Shakespeare's Craft

Prospero's character is hard to sympathize with as the reader in that, here is a man that has been exiled and has all these magical powers that he seeks revenge by wrecking the ship and the lives of the characters, some that weren't even involved with hiss exile. In the end it all comes together as he seems to be more likable when he feels that he made his point to the King that what happened to him was unfair and although he made him think that Ferdinand was dead he merely allowed him to court is daughter while he sorted matters of the past out. I believe that this was a very cunning way for Shakespeare to say goodbye to his audience asking to set him free by clapping. It was crafty and made people think it wasn't blunt. The Tempest isn't as concrete as other poems but is enjoyable. Surprisingly the play ended with a marriage without any real deaths. This can be surprising to readers who are used to death being a driving theme but it shows how well Shakespeare could weave his writings as he went on with his life and can only be respected for what he did and his accomplishments.

Hamlet's Undying Love

Oh Father, I don't know what to do, you want me to focus so much on revenging your death and to leave my mother out of it but, I can't ,I love her so much and cannot believe that she would marry so quickly after your death. She didn't need Claudius, I was man enough to take care of her for the rest of her life. I just need to talk to her or do something. My plan of acting mad is working, but sometimes I think I forget that I am acting and become lost in my thoughts that I am almost going crazy... I love my mother as much or even as more than I do Ophelia. I know what I shall do I shall ask mother to not sleep with Claudius tell her all that has happened about your death and how her poured the poison into your ear during your slumber. She just has to believe me. Better yet maybe if I ask her...for your sake at least to go a nunnery... maybe she will listen to me. I am of her flesh...yes I will arrange to meet her in private.

"Let your indulgence set me free."

Much like when I disguised myself as an instructor to woo Bianca and create a chance to show her my true self, Shakespeare adopted the guise of Prospero to show his audience the nature of his craft. As the play progressed, we watched Prospero deftly maneuver behind the scenes, guiding all of the characters on the mystical island through myriad paths to converge and bring fruition to his plans. This display is a crafty representation of the master playwright at work. In his final address the the audience, the old wizard becomes more Shakespeare than Prospero. He beseeches the onlookers, "release me from my bands/With the help of your good hands." It is, of course, not Prospero who seeks the audience's approval to leave the stage. Shakespeare has worked long and hard, crafting colorful characters like myself and my contemporaries in "The Taming of the Shrew," and all the memorable people of "Macbeth," "Titus Andronicus," "The Merchant of Venice," and the supernatural denizens of the island in "The Tempest." Prospero acts as Shakespeare's representative on the stage, bowing out in his place, and accepting the applause for a lifetime of entertainment.

Prospero's (Shakespeare's) Farwell...

Prospero as a character is not nessisarily well liked until the last few scenes of the play. Prospero shows his compassion by forgiving his enemies and demonstrating his love for his daughter Miranda. With Prospero's farewell to magic, we can see signs of Shakespeare's farewell to playwriting. Especially in such lines where Prospero says, "Gentle breath of yours my sails, Must fill, or else my project fails, Which was to please." This can be taken literally as the magic of Prospero was to please, and would therefor be useless if it did not give some pleasure. However, this can also mean Shakespeare's playwriting and aim to please his audience with his work. The youtube clip of the final lines of The Tempest shows sad images, as well as the voice seems to invoke a sad ending to the magic Prospero practices, or even Shakespeare's playwriting. I felt the lines in the Epilogue would be a bit more upbeat than that, more of a bittersweet way of thinking. However, assuming these lines are meant to reflect Shakespeare's end as a playwright, it definitely would feel more sad on a personal level.

Farwell Master Shakespeare

As the writer of great plays and sonnets, Shakespeare leaves the stage with one final adieu. Prospero as his voice, the epilogue of The Tempest is in fact the epilogue to Master Shakespeare's career. "Mercy itself and frees all faults. As you from crimes would pardon'd be,Let your indulgence set me free." This line is acknowledging Shakespeare's audience and asks them to set him free from his writing. He also asks to be free form any wrongs he had made during the productions of his works. Although it is Prospero speaking in rearguards to giving up his magical powers and his books, in so many instance does this apply to Master Shakespeare leaving the stage and giving up his quills. It is important to be able to recognize that with every good story there is always a sympathetic ending and in this case I sympathize towards only Shakespeare.

Prospero was a Great Man. Reminds me of Myself.

