And we're slidin' into home base...

Henry VI, Part 3. What am I teaching my kids...the atrocities committed by power-hungry people, the personal devastation of civil war, the impending doom of evil?!!! Watching this play filled our family with many varying degrees of unsettled apprehension. Margaret is ruthless as she tortures Richard with the handkerchief from his murdered son. Her character has been slowly emerging throughout this trilogy and she is now in full power and seems to enjoy persecuting those not of her opinion. It is hard for me to understand the depth of her hatred and manipulation. Even in the end of the play when her son and husband are killed, she maintains this hatred and thinks only of herself and her loss of power. It can be dangerous to pursue our individual motives, unless we're following the Lord's will. There's another who is very happy to assist us in our efforts to obtain our motive, but in a less amiable way, to say the least. I also saw the devastation of families in the civil war between Lancaster and Yorkshire. When King Henry was watching two soldiers discover that they had each killed a member of their immediate family, he was filled with anguish, as was I. How awful it would be to fight for a cause you believe in only to have it unknowingly separate and destroy your family. At the end of the play when Richard has killed King Henry V and he decides to get rid of his brothers and become king, there is an awful foreshadowing of much more tragedy which didn't make me excited or eager to watch Richard III. If at first someone might feel sorry for Richard and his sad and deformed upbringing, at this point, that sadness has surely passed and a feeling of loathing is well under way. It is evident that he is not going to reform or change, but will seek any means to achieve full power. Another thing I learned in this play is that power is ever-changing and the only thing that's certain and unchanging in this life is how you treat others. King Henry VI was a compassionate, humble king that tried to be kind to others. He kept this character throughout the trilogy and died with a peaceful conscience; a blessing denied to others less Christ-like. This play also encouraged me to delve more into the war of the roses; a dispute which has been hard for me to understand in the lines of who's who. This play definitely raised a lot of flags for me in how I felt about evil and power and how I would handle that kind of oppression or leader. I think it's made me realize even more how important it would be to take a King Henry stance and try to be humble, always looking toward Christ. The other option is not great - kill or be killed.

At this point I have to talk about Richard III since it follows the last play. I have to give credit to Richard or Satan, for whom he's working, on his manipulation abilities. He reminds me of Iago, who, everybody thinks he's on their side when actually he's only on Iago's side. He's consumed in selfishness, but has a certain brilliance when it comes to manipulating others. This title is perfect for this play - The Tragedy of Richard III. And the tragedy happens to anyone who is remotely connected to Richard's plans for power. What a beastly time to live in England. I did enjoy all of the asides he made to the audience. We've know, throughout these last 4 plays, exactly where Richard stands. I think that's part of Shakespeare's genius and why we seem compelled to continue to delve into and learn about his characters. I also enjoyed Shakespeare's happy ending to this, otherwise, depressing play. Because everyone knows, I love happy endings. I believe and I'm very thankful that I know my life will eventually, even if it's in the 3rd act (Boyd K. Packer), have a "happily ever after."

I read Twelfth Night and thoroughly enjoyed it. I actually saved reading it until the end of the year because I like it so much. It reminds me of "Comedy of Errors" in the mix-up of identities, the ship-wreck, the love triangles, and much more... It's a fun, enjoyable comedy which puts to right all of the mishaps in the last act and everybody leaves happy and in love, well, except maybe Malvolio. Ha! Ha! And I love Viola...sweet girl.

As I read Henry IV, Part 1, I realized I should have read this play many months ago and not left it until one of the last plays. But, at least I knew what was going on for the most part. The character that stood out to me in this play was young prince Harry. I found that he had been raised in a good home, knew right from wrong, and still decided to use his agency to choose unwise situations and, ultimately, embarrassing and disappointing his family. It seemed that he walked a fine line. He didn't necessarily want to get into trouble with the law, but always justified himself in the activities he pursued to have fun. At one point he says that it will actually help his career as a king, which in my opinion, it probably does. He's very close to the people and knows their characters and situations well. Not that I'm endorsing his kind of behavior, but I do think overall it helped him to be a better king. I've known a few people like this who were wayward in their youth and yet, in their prime, when occasion called, are incredible leaders who seem to be effortlessly and inherently great.

Okay, I'd better address the sonnets. I remember reading them all and noticing that my book only had 154, as to the 156 that Shakespeare wrote. Kind of odd. Anyway, I didn't record notes for many of them. I did notice how the theme of the author changed throughout. He focuses first on her beauty, and her negligence in begetting children which would propagate her beauty. He seems all-consumed with her and thoughts of her are his life.

