tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7136593454417242564.post3563268556102565394..comments2023-02-27T03:53:34.869-05:00Comments on New Paltz Shakespeare: OppositionsCyrus Mulreadyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07949993053589030711noreply@blogger.comBlogger1125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7136593454417242564.post-69304274436407380272012-09-13T04:07:10.888-04:002012-09-13T04:07:10.888-04:00This is a very compelling post. When I read this, ...This is a very compelling post. When I read this, I couldn't help but think of the tragedy of King Lear the whole time. In your first paragraph, you mention the contrast between the city (law, order, and power) and the woods (unlawful, magical, and imaginary). In Shakespeare's works, whenever woods are introduced as part of the setting, something amiss is about to happen. I'm glad that you pointed the woods out because I immediately thought of King Lear in his hallucinogenic state while there on the outskirts of civilization, that is, his court. Lear experiences dreams in the wild, just as dreams are a prevalent aspect of A Midsummer Night's Dream which takes place largely in the wild.<br />Another great point you made, which I found really observant of you, is how laid-back Theseus, the Duke of Athens, is. He serves as a sufficient contrast to the other, more serious characters of the play. I completely agree with your statement, "Shakespeare creates a more laid back and open minded Duke, as a character that seems to be unlike any other Duke the audience may be used to." Again, I think of King Lear, in which the dukes of that play are much colder, distant characters, in my opinion. Those particular dukes are what I, and most readers, expect dukes to be. Theseus' relaxed demeanor allows the reader to relate to him more than they can to other dukes of Shakespeare's canon—a refreshing change of pace. I can't help but imagine an audience during Shakespeare's time watching the play and reacting to Theseus. I would assume that they would expect a duke to act typically serious and stern, so Theseus, who stands in contrast to the audience's expectations, is all the more a unique character. Great job for pointing that out!<br />Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com