Ahhh Prospero, a man after mine own heart. In a sense anyways. He would do anything for his daughter as I my wife. Like me he took what he desired and wanted and used it to his advantage. That was the one thing I did not possess, magic. If I had magic I could have kept my wife from dying and we could have ruled as King and Queen for forever. Prospero was a genius and great man. He only did what he did so he and his daughter could have a perfect life.

Sympathizing with a selfish manipulator

Prospero is a very dynamic character. Throughout the play he comes off as being very selfish and manipulative. He uses his magic to get what he wants from everyone he comes in contact with. Prospero forces Ariel to do his bidding, and bribes him by telling him he will free him earlier if he does his tasks well. That is how the ship wreck came about. He also aids in leading Stefano, Trinculo, and Caliban around the island in their drunken hazes, and gives them the opportunity to steal some fine cloths. He keeps the rest of the crew, including his brother, thoroughly confused and misinformed about the island and its inhabitants. The thing that upsets me the most about Prospero is how he forced Miranda's love, Ferdinand, to be a servant to him! He acted just like my father. They both tried to get in the way of true love because they think they know best. But, they don't! I ended up leaving my father forever. Prospero is lucky that Miranda forgave him for butting in. Although I'm not a huge fan of Prospero, I do still sympathize with him a little bit. It must have been awful for him when his own brother betrayed him. That makes it hard to completely hate him for the awful things he has done.

Sympathy for Prospero

At first glance Prospero looks like a unlikeable individual. He keeps everyone on the island under his power, carrying out all of his deeds. He even keeps a controlling hand in all of his daughter's affairs. He denies his "servants" their freedom upon their requests, and at times is demeaning to them. It would be tough to develop any kind of sympathy for Prospero. It isn't until later in the Tempest we see Prospero is a character we can feel sympathy for. Not only does he release Alonso and his followers from the spell which he has placed, forgives Antonio, and we see how much he cares for his daughter as he claims he has lost her when he comes to terms with Ferndinad and Miranda's marriage. Prospero's last kind act is creating calming seas for Ariel to return. When all of this is done he gives up his magic. Prospero being able to give up everything in his life is what makes us able to sympathizes with him. We see him give up everything that used to be apart of him, and he did it all willingly. I think his turn around in the last parts of the Tempest makes it possible for us to sympathize for him.

A Sticky Sweet Love Story

OK, is it just me or is the storyline between Miranda and Ferdinand just a lil too sticky sweet? I have to say, I prefer the relationship I have with Bassanio! Miranda reminds me a little too much of Bianca from The Taming of The Shrew, only more innocent and niave (if that is possible). I understand that living on an island with few people would not make anyone real expierenced, but I also dont think that she would be acting like a love sick little girl! Honestly, I think that the conversations that take place between Miranda and Ferdinand are just a little too sugary for my taste. If Bassanio tried to speak to me that way, I think I would have to brain him!

Prospero

After reading act 4 and 5 of The Tempest, I agree with my fellow characters that Prospero is not such a bad guy. His brother stole his Duke-ship if Milan, he and his daughter were exiled, etc., so it is only understandable that he want revenge. But during the last two acts of the play, a different side of Prospero is seen, the protectiveness of his daughter and his agreement to let the King and his company go free.

To me, it seems like his speech at the end of act five is almost an apology or explaination for his actions throughout the play - As you from crimes would pardoned be,/ Let your indulgence set me free. This last speech basically summarizes the whole play in a nice, neat little package.

The Character of Prospero

Through out the play it has been very hard for me to sympathize with Prospero. It seemed as if the spells he was casting and the speeches he was making were not be justifiable. However, after reading acts four and five my views of him have changed. The love and protection he shows for his daughter has humanized him to an extent. He wants nothing but love and happiness for her, he shows this in acts four and five when the topic of marriage comes up. Also, now we can see that his judgements through out the play are justifiable. At the end he forgives everyone, which must of been a hard thing for him to do, considering the circumstances-his dukedom had been taken away, he had been forced to leave his home and family, and was put on an island with just his daughter. All this was done to him by someone that was supposed to be family, someone that should of had a special bond with Prospero-his brother. The fact that he has now relinquished his magic and has given up his powers shows that Prospero really is someone that can be considered "human." Prospero has allowed us as the audience to see all the characters cleary and accurately, including himself.

The 'Character' of Prospero

(What kind of a character is Prospero? Do you sympathize with him?)