Timon of Athens. As I watched this play, I felt myself feeling sad for Timon and his penniless situation. He was so happy with the joviality and constancy of his friends before his bankruptcy, and seemed totally unaware of their fickleness and unfaithfulness until he needed them. Flavius, alone, stands by him and unknowingly to Timon, tries to help him out financially and emotionally. He is his one true friend, which Timon realizes at the end of the play. Beware of flattery!!! Could the lesson get any simpler in this play? Unfortunately, instead of picking himself up and pressing onward, Timon falls into an emotional trap of anger and hatred toward humanity, which did not serve him well. I thought it was interesting how quickly he learned about the falseness of his friends when the poet and the painter come to the wood to befriend themselves again to Timon. He saw right through their facades and ended up confusing them and thrusting them out of his presence. I also noticed that he never seemed to take responsibility for getting into debt. When he asked why someone didn't tell him he was running out of money, Flavius reminded him that he had told him many times but that Timon didn't listen. Also, I noticed a money theme running through this play which caused me to ponder, "What is it? What should it be used for? How should we treat it?" It was obviously very ironic when Timon finds the gold in the wood, enough gold, I'm sure, to pay off all of his creditors. Unfortunately, his emotional state was beyond repair and he discounted the blessing. I, for one, put too much emphasis on money in this life and need to remember it's just a means to an end and not the end itself. I shouldn't give it so much power in my life.

The last play I will comment on is Othello. Of all the tragedies, I enjoy this one the best, for many reasons. I admire Desdemona for her faithfulness, her amazing ability of speech, her character, basically everything about her. I do think she went overboard asking her husband to help Cassio. I could tell he was getting frustrated with her. Unfortunately, that didn't help her position of being Cassio's "friend" instead of "lover", but we all do things that irritate those around us and she, being passionate, probably just wanted to make sure he got the message. She truly loved Othello and showed her love in many ways. In Act 2, Scene 1, Iago has a conversation with Desdemona, Cassio, and Emilia. I was disgusted at how he treated his wife. You could tell that he wasn't joking when he commented on her personal attributes. He was being mean. Whenever I hear people talking badly about others, especially someone in that intimate of a relationship, a red flag pops up. Didn't anybody notice and question his integrity and character? I know that at that time in history, men could speak to their wives in a callous manner, since women were looked at as subordinate, but I still think it resonates volumes about their character. But I guess that's how good of a manipulator Iago was; nobody thought twice about it except Desdemona, who valiantly stood up for her friend. For me, the tragedy in this play is Othello's downward spiral in jealousy, mistrust, and self-doubt. I love Othello's character in the beginning. He's a war hero who is much beloved, and with very good reason. He has great integrity and leadership abilities. He is brave, kind, confident, and compassionate. Whether Desdemona marries him for his valiant past and stories or she sees him for the person that he is; he is gentle, loving, and totally confident with her in the beginning acts of the play. Unfortunately Iago puts the seed of doubt into his mind and Othello cannot focus on anything else but Desdemona's faithfulness. Iago does his work well and leads Othello by the silken thread down to his, and ultimately others', hell. This process saddens me and reminds me to always trust first and ask before assuming the worst. Hopefully, the person that we're asking is truthful and honest. I know that's why we have the gift of the spirit, to be able to decipher the truth as much as the Lord will let us. I am very grateful to have this gift for I rely on it daily.

Okay, whew!!! now that we're done, I guess there's just one question left. After reading, watching, and listening to these plays, poems, and sonnets, how has this process changed me? How has Shakespeare's works changed me? Wow! I am so not going to put in the many hours it would take to answer this question but I will just comment a little. As I grew up, because of life's circumstances, I learned to live in a bubble, my safety net from life. Through the years, I have had experiences that helped me to slowly realize that life is not always so scary and threatening and it's okay to venture out of that bubble. This year, through mentoring Shakespeare and taking on this Shakespeare challenge, has given me yet another experience that has pushed my limits on learning about and understanding humanity. Particularly, this challenge has opened my eyes to the large range of personalities, characters, agendas, and other aspects of human life that I have hitherto been reluctant to delve into. It hasn't been easy. I have always gravitated to the easy, feel-good, happy-ending stories and people in life. But it has been worth the extra strain and stress it's put upon me this year. I feel much more aware and, surprisingly, confident as I look at the world through these Shakespearean glasses I've been wearing these last 10 months. I must say "All's well that ends well." Thanks Shakespeare!

