Sarcasm may be defined as a keen, reproachful expression, a satirical remark uttered with some degree of scorn to taunt perhaps in the form of praise to signify an insult. Shakespeare was a pioneer in its usage and its usage is a common part of the cutting edge dialogue for many of his plays whether in comedy or tragedy. Sarcasm is used to great effect in As You Like It in a comical parody.
Sarcasm adds to the verbal duels between the characters whether it be, the love between two characters Rosalind and Orlando or hate such as Orlando and Oliver or simply for no real reason in jest as often shown by the clown. This exchange adds spark to the dialogues and aides in keeping the audience on their toes as they have to be sharp and in tune to keep up with the real meaning behind the false words and amused by the sheer audacity of the character using this form of speech. Sarcasm often invites an equally scathing rebuttal unless the remark is so casual and flippant that while the audience appreciates it the victim either does not notice or ignores it. There are many examples but below I highlight a chosen few to illustrate my point:
The first scene in Act 1 begins with a verbal scuffle between the two brothers Orlando and Oliver where Orlando begrudgingly acknowledges that Oliver is his superior as he is the eldest and by law should be left his fathers fortune while he should have a life of penury.
“Nothing: I am not taught to make anything,” Scene 1, 26
Here, Oliver takes a pot shot at his brother that he is simply idling as what more can he do as his brother does not pay for his education. Further, in polite tones laced with bitter sarcasm he states, he knows that the orchard he is in is owned by birthright to his elder brother and how he should gainfully spend his time.
Act 1 scene 1,32. “Shall I keep your hogs and eat husks with them”
Act 1 scene 1.36 “O, Sir, very well: here in your orchard”
Act 1 scene 1. “The courtesy of nations allows you my better”
While the scene starts gently with a tug of sarcasm this is simply to set the scene as quickly Orlando employs direct insults which leads to violence, but the scene ends after the tussle with Oliver leaving with a sarcastic note of fake concern as he scorns his elder brother of his capabilities without his protection.
Act 1 scene 1,67. “And what wilt thou do? Beg when that is spent?”
In another example in scene 3 Duke Frederick praises himself to be forgiving and kind in self mockery and in the same breath threatens Orlando of his fortune and willingly instigates the murder of Orlando.
Act 3 scene 1,2. “But were I not the better part made mercy”
Shakespeare also highlights the love at first sight concept but often mocks the very idea as fickle and frivolous. Love is often compared to a form of madness and here with the budding romance of Rosalind and Orlando he uses the court jester to make a mockery of the constitution as he rewrites the clumsy love poem written by Orlando to Rosalind. (curiously Romeos first love was Rosalind which turned out to be short lived)
Act 3 scene 2,93. “Winter garments must be lined so must slender Rosalind”
When Jacques remarks flippantly he does not like Orlando’s lady love name, he retorts that they did not name her to please him and Jacques responds with a truth it seems but with a tinge of sarcasm which is met with an equally strong sarcasm.
Act 3 scene 2, 251 “you are full of pretty answers. Have you not been acquainted with goldsmiths’ wives and conned them out of rings?”
“Not so. But I answer you right painted cloth from whence you have studied your questions”
The duel continues with insults galore;
Act 3 scene 2, 264 “By my troth I was seeking a fool when I found you”
Act 3 scene 2, 270 “Farewell, good Signior Love”
Adieu good Monsieur Melancholy “
The dialogues allow the narrative to flow, give way to the true feelings of the characters and almost make the verses flow with the lightening speed of the firing of bullets. In comedy timing is paramount or else the joke will be lost. Sarcasm is a very clever tool which allows the wit to be enhanced and the volleys lightening fast.
Shakespeare understood that sarcasm is wit only to the intelligent ear in the same way slapstick is for the fool and so he used this literary device to great effect. The language for sarcasm by its very essence has to be highly sophisticated but almost sets itself up with an open invitation for rebuttal.
I am looking forward to yours!!
Thursday, August 25, 2011
Tuesday, August 23, 2011
As I See It...
It is always a strange experience almost surreal experience to read a play or novel then see it played out for ' real , on the big screen or in a theatre. Upon reading, ' As You Like It ', I had set visuals in my head. I see the characters faces and imagine the settings and background and colors. I become the director and create my own canvas. Upon watching the play, my first thought is disbelief as the characters are so different in physical appearance than in my imagination.further, in my head the settings are real and elaborate like a technicolor motion picture in high definition. However, in the play on stage there is no such luxury and the setting is plain and there is an obvious audience that reminds you that this is a staged rehearsed production with actors.