Upon first meeting the character of Prospero one might assume that he is extremely self-centered and egotistical through the means of his long-winded story telling and constant preaching to his daughter Miranda. One might also consider Prospero to be vindictive by nature as is portrayed in the deceitful tempest he delivers unto the ship carrying his brother Antonio and his followers and crew. Finally, one might argue that Prospero is cruel as is shown in his treatment of Caliban and Ariel. However; I do not feel these descriptions of Prospero are necessarily the case keeping in mind the situation that put him in the position he is in now in the first place. With these thoughts in mind, Prospero is most certainly a character that an audience is able to sympathize with. He has been removed from his title, his home, and his family by his own brother Antonio. With these deceits carried out by his brother, it should most importantly be noted that Prospero's ability to trust has been stolen as well. Antonio not only usurped Prospero's position of the throne but also ordered Prospero to be killed. It is with this knowledge that Prospero's trickery should be forgiven as he portrays his forgiving self in the final epilogue of The Tempest. "Unless I be relieved by prayer, / Which pierces so, that it assaults / Mercy itself, and frees all faults. / As you from crimes would pardoned be, / Let your indulgence set me free." Prospero has forgiven the wrongs that were done unto him and begs for the forgiveness of those that he has wronged himself.
Niki-

A Missed Oppurtunity

It is obvious that Prospero owns just about everyone on the island. It appears that he has saved Ariel from slavery of the witch Sycorax, but the act loses it nobility when he keeps Ariel for his own service. He keeps Ariel as an assistant for any of spirit or any other mystical work that he needs help with. Ariel performs practically every task or deed that Prospero needs to be done. Upon numerous requests Prospero denies Ariel his/her requests for freedom. When Prospero denies Ariel his freedom he is missing the opportunity to show that he does not run the island based on slavery. Instead of granting Ariel's wishes he continues to keep him for his services, and keeps him under his command. If Prospero had let a slave go he could have sent a message throughout the island. He could have showed everyone that not everyone on the island is a slave. If he did this he might have been able to calm some of the disgruntled voices that are arising on the island. Instead he sets himself up for the turmoil that will come. That is why this is a missed opportunity for Prospero. When someone ask to be released of their services you should release them...

One island......with much activity!

Within the areas of this simple island there is an array of activity that is occurring. On one end there is the shipwrecked Alonso, Sebastian, Antonio and Gonzalo who are searching for Alonso's son, Prince Ferdinand. Already I am not very fond of Sebastian and Antonio because of their plot to kill Alonso so that Sebastian may become King of Naples. On the other side of the island the love of Miranda and Prince Ferdinand grows from his enslavement by Prospero, Miranda's father. It seems very hard to acknowledge their childish love when they barley know one another. However, I feel this is apart of a "magical" plan that Prospero has for his daughter. Lastly, on yet another part of the island there is Caliban, Trinculo, and Stefano. A rather odd threesomes with the commonality of always being drunk. Caliban, also know as the "servant monster" seems to be treated more fairly than Trinculo from Stefano. Why is that I wonder? Yet the three of them have a plot to destroy Prospero and have Stefano become "King" of the island as well as be wed to Miranda. By the manipulation of the "fairy" Ariel, Prospero learns of this plot. Although, I feel this is apart of Prospero plan to "control" the island and what is occurring by keeping an eye in on whats going on and using his sources to implement trouble where it may arise. By Prospero manipulating the island by his magically powers, he can truly further succeed in creating a relationship between Ferdinand and Miranda.

Blog assignment for Friday, May 9th

Dr. Mueller has asked me to post the following assignment (how could I refuse?):

In a blog entry or comment on the Epilogue to the Tempest, respond to any of the following questions or any questions your fellow bloggers pose:
1. What kind of a character is Prospero? Do you sympathize with him?
2. Some read these lines as Shakespeare’s farewell to the stage. Do you agree?
3. Watch the following YouTube clip. How is the epilogue represented here?

Macbeth and Lady Macbeth's Guilt

In the final act of the play we see that Lady Macbeth is in poor health. She has been sleepwalking around the castle, and during the first scene we see her trying to was the blood from her hands. Through her insanity we see that she is clearly feeling guilty, and aware of what she has done is wrong. The guilt is so overwhelming it leads her to her death. When Macbeth learns about this news he from his servant, he speaks with very little emotion towards the news. He only says that he wishes that her death could have come in a more peaceful time. Macbeth lack of emotion tells the reader more about how he feels about his part of the death of King Duncan, then the death of his wife. We see how Lady Macbeth's part in the death of Duncan drives her to insanity, and death. She was truly regretting how she was apart of Duncan's death. Macbeth's lack of emotion towards her death show he doesn't have the same feelings of regret that she had. We see Macbeth's thought are elsewhere because he references more peaceful times. We see that he is concerned with the attack of the British army that Malcolm is leading. We can see that throughout the entire play that Macbeth has little to regret about killing Duncan.

