tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7136593454417242564.post5886862076312622021..comments2023-02-27T03:53:34.869-05:00Comments on New Paltz Shakespeare: When it comes to Shakespeare, nothing is unworthy of noting.Cyrus Mulreadyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07949993053589030711noreply@blogger.comBlogger3125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7136593454417242564.post-26933713955968886892012-10-05T12:12:16.709-04:002012-10-05T12:12:16.709-04:00Shakespeare was very brilliant in using Hero to re...Shakespeare was very brilliant in using Hero to represent a character who is truly quite the anti-hero. His wordplay is so carefully constructed that if you’re not looking for it, you’ll miss it. I appreciate your point that everything Shakespeare writes is worth “noting,” especially when it comes to the Hero, her name, and her character. After our discussion on Tuesday, I think the same can be said about the lines that come from the watchmen. Though they often fumble with their words, their missteps often allude to an underlying meaning that is representative of the whole play. I was particularly taken by the importance of Dogberry’s misuse of the word “redemption” in Act IV. While he meant damnation in regards to Borachio’s actions, the word “redemption” connects to Hero’s crimes being found to be a lie, and also mirrors the religious undertones of the play. Taking a closer look at Shakespeare’s clever use of words to represent meaning gives the play a whole new perspective, and like you said, makes you appreciate the finer details.Jillian Landauhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10976836630652522814noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7136593454417242564.post-46606652680827731002012-10-05T11:04:03.916-04:002012-10-05T11:04:03.916-04:00Thomas, a very intriguing look into the nature of ...Thomas, a very intriguing look into the nature of the name Hero and how it plays out in the comedy. As we talked about in class, there is also an element of irony in that name Hero, not only because it’s bearer is a woman but also because Hero is far from exhibiting "extraordinary bravery... or greatness of soul." In fact she seems the most submissive of all the characters, and the least capable of defending herself as a fully developed personality. The name also resonates with her role as the hero of the hero narrative who passes through death and is reborn, which is not only a Christian narrative--the story of Christ’s suffering, death, and resurrection in the spirit--but one common to many world mythologies. In a sense, the flatness of her character makes me want to read this play as a kind of disguised myth. Of course the elements of myth that enter into the drama remain somewhat under the surface because of the nature of this theatrical mode, which unfolds in the dynamic relationships between well-rounded characters. But this play doesn't achieve the same wholeness in that respect as a play like Macbeth or Othello, where the dramatic energy lives in the astoundingly rich and complex personalities of its characters. Here the drama is to a large extent invested in Hero’s symbolic journey through the underworld as a path of purification. Anyway, I enjoyed your insights into the wordplay around Hero. Thanks for sharing.Clifford Venhohttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05687896985453463900noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7136593454417242564.post-37464543724940642352012-10-04T06:59:06.782-04:002012-10-04T06:59:06.782-04:00Thomas, I really enjoyed your post. I was curious...Thomas, I really enjoyed your post. I was curious about the name "Hero" as well but did not explore it and much appreciated your ability to do so so thoroughly. As you say, "Claudio really wants Hero to answer true to heroic values," and yet he does not give her the ability to defend herself by the name of hero or otherwise. It is also interesting to note that, according to the Oxford English Dictionary, "hero" is a word meaning "A man distinguished by extraordinary valour and martial achievements; one who does brave or noble deeds; an illustrious warrior." This is not, therefore, a word used for a woman since it specifically identifies the word as being attached to a man. "Hero" is also noted as meaning "A man who exhibits extraordinary bravery, firmness, fortitude, or greatness of soul, in any course of action, or in connection with any pursuit, work, or enterprise; a man admired and venerated for his achievements and noble qualities." These seem to be remarkable qualities in a wife, never mind a man, yet Claudio seems to expect it of his fiance even by half. You are right. When reading Shakespeare, it is important to pay attention to nuance, to read and re-read, and "nothing is unworthy of noting." This was my first time reading this play and, as usual, the plot seems almost unbelievable but the wordplay, humor, and combination of comedy and tragedy was a true representation of life at the time. The brutality of life was such that one had to laugh in order to get through it with some pleasure.Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16646715175449056665noreply@blogger.com