William Shakespeare: Romances by Everyman’s Library
THIS IS A BORZOI BOOK PUBLISHED BY ALFRED A. KNOPF
These plays are published by arrangement with New American Library, a division of Penguin Books, USA Inc.
The Winter’s Tale: Copyright © 1963, 1988 by Frank Kermode
Copyright © 1963, 1988 by Sylvan Barnet
Shakespeare seems to redeem the conflicted and jealous figure of Othello (and his tragic self-immolation) through the happy resolution of The Winter’s Tale, as Leontes’ daughter is returned to him (although we aren’t granted this in a scene, like with Pericles) and the wife he so horribly scorned is returned to life and loves him still. Paulina seems to be an evolved Emilia – outspoken against the tyranny of Leontes and her husband’s commands, but unflinchingly loyal to her mistress. The love blossoming between Florinzel and Perdita (who at the time thinks she is nothing more than a shepherdess) on the surface conflicts the deception the Jailer’s Daughter is subjected to. However, they parallel: both couples receive a match of their status, even when it is believed otherwise (the Jailer’s Daughter believes that the Wooer is her unobtainable Palamon; it is soon revealed that Perdita is the lost daughter of Leontes, making her a noble-blooded match for the prince of Bohemia). There are echoes of the earlier tragedies in the late plays so far, and each one transcends the tragic through reconciliation and resurrection. TTNK does not have this resurrection, and if it is the last play casts a bitter note.
William Shakespeare: Romances by Everyman’s Library
THIS IS A BORZOI BOOK PUBLISHED BY ALFRED A. KNOPF
These plays are published by arrangement with New American Library, a division of Penguin Books, USA Inc.
The Tempest: Copyright © 1964, 1987 by Robert Langbaum
Copyright © 1964, 1987 by Sylvan Barnet
I can imagine that The Tempest is nothing short of a phenomenal spectacle when performed on stage. Frequently, I would read one of Ariel’s fantastical actions or of Prospero’s magic and be awed at how it would be translated. It, like Pericles, bears distinct maritime leanings, but differs by setting it on the ‘uninhabited’ island. The theme of resurrection is less obvious (unless you could argue the resurrection of Prospero’s connection with normal men) but reconciliation is most definitely prominently. I think of all the plays it’s the one I’m least able to connect to TTNK off the top of my head; I have only just read it, however, so my thoughts on it might not be as digested as they have been with my other analyses.
No comments:
Post a Comment