I think Macbeth should of stayed away from the witches, or at least ignored what they had said to him from the beginning. Yes, he already had a little idea in his head of what he wanted to do, but the witches definitley got to him. He took what they said to him about becoming King to heart. As soon as he heard this, he knew there was no turning back. They influenced him and pushed him in the wrong direction. Of course, Macbeth made his decision on his own, I'm not blaming the witches, but they certainly played a role in his decision. Also, I think we should look closely at how Shakespeare was tyring to portray these witches anyway. Was he trying to be humorous, serious, or set a scary mood? If he was playing them as humorous, then Macbeth looks like a fool. He took seriously what witches were saying to him, and in return lost his wife, a friend, and his own life. I believe if the witches were out of the picture things would have ended alot differently.

What has happened was inevitable. Because of what the witches predicted, I knew something like this was bound to happen. Its amazing to see the drastic measures people will take to gain power. If only Macbeth could have known ahead of time that the killing was not worth his short reign as king. I do feel awful for Lady Macbeth. I know what it's like to love someone so much that you will do whatever needs to be done for them. I left my father for my love, and Lady Macbeth murdered for hers. It's too bad things had to end the way they did.

Macbeth's mind is "full of scorpions...."

Macbeth's desire for power is quickly growing. For this I fear for him and his country of Scotland. There are now two innocent souls that have died under the influence of Macbeth as well as the murder of Macduff's son. It is an absolute tragedy in reguards to the brutal murder of Banquo. Hopeful with the escape of his son Fleance, the prophesy of the witches can be fulfilled and Macbeth will fall as king. I hope Macbeth's conscious eats away at him like worms in the grounds especially after seeing Banquo's ghost. I also feel that it is now to late to sympathizes with Macbeth because his desires for power and control have taken over his true character. As for Lady Macbeth, she is a biased and foolish woman who has instigated the fate of her own husband and it is now to late to help him. Of course, her feelings change as being an instigator she FINALLY gains a conscience. I feel absolutely NO pity for her! As for the witches, although they are manipulative within the fate of Macbeth, they do try to give warning to to him through apparitions. Although I do not beileve in what the witches have to say, it is in the best interest of Macbeth to listen closely to what they say. However, I fear that Macbeth's pride and ego have taken over him and he will not consider what the witches are truly saying.

Death to the King......Long live Macbeth!

O how I must do everything myself! My darling husband how dare you feel sorry now after killing the king.... and taking the evidence with you!? Then not having the courage to finish the job, but leave me to do it for you! If only I were a man the kingdom would have been mine long ago. No one has any idea about what we have done and soon my husband shall be king and I his queen...*sighs*... life couldn't get any better. My poor sons, foolish boys, must now take the blame for my perfect plan...o well....things must be sacrificed for power and glory. I just hope that my dear Macbeth can keep it together long enough and does not ruin everything I have done for us.

Me, King?.........Possibly...........Yes!

Those three witches are insane! To name me a future king, you have got to be kidding me. Banquo will have children who become kings because he is great but me king? I highly doubt that.......But wait I am now the Thane of Cawdor? and still the Thane of Glamis? Maybe this King thing is not so far fetched. But what now, Malcolm is the Prince of Cumberland? The heir to the throne? Those witches lied to me! They said that I would be king! Maybe i must take fate into mine own hands!

Cressida's cruelty

Madame Cressida sure is a fickle young lady. She doesn't seem to know what she herself would like, and instead strings Troilus and Diomedes along. She gives Diomedes the sleeve that Troilus has given her, then chanegs her mind, then changes her mind again. She doesn't seem to care who she hurts in the process. Diomedes hangs on her every word, as she is a prize that he has won in a sense. Troilus seems to be in love with her-- at the very least, he is intensely in 'lust' with her.
Cressida is a cruel woman. She toys with the emotions of Troilus and Diomedes without a second thought. Although it is not entirely her fault that she has become Diomedes' woman, she has promised to remain true to Troilus and convenently forgets about that promise.
At first, Cressida pretends that she doesn't want to go with Diomedes, but her eventual acceptance of the situation causes me to believe that it was all an act.
Cressida should take a page out of lady Katherine's book and be a real woman. A real woman can be fiesty and play hard to get but can still be a lady when the day is done.

