Shakespeare's Stereotypes

Shakespeare, though a master of wordplay and imagery, also incorporates many references to politics and social issues in his plays. In "Othello," the main character is of african descent, and in "The Taming of the Shrew," the protagonist is an ill-tempered woman...these qualities make for an interesting story. "Much Ado About Nothing" does not feature anything controversial or innovative. The characters are believable and relatable, however, stereotypes are present, and they are present in most of the leads.

The primary focus in this comedy is of the lives of the royalty and army, which after a long battle have changed relationships/perspectives and have returned to new opportunities. Immediately we see tension between Benedick and Beatrice, whom may or may not have had a relationship in the past and the argumentative chemistry inside them both. Then Claudio comes into play with the typical and stale affectionate male who is madly in love along with his counterpart, Hero, who also fits under the category of "damsel in distress." Of course, the villain, Don Pedro unleashes his wrath, and introduces conflict which dampens the situation and destroys Claudio's romance. Each one of these characters play the "norm" in the traditional sense of theater, but their interactions are what makes the story unique. In addition, I think that Shakespeare is also expressing that the stereotype of royalty being pretentious and solely capable of making legislative decisions, is inaccurate. Rather, they possess the same relationships and struggle as the middle class does, but come across as more significant.

Another brief example of stereotyping is in the characters of the watchmen. Dogberry, the leader, is clearly uneducated by his malapropism and missuse of words. He and the others are obviously less wealthy because of their dress and the sweat and grime of their faces. They provide comic relief simply due to their stupidity and lack of class, which gives a well deserved break from the main plot.

Lying: a Sin or a Useful Tool?

Thus far in Shakespeare's comedy, "Much Ado About Nothing," relationships are increasing in importance, and characters are going to outrageous lengths to pursue their love interests. Men like Benedick--the confident comic--utilize wit and boasting to attract the opposite sex (aka. Beatrice). However sometimes, more favorable ploys such as simply admitting outloud, or telling the truth, just don't seem to make progress. In those situations, lying comes into play, and there are certainly several situations where this is evident.

Claudio, the more sensitive and charming member of Don Pedro's army, returns to Messina with a newfound interest in Prince Leonato's daughter, Hero. This possible romance has mixed opinions, like critical Benedick's, and Don Pedro's encouragement. Yet Claudio can't seem to approach Hero himself. During the night of the masquerade, Don John (whom is aware of this situation) approaches Claudio and addresses him as Benedick. He exchanges his two cent on how Claudio is "no equal to his birth," and that he should "dissuade him from her" (II.1.162-163). In a soliloquy, Claudio says, "Thus answer I in the name of Benedick/But hear these ill news with the ears of Claudio" (II.1. 170-171). Without receiving this information, Claudio wouldn't have been aware of Don John's jealousy and cruelty, and the need to take caution if he wants to get ahold of Hero. This scene represents how lying in one's life can provide knowledge and keep one current on the latest gossip, but most importantly, its ability to help someone to protect themselves. In this case, the newfound knowledge does not harm anybody, but rather it assists somebody.

Another example arises in scene 3 of Act 2, where Don Pedro makes an attempt to bring Benedick and Beatrice together. This seemingly quarrelsome relationship has not developed yet, but while Benedick is hiding behind the bushes in the garden, Don Pedro lies about Beatrice's immense love for him, "By my troth lord, I cannot tell what to think about it, but that she loves him with an enraged affection, it is past the infinite of thought" (II.3.107-109). This very thought segues into Benedick's revealing speech where he addresses all of the emotions going through his mind. However, later, when Beatrice comes to invite Benedick in for supper, her abhorance returns, and it is evident that no such relationship exists yet. Lying can also, and more often, acheive un-favorable results; it can lead someone down the wrong path where they actually believe what is untrue. Benedick has the wrong impression, and now he will have to deal with Beatrice himself, and build a relationship without assitance. Perhaps by eliminating some of that superiority, and telling the truth, he will succeed.

"He Wishes For The Cloths Of Heaven" By William Butler Yeats

1. Had I the heavens' embroidered cloths,

2. Enwrought with golden and silver light,

3. The blue and the dim and the dark cloths

4. Of night and light and the half-light,

5. I would spread the cloths under your feet:

6. But I, being poor, have only my dreams;

7. I have spread my dreams under your feet;

8. Tread softly because you tread on my dreams.

This brief, but beautiful poem was introduced to me in a very unlikely place--Varsity Choir. These words, placed to music, were one of the songs for our holiday concert; and though I can recite the words from memory, I have not considered their true meaning.

Yeats begins his poem by describing the embroidered cloths that he wishes he could possess. The cloths, being from Heaven--a place of paradise--are visualized through imagery like "golden and silver light" (2) and "blue and dim" (3) to conjure up an image of luxurious and colorful material . These cloths are of significant value and worth. One would assume that the owner of such a treasure would surely showcase, sell, or keep them to themselves, but the man being portrayed in this poem says that they would be given to his loved one, "I would spread the cloths under your feet" (5). The act of spreading something under one's feet is a sign of respect , and he imagines just that, which displays his intense feelings for her.

