More thoughts on Shakespeare

Well, I totally understand why "All's Well That Ends Well" is a problem play. What a heap of hogwash! I know Helena loves Bertram, but really, could she still desire him even after he so blatantly disregards her and has relations with another woman (so he thinks!!!)? I do have some sympathy for Bertram being forced into a marriage he does not want and I respect him for not solemnizing his marriage vows when he easily could have taken advantage of Helena but the lack of his accountability and responsibility for his actions at the end of the play cause a "problem" for me. He gets off scott free! Does he really love Helena now or is it just a ploy to get out of a sticky situation? I guess being on the more distrustful side of humanity, I would wonder. I do wish them much love and success though. With a wife like Helena, a man could become a wonderful figure. Such is the greatness of her love.

I listened to the audio of "Comedy of Errors" this past week. I've seen this play a few times and consequently knew the storyline. I was pleased with the audio for two reasons: First, I was able to feel more immersed in the play and to feel a part of it. My imagination and recent memories of the movie helped to make the humorous parts more funny and the heartache more real. Through listening, I seemed to feel more emotion for the characters. Second, I was able to hear the play in its entirety, which I hadn't been able to do previously. I am sure the directors have a hard time deciding where to cut the lines. The whole play is so rich with wit, humor, and intrigue. I appreciate this play for the fact that it reminds me not to assume anything and to question everything; to seek original references with the Holy Spirit as my companion.

A Lover's Complaint
This poem, written in rhyme royal, was enjoyable to listen to and internalize as I read it to my little ones lounging around me, their bright, flame-reflected faces upturned to mine. The warmth emanating from our darkened wood stove lent a softness to the woman's grief as we, companions with the aged man, listened to her story alongside the gurgling brook . Two lines caught my attention throughout this story of broken trust. "All melting; though our drops this difference bore, His poison'd me, and mine did him restore." This line brought much sadness to me as I could visualize her disappointed disgrace contrasted with his conceited, cheerful attitude made possible by a conquest of goodness. I had a friend once who could call this complaint her own. She was the most beautiful woman I've ever met, inside and out. She, like the lover in Shakespeare's poem, had admirer's abound, but she, also, wanted but one man, and that man didn't keep a true heart for her. He rebuked her, reviled her, toyed with her, and disgraced her. She continued to love him in spite of these hardships. I moved away and lost touch with her, but I wonder still...are they together? Did she find a good man to love her? I wonder...and I pray for her.

Julius Caesar
I enjoyed the intrigue and fast-moving pace of this play. I thought at first Cassius wicked, which through perusal of commentaries, I found myself changing that label to "concerned" instead. I was sad to see Brutus take the path that he did. He seemed very naive and trusting which I thought might be a tragic flaw for him. I kept wondering throughout the play, isn't there a better way? Can't he do something else in this precarious position? What should we do? Our society is so closely mirrored with Rome's at that time. What is the correct course that we should take? What do we do to reverse the power-hungry government that we've allowed to malignantly grow? I also it was very interesting and disturbing how the citizens reacted to the upheaval. They seemed to be quickly swayed by and susceptible to the powerful speeches, unable to think for themselves. Another alarming comparison...

2 Gentlemen of Verona
"Who by repentance is not satisfied Is nor of heaven, nor earth; for these are pleas'd; By penitence the Eternal wrath's appeas'd,-" Wow, Valentine, talk about forgiving as Christ would forgive. Of course it might be easier now that he has Silvia in his arms, but still...he frankly forgave Proteus for his betrayal and deception in his behalf. I wonder at Proteus's repentance. Was it sincere or did he just get caught and talk his way out of it. I'm realizing this a common theme among Shakespeare's plays, one which continues to raise the red flag of "trust" for me. I realize that it's not up to me to "judge" if someone's sincere or not, I still need to forgive, as Valentine so eloquently reminds us. I hope I can be more trusting of others and remember that most people are trying their best in their own specific situations. To them and the rest, I leave judgment to the heavens and improving Christ-like qualities to myself.