The Madness of Hamlet

Poor Hamlet.

While he only meant to "act" mad ... he is slowly sinking into the twisted land traveled only by those who have nothing left to lose. It is only after the meeting with his mother, seeing the ghost of his father, and slaying Polonius that Hamlet looses what little grasp he has on his sanity. I fear that this is only the beginning and that the worse is yet to come.

Pay particular attention to how Hamlet switches between speaking in poetry and prose; the farther Hamlet sinkes in madness, the less he speakes in poetry, even when he is alone. This is an obvious indication that he is no longer "acting" - but that the need for revenge and madness has taken over his life.

Aaron - The Man Without Conscience

Oh Aaron - I do not know if I should respect or fear thee. You act hand in hand with hatred and anger, lacking conscience in every foul deed.

Most certainly in comparison I feel no need to defend mine own actions compared to thee. My intentions are kind even if delivered with questionable cruelty. My dear Kate has now a chance to be loved by the best, whom is me, and those in her society. Now that my dear lady hath been tamed.

You Aaron hurt, maim, and kill. What do you hope to gain as you and yours will never be accepted to any high place. You kill only to witness bloodshed; thought to be your reward as the Devil's minion.

Fear not Aaron, through your hatred the Devil has accepted thee. For no God or Diety could ever accept your bloody birth as their responsibility.

From Petruccio to Jessica- The Ungracious Woman

Dearest Jessica-
Oh lovely Jessica with a woman's cold heart, how you defy your own father. You shun his love and steal away with his wealth. You leave him crying with a broken heart in the streets; lost without the love of his daughter, his one companion, who broke his heart with harsh dishonesty.

Albeit you are a woman and a Jew; what more could one expect of you? Two strikes against thee, what will be three?

Pray you feel blessed that Lorenzo has taken interest and pulled you to his side. Only his Christianity will save thee. Soon you will learn, through what I fear may be strict instruction, what loyalty truly be. Loyalty to your husband and all that encompasses he, dear Jessica, are what certainly will be, what keeps you from Hell and all its cruel eternity.

Poor Ophelia!

Hamlet is so consumed by revenge that the enamored Ophelia has become a victim of his rage. He has chosen to undermine all his past efforts at wooing her to further his plot, though his plan is clever. I cannot help but appreciate the way he subtly turns the arts to further his own purposes, in a rapid and reasoned manner. But his lack of regard for Ophelia is, I think, a large clue to what can only be acknowledged as Hamlet's deepening madness. What sane man would totally disregard love in favor of hate? His thoughts of the world and his self-worth seem to be declining as rapidly as his mental stability. He chased off Ophelia by declaring, "What should such fellows as I do crawling between heaven and earth? We are arrant knaves all. Believe none of us." Hamlet can't stop at insulting his own sudden and drastic change of mind, but has to take all his fellow man down a peg at the same time! I, for one, wouldn't chose the increasingly insane Hamlet as the spokesman for my gender. If Hamlet's suggestion that Ophelia "marry a fool; for wise men know well enough what monsters you make of them" is accurate, then I'd rather be a foolish monster with an adoring wife than a man blinded to love by his desire for revenge.

You failed Brutus!

Brutus, Brutus, Brutus. What is the matter with you? You killed Caesar and I commend you for that. You came to terms with Cassius and that was smart for the time being but he was a power struggle if you looked at it the right way. He was in your way and should have been killed! The throne was yours for the taking yet again you allowed someone in your way when Antony came about. You choose to be civil and have a war of words with him? Pish posh good Brutus, everyone knew that Antony had a way with words. You should have just invited to your home and killed him. Sometimes you need to be uncivilized to get what you want. Yes now you will be known as a noble man but what is that worth when you had no power.

The Death of Caesar

Brutus and the conspirators,
I do not think that what you did was right. You went about everything the wrong way. Caesar could have been a fair and noble ruler for Rome and its citizens. His assasination was out of jealousy and not for the good of the people. Caesar's death and the events that followed are going to change Rome forever. Antony I think you are a true friend to Caesar. You knew he did not deserve this and your eulogy at Caesar's funeral was very powerful and heart felt. You did a great job of unleashing the rage of the crowd onto Brutus and the others. Brutus you should not of been surprised about the outcome of your schemes and plots. It is unfortunate that two noble Romans lives were taken because of foolish behaviors.