On the positive side, it is wonderful to hear the dialogues with their melodious ring and the play simply comes alive despite the barren backdrop. All the characters however in their dialogue delivery and actions appear loud and outlandish and exaggerated in their movements, which is how I expect Shakespeare wanted to protest his characters. This is similar to the portrayal of cartoon like characters by Dickens as the reader is more compelled to take notice if things are out of the ordinary, larger than life caricatures. There is on stage shown tremendous variance in the stresses of court life to the serenity and simplicity of life in the forest of Arden with lightening speed prop and scene changes. The costumes too add to the drama and bring to life the era of that time.
With Rosalind and Celia I expected more fragile, demure and younger characters who I imagined to be soft spoken. Instead they appear feisty and vivacious, with childish giggles intertwined within their determination. However Rosalind came across as the more unsure nervous character while Celia was the calmer voice of reason. As expected Orlando was young and passionate with reckless abandon that comes with youth. He reminded me of Romeo from ' Romeo and Juliet'. Touchstone was extremely manic in his madness and an exaggerated caricature on stage. Oliver, as expected came across as arrogant and full of pride but the Senior Duke was not as regal as I expected on stage, while Adam was mature and paternal. The other characters showed no glaring differences in the reading or watching.
The main stark difference was that on stage you could see the play was written as a parody and comedy while this was not apparent in the reading as the play appeared to be a serious drama full of conflict and strife. This may have been in the difficulty of reading Shakespearean text as opposed to modern day language and added to the fact I had not imagined expressions, reactions coupled with over the top actions while taking in the text.
On the positive side, it is wonderful to hear the dialogues with their melodious ring and the play simply comes alive despite the barren backdrop. All the characters however in their dialogue delivery and actions appear loud and outlandish and exaggerated in their movements, which is how I expect Shakespeare wanted to protest his characters. This is similar to the portrayal of cartoon like characters by Dickens as the reader is more compelled to take notice if things are out of the ordinary, larger than life caricatures. There is on stage shown tremendous variance in the stresses of court life to the serenity and simplicity of life in the forest of Arden with lightening speed prop and scene changes. The costumes too add to the drama and bring to life the era of that time.
With Rosalind and Celia I expected more fragile, demure and younger characters who I imagined to be soft spoken. Instead they appear feisty and vivacious, with childish giggles intertwined within their determination. However Rosalind came across as the more unsure nervous character while Celia was the calmer voice of reason. As expected Orlando was young and passionate with reckless abandon that comes with youth. He reminded me of Romeo from ' Romeo and Juliet'. Touchstone was extremely manic in his madness and an exaggerated caricature on stage. Oliver, as expected came across as arrogant and full of pride but the Senior Duke was not as regal as I expected on stage, while Adam was mature and paternal. The other characters showed no glaring differences in the reading or watching.
The main stark difference was that on stage you could see the play was written as a parody and comedy while this was not apparent in the reading as the play appeared to be a serious drama full of conflict and strife. This may have been in the difficulty of reading Shakespearean text as opposed to modern day language and added to the fact I had not imagined expressions, reactions coupled with over the top actions while taking in the text.
Wednesday, August 17, 2011
Richard Cory - A Lasting Impression
The poem starts with the title, as Richard Cory, which from the offset gives ultimate importance to the man the poem is devoted to. The overall theme of the poem is that appearances can be deceptive and that ultimately you can never judge a book by it's cover. Richard Cory at face value appears to have it all, looks, money, fame, charisma etc, and yet underneath it all he must have been burdened with troubles and desperately unhappy and lonely as he sat alone in his ivory tower as he committed suicide, "Went home and put a bullet through his head." (16). On the other hand the town folk envy him this perceived perfect man in the same way a child envies the perfect sibling that parents take glee in comparing you too, which incites jealousy, anger and resentment, through no fault perhaps of the sibling who may be unaware.
The words "gentleman from sole to crown " (3) signify is impeccable dress sense but reinforces the social divide as gentleman in olden days were the gentry as opposed to the under privileged paupers. He is described as perfect from head to toe without a hair out of place. The words "crown," (3) and "imperially slim" (4) show that he has regality and is thought of no less in stature than a "king " (9). The social status divide is further shown by the fact that he must live in the affluent uptown and whenever he graces his presence to go "downtown" (1) the people stare and admire him with awe and adulation. The imagery is the normal people are on the streets on the "pavement" while he must be in his carriage as if on a royal or presidential parade on the road. The streets are cleared as the commoners wave at him.