However, these cloths are imaginitive, and therefore only exist in his mind and personal desires. He is not wealthy; he cannot afford such a gift; he cannot even supply something close to that level of joy, "But I, being poor, have only my dreams" (6). His dreams--symbolizing his love--are all that he possesses; enough to satisfy him, and enough to hopefully satisfy her. He would give her everything that he has, but is vulnerable and easily affected...she could easily break his heart. By stating, "Tread softly, for you tread on my dreams," (8) he means that she must be gentle and respectful because he is very sincere when it comes to his feelings. Yeats implicitly goes to show that one does not need cloths of heaven to achieve love, but rather hopes/dreams, and compassion.

Rude Awakening

Quarter 1 has truly been an introduction to a new school; one with new policies and new habits. I have found my quickest routes to each class and have made aquaintances with many students and teachers. All in all, I am prepared to continue to produce a stellar year with my highest work ethic. The rude awakening seen above does not necessarily represent Enriched English...the word "enriched" speaks for itself, and I have seen the standards throughout my past years. However, it is a new beginning for evaluating my study habits and focus on academics in general. Obviously, EE 10 and AP Euro are very demanding, and one must put forth effort to succeed. In english, I plan to focus dilligently on each piece of literature we read in class...that means reading it at a comfortable pace (one capable of comprehension). I will continue to achieve good scores on essays, but also improve and observe Mrs. Froelich's teachings and notes to better my understanding. In addition I will continue to turn assignments in on time and correctly, but will be careful to check for mistakes like MLA errors. Participating in class discussions is another prospect I plan to improve on...hopefully other students will wake up from their sleepy eyes and be enthusiastic for class. With these goals and improvements, I am certain that the remainder of the year will be successful and unforgettable!

Rebellion's Positives

Our Enriched English course's first quarter has dealt a greatly with the prospect of rebellion and its effects on the individual and society. Often times, our culture likes to view rebellion as an immature phase of childhood and adolescence where a child is simply over-exaggerating the situation or upsetting circumstances. Therefore, rebellion is negative to both sides according to the status quo. On the contrary, rebellion sometimes evolves into a choice that makes sense and can alter one's future by boosting their confidence, improving their intelligence, even benefiting others.

Lyra, nearing the end of the journey has succeeded in crowning Iorek Byrnison as the king of the north succeeding Iofur following brutal bear-on-bear battle. To achieve that, she lied to Iofur saying that she was in fact Iorek's daemon and wanted to be freed to live with Iofur and rule the land (354). That lie was a result of newly achieved confidence. In addition she rescued many children and their daemons from the wretched Mrs. Coulter and her evil child-murdering Oblation board, leading them to safety which obviously benefited others (300). She improved her intelligence with the knowledge of the alethiometer and its symbol readings and future predictions (276). The ending will most likely reveal yet more revelations and accomplishments. Bottom line: Lyra escaped Jordan College with anxiety and succeeded with newfound abilities.

Precocious protagonists-lit comparison

As like many other young adult fiction, authors tend to portray teenagers and children as precocious individuals whom often face domestic struggles and unfortunate pasts. Death in a family is quite common, divorced parents, anti-social personalities, and of course...rebellion (haven't heard that before). These major groupings exist, because they are down to earth examples that many kids can relate to. In our enriched English literature and film content throughout the years, we have witnessed many of these topics and analyzed their importance.

In Extremely Loud and Incredibly close we have Oskar Schell who carries quite the intrepid personality. He feels un-daunted when stepping into strangers' houses inquiring as to if they know about a key that belonged to his father. However, he does this soliciting with careful grace and actually makes a difference in somebody's life, like Mr. Black by returning him to the joy of life outside his apartment. Lyra, the protagonist of The Golden Compass takes her kindness and confidence a step further by helping a large group of kidnapped children to escape from the hands of a ruthless leader, Mrs. Coulter (295).

Escaping authority, evident in the memoir, Black Boy, and the film, The 400 Blows is also a prevalent concept in this novel. As Richard (BB) rebels against his over protective parents and their ridiculous standards, he finds his true goal in life while working. He obviously wants to play the bread winner in the family, but also yearns to avoid such a conservative and restricting atmosphere in the household. Antoine, the protagonist of 400 Blows receives poor adult guidance at home and in school. In addition he is neglected and reprimanded often arbitrarily, which leads him to run away from home, grow exposed to mature elements, and finally arrested. Lyra didn't have a strong parental relationship because they were divorced, and her father was too busy in the university to take care of his daughter. She in turn leaves Jordan College and is eventually placed on a quest to save her country.

Analyze this!