A Strange Night

The events of last night were strange and exciting. Lorenzo and I were enjoying a romantic night together, gazing at the stars and declaring our love. It was wonderful. Then Portia and Nerissa came back from their trip. Portia asked us not to tell Bassanio and the others that she had left and we agreed, although I was very confused as to why she would ask this. I soon found out that Lorenzo and I had missed an exciting trip to save Antonio. Apparently Portia and Nerissa dressed up like men. Portia pretended to be a lawyer and helped to free Antonio. At first, when Bassanio and Graziano returned, Portia and Nerissa were upset with them because they each gave away the rings that they had sworn the ladies they would never part with. However, once all of the secrets were out in the open, both couples made up. It was quite a scene! The best part about that night was that Lorenzo and I were told we are entitled to half of my father's estate, and will inherit everything when he dies. I'm so excited that everything is working out for the best!

Portia's Schemes

It seems to me, that the brains behind much of the planning in this play is Portia. She schemes to not only save Antonio's life, but also to strip Shylock of his property, life as he knows it, and most importantly, his religion. She is definitely wise, in addition, she tests her new husband's devotion to her by asking while in disguise for the ring he wears which she herself gave him. By asking Bassanio for his ring, and him eventually giving it up; Portia shows that she is more clever than the men in the play. Shakespeare's introduction of Bassanio and the ring game tests the boundaries of the possibility of a homo erotic relationship between Antonio and Bassanio. Antonio claims that his friend’s love for him should “be valued ‘gainst your wife’s commandement” (act 4 scene 1 line 447). At the closing of Act 4, it seems Portia is planning of a new scheme involving the husbands, and their lack of rings; she states "I warrant we shall have old swearing, that they did give the rings away to men. But we'll outface them, and outswear them too".

"Who chooseth me must give and hazard all he hath"

I must admit, however frustrated I may be, that my dearly departed father was a very wise man. Who else could have devised such an interesting riddle to weed out unworthy suitors? As difficult as it has been, I do understand my father’s motives.

The Prince of Morocco tried to open the golden casket. Who would want something that every man desired? I don’t want to be a shiny trinket for my husband to put out on display. I am not some object to be polished, shown off, and then horded away!

The Prince of Aragon wasn’t much better – he chose the silver casket. He thought that that he DESERVED me? What a pompous little fiend! I could never imagine myself wed to such an egotistical, self-centered man.

The other suitors are not much better. All of them have terrible faults that I can not look past. But, because of these faults, I know that none of them will ever choose the correct casket – the lead one. None of them have the brains to figure out the riddle! The only man who is worthy of me must be willing to “give and hazard all he hath” – my father was truly a scholar! Hahaha! The one man who is willing to give up all he has to wed me only proves the deep affection he feels for me. That is the man I wish to marry. But for now, I have to pray that one of these idiots will not stumble onto the correct answer. I can only shudder to imagine what my life would be like married to one of these spoiled brats!

Richard, a Good Man

Yes Richard take your place on the throne. Do whatever needs to be done! Kill whom ever stands in your way. Having Elizabeth's babes killed was a brilliant move my friend! Taking care of Buckingham was good too. He may have been your friend and loyal servant but he became weak and you can not afford a weak link on your side. Do what you want for the throne is yours and you are all powerful. Do not go into battle. Let your men fight your battle, keep the throne!!! Keep it from Henry!

Richard is Only Claiming What is His

I believe that Richard is being made into a villain. He is an incredible and intelligent man, who would be a great leader. Edward may be the oldest, but that doesn't make him the best to lead our country. He only has created nothing, but violence, his idea of diplomacy is creating war and causing bloodshed. Richard doesn't have such primitive characteristics that are sometimes look past because of a physical appearance. He is civil, well spoken, intelligent, individual whose wit is overlooked because of the order in which he was born. The sooner we take recognition of his intangibles the sooner that England can have a king that is truly meant to posses the throne. It is time for England to abandon her old ways and embrace Richard as our King, for if embraced as the new King of England, he can lead our great country to prosperity to which we have never experienced.