In stanza 2, repeating "he was always" almost gives the tone of jealously taunting him in a very gossipy female manner. The reader expects him to be above the ordinary, even celestial in stature and is stating that Richard would be noble enough to speak in a normal way to the people as if coming down to their level from his lofty tower. His power and hold over people extended to making ladies fall for his charms, "he fluttered pulses" (7). The "glittered" and "morning" (8) gives the appearance of a golden halo surrounding him in the sunshine of the new day. His wealth is also signified by the golden glitter, his fine clothes and "yes, richer than a king" (9). It appears the poet is responding to a question here. He is described as highly educated and in stanza 2 the poet directly admits to wishing to be him or like him "make us wish that we were in his place. "we thought that he was everything" shows past tense and foreshadows that they no longer admire him or that he no longer exists except in their memories which have left an everlasting impression. The qualities described come in quick excited succession leaving no time for thought or analysis, the first impression has been created.
The last stanza shifts to the self loathing of the people who are resentful that have toil and strife and are still waiting to achieve what Richard Cory had. There are heavenly religious connotations with "waiting for the light" (13) this had biblical symbolism as if they are waiting for deliverance to the promised land. The class divide is again shown as rich people can only eat "meat"(14) and traditionally from historical times the poor had to do with basic servings of "bread" which they despise as a symbol of their poverty,"cursed the bread" (14) .light though appears both in Cory 's description and theirs underlying that light defines us all and is universal and omnipresent like god. In the last two lines the story moves forward with the ultimately death of Cory that shatters their illusion with the same loud noise as the "bullet through his head" (16). It as if the entire town has been shot in the head and with that have finally woken up and come to their senses. This loud violent sound and action contrasts sharply with the preceding "one calm Summer night" which makes it even more shocking. The iambic rhythm of the poem and short choppy rhymed verses give the poem a almost unemotional tone which ends abruptly with his death. No further evidence is given of shock or remorse making the people of the town seem selfish, unapologetic and cold hearted.
First impressions it seems do not always last.
Sent from my iPad
The words "gentleman from sole to crown " (3) signify is impeccable dress sense but reinforces the social divide as gentleman in olden days were the gentry as opposed to the under privileged paupers. He is described as perfect from head to toe without a hair out of place. The words "crown," (3) and "imperially slim" (4) show that he has regality and is thought of no less in stature than a "king " (9). The social status divide is further shown by the fact that he must live in the affluent uptown and whenever he graces his presence to go "downtown" (1) the people stare and admire him with awe and adulation. The imagery is the normal people are on the streets on the "pavement" while he must be in his carriage as if on a royal or presidential parade on the road. The streets are cleared as the commoners wave at him.
In stanza 2, repeating "he was always" almost gives the tone of jealously taunting him in a very gossipy female manner. The reader expects him to be above the ordinary, even celestial in stature and is stating that Richard would be noble enough to speak in a normal way to the people as if coming down to their level from his lofty tower. His power and hold over people extended to making ladies fall for his charms, "he fluttered pulses" (7). The "glittered" and "morning" (8) gives the appearance of a golden halo surrounding him in the sunshine of the new day. His wealth is also signified by the golden glitter, his fine clothes and "yes, richer than a king" (9). It appears the poet is responding to a question here. He is described as highly educated and in stanza 2 the poet directly admits to wishing to be him or like him "make us wish that we were in his place. "we thought that he was everything" shows past tense and foreshadows that they no longer admire him or that he no longer exists except in their memories which have left an everlasting impression. The qualities described come in quick excited succession leaving no time for thought or analysis, the first impression has been created.
The last stanza shifts to the self loathing of the people who are resentful that have toil and strife and are still waiting to achieve what Richard Cory had. There are heavenly religious connotations with "waiting for the light" (13) this had biblical symbolism as if they are waiting for deliverance to the promised land. The class divide is again shown as rich people can only eat "meat"(14) and traditionally from historical times the poor had to do with basic servings of "bread" which they despise as a symbol of their poverty,"cursed the bread" (14) .light though appears both in Cory 's description and theirs underlying that light defines us all and is universal and omnipresent like god. In the last two lines the story moves forward with the ultimately death of Cory that shatters their illusion with the same loud noise as the "bullet through his head" (16). It as if the entire town has been shot in the head and with that have finally woken up and come to their senses. This loud violent sound and action contrasts sharply with the preceding "one calm Summer night" which makes it even more shocking. The iambic rhythm of the poem and short choppy rhymed verses give the poem a almost unemotional tone which ends abruptly with his death. No further evidence is given of shock or remorse making the people of the town seem selfish, unapologetic and cold hearted.
First impressions it seems do not always last.
