved Isabel from further distress by sending Mariana to go in her stead to meet Angelo in the darkened garden. He proved himself witty, charming, and resourceful. I did feel sorrow for Mariana at the end of the play when she, herself being joyful about the situation, married Angelo and began their life together. I cannot fathom her joy knowing all of the horrible deeds he has done and I hope, for her sake, he changes since his punishment seems only to be marriage to a lovely and virtuous woman. I was thankful Isabel was able to retain her virtue throughout the play and had the opportunity of an honorable and true love with the Duke. This play inspired me to choose worthy and righteous friends who uplift and support me in the endeavors that I pursue, and I hope to be a more worthy and true friend to them in return.
Titus Andronicus - This was a hard play for me to listen to. I'm glad we didn't have to view a video. I was amazed at how much I picked up just listening to the CD. I didn't enjoy the human sacrifice of Tamora's son in the beginning of the play. I found I didn't like Titus from the get-go, though it make me ponder on the evil and horrific nature of war where it seems really nobody wins. Tamora's underlying plot of revenge was very distasteful also, especially when she helps her other two sons rape and mutilate Lavinia. I would hope, if I was in a similar situation, that I would not take her path of revenge and lose the companionship of the Almighty. I was not sad at the end when she was killed and her body was left for the beasts and birds, although I did feel sorrow for her being in the terrible situation of a prisoner of war to begin with. Titus
Pericles, Prince of Tyre - I also watched the BBC version for this play and really enjoyed it! It was listed as a comedy on the DVD and is listed as a tragedy through LEMI. I, myself, would gravitate toward listing it as a comedy. Although each character, especially Pericles and his daughter, Marina, had much tragedy in their lives, they were both reunited with their wife/mother at the end of the play with much rejoicing. No one was seriously hurt in the play; even Mariana within the Brothel wittingly kept her virtue intact while converting those who would despoil her to goodness and honor. Mariana was obviously raised with the best education and character possible, not in thanks to her envious adopted mother, and I'm glad that education assisted in keeping her pure and undefiled. This play inspired me to seek the higher ground when in dangerous or awkward situations and I found myself hoping that my increasing education will assist me when I am in need.
'Til next time,
Nikki