-Buckingham

Thoughts about Richard

Sir Richard seems to be such a nasty character! However, I have a hard time believing he really is evil at heart. My master Petruccio seemed to share many of the same characteristics that he did. Both tried to win women's hearts by their intense words and pushy attitudes.
I think that Richard tries hard to be evil, but in the end he's really not going to be that nasty. I feel very bad for the man. It must be hard to be so hideous. I wonder how he faces the world each day.
To be changed, I think he must fall in love! Love is missing from his life, he says so in his first speech. Because he can't amuse himself by being in love, he would rather be an evil man.
However, he is also a very chauvinistic character. He believes that much of the evil in the world is caused by women! He needs a woman like Kate in his life to show him that not all women are evil.

Titus Revenge!

Titus, the Emperess Tamora and Emperor Saturninus killed two of your sons, raped and mutilated your only daughter Lavinia, and banished your son Lucius. You must act now when I say listen to your brother Marcus. Revenge is necessary! You know the names of the ones who have done wrong to your family. Now is the time to take your new found army by Lucius and destroy the Emperors kingdom! As punishment for the wrongs done, kill the blood lines of the Empress Tamora and rid Saturninus of his crown and make Lucius the new Emperor!

On Rome I Will Seek Revenge

I have spent years leading a victorious army in the honor of this Roman Empire. I have been in dangerous battles while Rome has been safe and secure. My sons, my soldiers, and I have shed great blood for Rome, and this is how I am repayed for my duties? My poor Martius and Quintus, for all I have left of them is their noble heads. My sweet Lavinia has no tongue to speak nor hands to write. Who is it that feels they have the right or power to deprecate such a woman? My great Lucius is doomed to banishment. For when will this nightmare be over? Well, it shall be over when Rome and Tamora have received the pain and suffering they deserve. If it is my actions that brought this upon my family, well punish me not my children. However, unlike before, no longer will this Roman Empire come before the Andronici Empire. For I will seek all out revenge in the honor of my great family.

A Tamed Shrew

Petruccio is truly and completely the master of his domain. Though I thought I had the more mild-mannered and obedient wife, Petruccio has wrought some miracle upon the feisty Katherine. Though she was once venomous in speech in manner, she is now as submissive as a lamb. I wooed fair Bianca with sweet words, and she responded in kind, but since our marriage, she has displayed a willful spirit. Petruccio’s bold wager to see whose wife was the most obedient seemed to me foolhardy, for Kate the curst has displayed a terrifying temper. I was amazed at how handily Pettrucio tamed his shrewish Kate, and could only admit defeat in our contest. With great humility, Kate heaped praise upon her husband, calling him her lord, king, governor, life, keeper, sovereign and prince. Perhaps Katherine has only been more open and honest with her thoughts than has Bianca. These two sisters, it would seem, are more alike than they have appeared. Bianca, until now protected from suitors advances by her father while Baptista sought a husband for Kate, which surely rankled her and made her more shrewish. My work as husband is just begun if I am to have a wife as wonderfully obedient as Petruccio’s.

My dear sister and my love Lucentio

My Sister Katherine:
My sister is a very difficult young woman. Pettrucio is simply showing tough love and teaching her to be more like me in a sense. Even though I beleive my sister dispises me, I beleive that one of the reasons that she got married was so I could get married, I also beleive that she wants to be happy. I also beleive that she was shocked that Pettricio wanted her hand in marrige so she just stopped fighting it and decided it was for the best. Which it might be in the end.

Lucentio:
My dear Lucentio, he was so clever to win my heart. I was interested right away, in his youth. He has fought for me but with only one problem. My father still beleives that his servent is him, and now the real Lucentio and I are going to elope with out my father knowing. However it is the only way for us to clear everything up. If we are already married.

My thoughts on Petrucchio & his love for Kate

That Kate is something else! My master, Petruccio surely is off his rocker. How can one brave sir be so head over heels for such a cantankerous woman is beyond me. My master is by no means a silly man, yet he surely makes some poor decisions. However, he is my master, and I will humbly respect him in anything he ever does. Don't get me wrong, I would like to see him happy, and he is surely happy with that Kate character. I just can't imagine anyone being happy with her. She is rude and inconsiderate. Her sister Bianca is much kinder and prettier, though I would never mention that to anyone outloud.
Perhaps my master doesn't really love Katherine. Perhaps he just wants the challenge. I respect my master, but even I must admit that he is a cocky and arrogant man at times. He is vain and conceited. I do not wish ill upon him, but I hate to see him toying with the emotions of a young girl. Although I must admit, I think she is toying with his emotions just as much if not more than he is with hers.
His little stunt at the near-wedding was ridiculous. I could not believe the outfit he chose to wear. What was he thinking? Why does he not listen to a word I say? Not only was he late, but he presented himself in an awful manner. What's a lonely servant to do? Even when I give him good advice he won't listen. Sheesh!