And even more...Shakespeare thoughts...

Just finished watching The Merry Wives of Windsor... I could not help but laugh at the pride and pompousness of Falstaff. I found myself laughing along with Mistress Page and Mistress Ford at the audacity and insincerity of his intentions. It seemed as if the characters in this play had a tight-knit community because instead of the women getting angry or offended, they choose to humiliate and poke fun at Falstaff. I especially took notice of the Ford family. Mistress Ford was very faithful and diligent in not doing anything that would harm her marriage. Mr. Ford was a very jealous man. Because of this incident, he becomes enraged and absorbed in his "supposed" marital problems. And as I have found many times in life, this trial that the Ford's went through actually brought them closer together. Mr. Ford realized that his wife loved him dearly and was committed to him, helping to abate his jealously. In fact, I think through this incident that he learned how foolish it was to be jealous, how that emotion helps no one.

In Venus and Adonis, a poem about an older woman trying to seduce a younger man, I was surprised that Adonis responded lukewarm to her advances. It seems an unusual happening to find in a Shakespeare play. I did read a little history on the poem, though, and learned that he took the story line from another source, as was so typical of Shakespeare. I wonder if he wasn't attracted to Venus or if he really just loved hunting that much. I loved the rhyme, rhythm, and literary usage in the poem, as I do all of Shakespeare's poems. The words and cadence seemed to envelope me in a frothy, airy state. Of course I was sad, at the end of the poem, when Adonis gets killed by the boar, but I didn't have too much sympathy for her as she sulks off to isolation. I really felt like she needed to find someone who appreciated her and loved her for herself. I fervently believe that there is someone for everyone and I've been in situations where I've wanted others to love me, when they weren't as passionate or as committed as I was. I understood her frustration. I've learned to take life as it comes, take what is offered, and be grateful for my blessings. Life seems much smoother and happier along the way.

Reading Lucrece wasn't as hard for me as I thought it would be. It wasn't as graphic as I had imagined Shakespeare would write it and for that I was grateful. There were a few stanzas that made an impression on me and I had to review them for a little while. One was "Pawning his honor to obtain his lust; And for himself himself he must forsake: Then where is truth, if there be no self-trust? When shall he think to find a stranger just, When he himself confounds, betrays To slanderous tongues and wretched hateful days." I seemed to find in this poem many emotions that rose to the surface within his words and dialogue. I thought it was interesting that Tarquin meditated thoroughly upon the deed he was going to do. This was no spur of the moment, lustful act. He inherently knew what was going to happen if he followed through with his desire. I think it's sad that he didn't heed his internal warnings. I wonder about his life. I'm sure he was given everything he wanted throughout his life and felt that the boundaries between right and wrong, even though he knew what they were, didn't apply to him socially. Unfortunately, at the end of the poem, we find he was wrong about that also, as his family is taken out of a leadership position and banished, which brings to the surface another truth: our actions affect others, including our family. Others will suffer or be blessed by the choices we make in this life. We are not independent entities, but are knitted together as brothers and sisters. Another stanza that gave me a great teaching opportunity with my children was "What win I, if I gain the thing I seek? A dream, a breath, a froth of fleeting joy. Who buys a minute's mirth to wail a week? Or sells eternity to get a toy? For one sweet grape who will the vine destroy?"And we know Tarquin's actions destroyed Collatinus, Lucrece, and their happy family, his own life, the life of his family, and others. The cost was huge. We find in the poem that the lustful act that he performed actually made him bitter and hateful against Lucrece, himself, and the world. We have to be so careful choosing the things that we desire. Will they create a long-lasting, eternal joy or fleeting happiness? On a much less significant scale, I think about the times when I eat junk food out of boredom, stress, or just wanting to eat something. Once the taste is gone, I'm regretful at having subjected my body to the ill effects. I feel much better about myself when I consciously choose the foods I put into my body and especially when I choose the right ones.