Sent from my iPad
Monday, August 15, 2011
Bros For Life
The opening scene sets the tone of the play and therefore is important in revealing the mood of the characters and how the story unfolds. Orlando, the youngest of the three sons of Sir Roland de Bois is lamenting to his servant, Adam, that he has been hard done by. His dead father has bequeathed the eldest son, his brother, Oliver all his wealth and power. While the middle brother is being educated, he was left a paltry sum and is treated without respect or in a way accustomed to a gentleman of his status.
“I his brother, gain nothing under his growth, for the which his animals on his dunghills are as much bound to him as I .Besides this nothing that he so plentifully gives me, the something that nature gave me his countenance seems to take from me; he lets me feed with his hinds, bars me the place of a brother, and as much as in him lies, mines my gentility with my education,” (Act 1 Scene 1 11-18) - Orlando
The scene first of all shows the traditions of the time where the first born is given higher position status and reverence purely due to accident of birth and based upon love, talent or any other deserving quality.
“The courtesy of nations allows you my better, in that you are the first-born, but the same tradition takes not away my blood, were there twenty brothers betwixt us ; I have as much of my father in me as you,” (Act 1 scene 1 40 – 44) - Orlando
Further, since much of the play deals with the complexity and fragility of human relationships, the opening scene reveals the strife between two men bound by a common mother and sharing the same blood. Despite, this instead of love we have jealousy, and bitterness and hatred tying these two men together. And yet despite their estrangement, there still lies respect albeit wrapped in threats and insults.
“I am no villain; I am the youngest son of Sir Roland de Bois, he was my father, and he is thrice a villain that says such a father begot villains. Wert thou not my brother, I would not take this hand from my throat till this other had pulled out thy tongue for saying so,” (Act 1 scene 1 50- 54) - Orlando.
The play discovers that any event can affect the relations we keep and friends can turn to foes and back again. The play ends with the reconciliation of the brothers ultimately showing that blood is thicker than water. Brother to brother bonds have been explored from the Bible when stories first emerged of the Prodigal son and then we have seen stories such as Kane and Able. Rivalries are often stronger between siblings than between two people not sharing the same DNA. In direct contrast within the same Act I we see the love and bond between Celia and Rosalind who are mere cousins, but treat each other like sisters. Shakespeare, often shows turmoil entwined in the complex maze of human emotions as the theme of many of his plays, drawing from real life but in a more larger than life dramatic narrative. The words of the players are often more stronger in conveying human strife than simply violence showing the pen is mightier than the sword.
“I his brother, gain nothing under his growth, for the which his animals on his dunghills are as much bound to him as I .Besides this nothing that he so plentifully gives me, the something that nature gave me his countenance seems to take from me; he lets me feed with his hinds, bars me the place of a brother, and as much as in him lies, mines my gentility with my education,” (Act 1 Scene 1 11-18) - Orlando
The scene first of all shows the traditions of the time where the first born is given higher position status and reverence purely due to accident of birth and based upon love, talent or any other deserving quality.
“The courtesy of nations allows you my better, in that you are the first-born, but the same tradition takes not away my blood, were there twenty brothers betwixt us ; I have as much of my father in me as you,” (Act 1 scene 1 40 – 44) - Orlando
Further, since much of the play deals with the complexity and fragility of human relationships, the opening scene reveals the strife between two men bound by a common mother and sharing the same blood. Despite, this instead of love we have jealousy, and bitterness and hatred tying these two men together. And yet despite their estrangement, there still lies respect albeit wrapped in threats and insults.
“I am no villain; I am the youngest son of Sir Roland de Bois, he was my father, and he is thrice a villain that says such a father begot villains. Wert thou not my brother, I would not take this hand from my throat till this other had pulled out thy tongue for saying so,” (Act 1 scene 1 50- 54) - Orlando.
The play discovers that any event can affect the relations we keep and friends can turn to foes and back again. The play ends with the reconciliation of the brothers ultimately showing that blood is thicker than water. Brother to brother bonds have been explored from the Bible when stories first emerged of the Prodigal son and then we have seen stories such as Kane and Able. Rivalries are often stronger between siblings than between two people not sharing the same DNA. In direct contrast within the same Act I we see the love and bond between Celia and Rosalind who are mere cousins, but treat each other like sisters. Shakespeare, often shows turmoil entwined in the complex maze of human emotions as the theme of many of his plays, drawing from real life but in a more larger than life dramatic narrative. The words of the players are often more stronger in conveying human strife than simply violence showing the pen is mightier than the sword.