"They call me Katherine that do talk of me"

If he be the slow-winged turtle, I shall be buzzard and remind him of my sting. Signor Petruccio may share no love with thee as my own father. For Bianca is the nightingale of my father's heart and Im just the thorn in his wing. And love is not blind to see that it is she that hath more gentlemen then me. It is my sister Bianca that should be concerned with suitors not I. I should have striked her harder, then she could tell me the secrets to win mens hearts. For it is Petruccio that I am left with who mocks my every word and test the depths of my soul!! What says Im to be his wife? Iam no fool whom thou keep'st commands. For I am tamed, and need no gentlemen to be made to bear on me. Iam not his bonny Kate, nor his prettiest Kate and never anything eles with that label!! He must be moved if thou must remove him thy self. Although it was I who had not denied his commands of marriage and engagement when in the presences of others. Why was that? Alas I have no time to dwell on such coy remarks of marriage anyways. Although I do commend a thousands thanks to my father for if he cared he would know my devilish spirt is only to be his true treasure. And for this I put revenge on my sister for she does not sit and weep sorrow that it will be I that dances barefoot on her wedding day and for her love will lead the apes in hell. They call me Katherine that do talk of me and thos who do not are hard of hearing!

For My Beloved Kate

To my dearest Katherine (and to all of those who may judge my actions), please understand that I do not treat you as I do out of cruelty, I do so for your own good. I know that many may see me as vain, selfish, and dominating however, this is not the truth of my existance. You must understand that my love for you Katherine reaches the stars and for you to be so stubborn, obstinate, and contradictory is detrimental to your place in society. Our marriage must be a happy one and the only way for this to be what is true is for you my Kate to comprehend a woman's true position in the household so that we may attain such matrimonial bliss. You are a hardheaded woman and my goal is to educate you on matters of obedience which is the only way to achieve your true understanding of my love and affection for you. Please do not see this obedience as relenting to my ways Katherine, but as a means by which you will be accepted as a lady and not thought of as the "Shrew" as which you have been labeled. In your eyes my actions should only reflect what I believe is best for your well being. You must relent to me or fall victim to becoming an outcast to all those that surround you.

Blog Rules & Schedule

Blog Schedule

Entries are due on the date listed. Names in italics are characters/authors who appear in/wrote the text assigned for the day (i.e. Petruccio is a character from The Taming of the Shrew; the student assigned to Petruccio must write from the perspective of Petruccio found in that text). Comments (C) are due the day following. Commenters must address the entry posted by the person listed above their name. Please note that only two entries and two comments have been scheduled. To meet the three entry/three comment requirement, you must contribute a third entry and a third comment on days for which you are not scheduled.


February
4 Petruccio
C: Lady Anne
6 Katherine
C: Portia
8 Grumio
C: Julius Caesar
11 Bianca
C: Hamlet
13 Lucentio
C: Portia
18 Titus
C: Cressida
20 Lady Macbeth
C: Lucentio
22 Aaron
C: Macbeth
25 Grumio
C: Titus
27 Lady Anne
C: Lady Macbeth
29 Buckingham
C: Cressida
March
3 Macbeth
C: Grumio
5 Aaron
C: Julius Caesar
7 Portia
C: Hamlet
10 Cressida
C: Bianca
12 Jessica
C: Buckingham
26 Bianca
C: Aaron
28 Julius Caesar
C: Lady Anne
31 Titus
C: Jessica
April
7 Lucentio
C: Aaron
9 Hamlet
C: Bianca
11 Petruccio
C: Jessica
18 Cressida
C: Grumio
21 Hamlet
C: Buckingham
23 Macbeth
C: Katherine
25 Lady Macbeth
C: Petruccio
28 Katherine
C: Titus
30 Jessica
C: Macbeth
May
2 Julius Caesar
C: Katherine
5 Buckingham
C: Lady Macbeth
7 Lady Anne
C: Petruccio
9 Portia
C: Lucentio

First day of class

Welcome, my characters! I desperately hope that you enjoy your tour through the Shakespearean blogosphere.