The Shakespeare Conference: SHK 16.1643 Tuesday, 27 September 2005
[1] From: Abigail Quart <This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.>
Date: Monday, 26 Sep 2005 05:55:58 -0400
Subj: RE: SHK 16.1601 Performing Angelo
[2] From: Arnie Perlstein <This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.>
Date: Monday, 26 Sep 2005 21:41:53 -0400
Subj: Performing Angelo
[1]-----------------------------------------------------------------
From: Abigail Quart <This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.>
Date: Monday, 26 Sep 2005 05:55:58 -0400
Subject: 16.1601 Performing Angelo
Comment: RE: SHK 16.1601 Performing Angelo
D. Bloom:
I am still trying to make sure I understand Quart clearly. Virginity is
to nun, as teddy bear is to toddler.
A. Quart:
All right. Perhaps I shouldn't have said "teddy." How about "blanky"?
That precious thing you've had since earliest infancy which you will NOT
give up, even though you're 18, shipping off to college, and, honey,
it's time.
Gonna be a cold day in Hell when I get on the bandwagon of hymen worship.
D. Bloom:
Is she really saying that an earnest and difficult vow to God is the
same as the possessiveness of a child with regard to beloved stuffed
animal? I remain baffled.
A. Quart:
Me, too. In the Measure I'm fond of, Isabella hasn't made any vows.
Shakespeare points that out immediately. As for "earnest," lordy, yes!
She is that. But "difficult"? Nuh uh. She walks onstage and her first
words are bitching that "you nuns" have it too easy. None of this is
"difficult" for Izzy. For her, it's no tougher than a "Sweatin' to the
Oldies" workout. In fact, Isabella seems quite proud of her taste for
the strict life. Which means our girl is hellbound on one of the seven
deadlies, doesn't it?
Act I, Scene 4
A nunnery.
[Enter ISABELLA and FRANCISCA]
* Isabella. And have you nuns no farther privileges?
* Francisca. Are not these large enough?
* Isabella. Yes, truly; I speak not as desiring more;
But rather wishing a more strict restraint
Upon the sisterhood, the votarists of Saint Clare.
* Lucio. [Within] Ho! Peace be in this place!
* Isabella. Who's that which calls?
* Francisca. It is a man's voice. Gentle Isabella,
Turn you the key, and know his business of him;
You may, I may not; you are yet unsworn.
When you have vow'd, you must not speak with men
But in the presence of the prioress:
Then, if you speak, you must not show your face,
Or, if you show your face, you must not speak.
He calls again; I pray you, answer him.
[Exit]
That "you nuns" is a tiny piece of genius. An instant separation between
Isabella and the real nuns, represented by Francisca. It makes it
glaringly clear that Isabella does NOT see herself as one of them,
despite any professed intentions.
As for that "earnest and difficult vow to God" that Isabella has NOT
made, does anyone believe she blows off the Duke and returns to the
nunnery for her wedding date with Jesus? It is true error to mistake
Isabella the nunlet for a genuine religieuse.
[2]-------------------------------------------------------------
From: Arnie Perlstein <This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.>
Date: Monday, 26 Sep 2005 21:41:53 -0400
Subject: Performing Angelo
""my theory sits comfortably astride Occam's Razor" "What an image!
Comfortably?"
I forgot to mention, I wear special padding. But I would loathe give up
the razor, because, used with proper precautions, it is a great saddle.
;)
Arnie Perlstein
Weston, Florida
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