Romeo and Juliet. For some reason, it was extremely hard for me to get through Romeo and Juliet. I'm not sure if it's because I've read it before and watched the movie or if I have another reason. I'm not a fan of Shakespeare's tragedies (I prefer uplifting, happy story lines), but it seemed extra painful for me to read this play. I did notice this time around how much foreshadowing of death there was in everybody's speech. For example, Juliet says, "I see thee, now thou art so low, As one dead in the bottom of a tomb" in Act 3, Scene 5 and Act 2, Scene 6 records "These violent delights have violent ends." Also, I realized how much the characters rushed into decisions. The Capulet parents seemed unrestrained and quick to rage, Romeo and Juliet seem to want to rush their marriage (which may be because Paris wanted to marry Juliet quickly), and Mercutio is a prime example of rushing in headfirst without thinking of the consequences. I learned that moderation is the best course of action. I need to remind myself of this sometimes for I also am subject to that feeling of "let's get it done, and quickly!" or "being quick to anger." It's a conscious decision I make at times and when I choose moderation, the outcome always is better. I guess I always hope, in this play, that the characters and momentum will slow down, and the ending will change.

In Funeral Elegy, another of Shakespeare's poems, I found myself seeing Master John Peter's character in many people that I know and hoping I had some of the same attributes. It was a very uplifting poem, though I doubt they would have taken the time to read the whole thing at a funeral. I loved some of the phrases such as "never-blemished name", "upstanding man", "not in the waste of many idle words cared he to be heard talk", and especially, "That Christ was his." What an incredible husband and father this man was. He was a true scholar and Christian, and through his actions and well-chosen words, he achieved a grace through the silence he sometimes opted to practice. I hope that I, too, when my time comes to pass from this life, that many of the same characteristics may be remembered of me and that my love will be my legacy.

I watched Henry IV, Part 2, the BBC version, on DVD. Actually most of my family is now watching the histories. They love the battle scenes. Can you tell we are plentiful in boys? I noticed and appreciated the anguish that King Henry went through as he's worrying about the deeds of his son, Prince Hal. In this case I was glad to know that all the worrying was in vain (what worry isn't in vain?!!). Prince Hal becomes an amazing and great king, but of course his father cannot see that in the lifestyle that his son has adopted for the moment. It shows me that we need to maintain an eternal perspective, especially in the most discouraging of circumstances. Also, I found much truth in Prince Hal's decision to separate himself from his "party" friends. I've known people who have had to move and/or discontinue friendships in order to change their lifestyles. I'm not sure there is any other way to do so. Of course, the former friends do not understand and are often apt to label the person "hypocritical", but be that as it may, the separation must be made for the person to begin anew.

As I listened to Henry V, I thought it was very interesting that Shakespeare would begin with a huge, emotionally-charged battle scene. But as we arrived at the end of the CD, I realized that we had popped in the 3rd CD first. Oh my.... the anticipation faded from that story. I did gain satisfaction, though, in the great leadership abilities that King Henry V exhibited, especially gaining the confidence and thoughts of his countrymen. He really cared for them and they inherently knew that. I believe that is one of the attributes of a great leader and mentor - LOVE.

Henry VI, Part 1. This trilogy or tetrology (if you include Richard III) was an interesting series for me to watch and read. It seemed to me this king had the "bad things happen to good people" stigma. He seemed to be mild-mannered, kind, and a sympathetic leader with a life full of chaos and dissention. Maybe he was just the leader England needed to maintain some peace in such a turbulent time. When I watched this particular play, I noticed that I focused on Talbot a lot. He was an amazingly, patriotic speaker and leader. His speeches are stirring and powerful. The English were very lucky to have him leading their army. I was very sad towards the end of the play when his son, John, comes to help in a battle and is killed. Talbot is devastated and dies quickly afterward. It was heart-breaking to see him so tough in battle and steadfast to his loyal purposes and then die at the end as love conquers him.

Henry VI, Part 2. There is so much political backstabbing and conflict in this play. It gave me a great understanding of how fragile people's positions were in England's monarchy, especially during this time. I felt so sad for Henry as the personality and character of his wife, Margaret, emerges even more passionately and clearly in this play. It must have been hard for him to maintain control of the his country during this time, but to also have a wife with opposite opinions throughout his reign, must have made it extremely challenging and frustrating. It is so important to maintain unity as a husband and wife. I know that as my husband and I have had differences, a chasm sometimes arises that threatens to split the whole family. That is exactly what happened to England at this time. I thought it was very interesting at the end of the play when Suffolk is captured and behead that he maintained that he was a "great" and "noble" man. Could he not see the hypocrisy in that statement? Did he really not have a clue how evil and malignant his character was? I causes me to imagine...how do we see ourselves in the light of truth? How is that achieved? Oftentimes our own view of ourselves is much different than the views of others. Sometimes that view is not easily reconciled and sometimes it cannot be in this world.