Wednesday, August 10, 2011
As You Like It! Act I Character Web
Here characters from Act I, As You Like It have been examined as well as their relationships with one other.
Monday, August 8, 2011
Comedy and Tragedy!
The lecture, “Dramatic Structure, Comedy and Tragedy, lets know that in Shakespeare’s plays the natural order of things is disrupted whether it be a tragedy or comedy. This makes sense in any form of storytelling otherwise Shakespeare or indeed any novel or play would be reduced to simply a reality TV show. For example, Macbeth would go about his normal everyday routine without any twists and turns and there would be no grand finale as the audience would fall asleep. We need to be captivated and the disorder created in everyday lives forms a plot that captivates us, as we eagerly anticipate or wait for, what happens next. Conflict is the key here, which kick starts the story from everyday life to a plot.
The lecture goes on to explain that the terms comedy or tragedy deal with the response to that conflict. Just like the laws of physics that follows Newton’s Second Law there is an equal and opposite reaction to every action. In a comedy the protagonists are many, whose main aim is through many topsy- turvy twists and turns, tries to restore that order as they have a sense of community and belonging. Comedies always in literature end in a happy ending. In contrast in a tragedy, there is usually a sole hero who is a collision course of self destruction. The hero is at war with the world and is willing to sacrifice his life for his egotistical ideals and may or may not garner sympathy from the reader.
This concept is not just restricted to the classic works of Shakespeare. Today or in recent history, in novels and films, similar themes are expressed, and there are many examples. (Meet the Fockers- Comedy or Hunger-Tragedy).
But how much of this is true to life. In reality, when we come across a conflict in our lives, whether our lives takes on the plot of a comedy or tragedy depends on us. More likely than not our response will be somewhere in between. In terms of real life examples, however although the norm is to follow the route of the comedy, it will be difficult to draw on real life examples. Tragic heroes or anti heroes come more easily, to mind, such as Marilyn Monroe, Bin Laden, Hitler, and so on, the list is endless. What is common among all these uncommon people with contrasting backgrounds is that they are disturbed and troubled and fail to resolve their issues. Ironically, everyday people resort to counseling and therapy to avoid the collision course of becoming a real life tragic hero or heroine, so it may not always end fatally. The line in the lecture, “comedy is for those who think, tragedy is for those who feel” holds so true. Perhaps no better endorsement is needed to follow your heart not your mind in order to obtain, and they all lived happily ever after.’ Amen to that!
A notable scene in Meet the Parents:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lJDRkVKjMOU
communicates this concept, in which the Focker’s family home is accidentally set on fire, and mayhem is created. One can observe the chaos and torment brought to the family, in this case the community, as they struggle to resolve the issue brought at hand.
The lecture goes on to explain that the terms comedy or tragedy deal with the response to that conflict. Just like the laws of physics that follows Newton’s Second Law there is an equal and opposite reaction to every action. In a comedy the protagonists are many, whose main aim is through many topsy- turvy twists and turns, tries to restore that order as they have a sense of community and belonging. Comedies always in literature end in a happy ending. In contrast in a tragedy, there is usually a sole hero who is a collision course of self destruction. The hero is at war with the world and is willing to sacrifice his life for his egotistical ideals and may or may not garner sympathy from the reader.
This concept is not just restricted to the classic works of Shakespeare. Today or in recent history, in novels and films, similar themes are expressed, and there are many examples. (Meet the Fockers- Comedy or Hunger-Tragedy).
But how much of this is true to life. In reality, when we come across a conflict in our lives, whether our lives takes on the plot of a comedy or tragedy depends on us. More likely than not our response will be somewhere in between. In terms of real life examples, however although the norm is to follow the route of the comedy, it will be difficult to draw on real life examples. Tragic heroes or anti heroes come more easily, to mind, such as Marilyn Monroe, Bin Laden, Hitler, and so on, the list is endless. What is common among all these uncommon people with contrasting backgrounds is that they are disturbed and troubled and fail to resolve their issues. Ironically, everyday people resort to counseling and therapy to avoid the collision course of becoming a real life tragic hero or heroine, so it may not always end fatally. The line in the lecture, “comedy is for those who think, tragedy is for those who feel” holds so true. Perhaps no better endorsement is needed to follow your heart not your mind in order to obtain, and they all lived happily ever after.’ Amen to that!
A notable scene in Meet the Parents:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lJDRkVKjMOU
communicates this concept, in which the Focker’s family home is accidentally set on fire, and mayhem is created. One can observe the chaos and torment brought to the family, in this case the community, as they struggle to resolve the issue brought at hand.
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