Please vote for the Shakespeare play in winter of '09.
All plays are available online on our site:
http://www.online-literature.com/shakespeare/
Please vote for the play you would like to read by November 30th.
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Please vote for the Shakespeare play in winter of '09.
All plays are available online on our site:
http://www.online-literature.com/shakespeare/
Please vote for the play you would like to read by November 30th.
How about Antony and Cleopatra??
Any thing u want, I will just be glad to try it ..
I voted for "Richard III", because it is one of my favorite plays. It is like a good thriller and things are always happening in the intricate plot; it is an exciting play, in my mind, not just a dull history, but one with a lot of twists and turns. It fascinates me as does the character of the sinister, power-hungry, Richard.
Is it that time again? I've just begun reading the first act of Merry Wives. I'll have to think about it for now.
Same here ;)Quote:
Originally Posted by Virgil
Yeah, Richard III is winning...well, so far. I tell you all, that is one wild ride. I love this play so much. It is very exciting and so much like a good thriller. I don't think anyone will fall asleep during this discussion.
Yeah, maybe it is too soon, Virgil and lugdunum, we are still plodding along with MWOW. Maybe Scher could postpone this one a bit. When is the winter discussion due to begin?
I voted for Richard the second. In my opinion a finer play than Richard III.
Yes I still need to read MWOW. If Richard II doesn't win I will finish MWOW. I've just been way too busy.
I voted for the second - the second doesn't seem to get enough discussion time, whereas it is almost, if not as good as the third.
Yay!! :banana:Quote:
Originally Posted by JBI
Oh hell, I should have kept my big mouth shut!
oh no!!! a tie.... makes it even more difficult to decide....:confused:
Can I sway you lugdunum? hahaaha....did you vote yet?....I am pinning my hopes on Richard III.
Here are my three personal reasons: I have read it several times and therefore, I might actually be up to date with the discussion on this one. Also, I have heard the video recording of the play several times and it gets better everytime. Third, I studied it on another video; very informative. It is a play that continues to fascinate me.
But more importantly and to my defense of the play, I have read both plays and they both are very good, but I think that Richard III will keep the interest of the forum members longer; I can't help, but think back to our last discussion of MWOW; 7 people voted for it and about 3 or 4 stuck around, if that many; I know I too have been at fault; I really found the play difficult to understand and someone else (I know this unnamed person is capable of reading deep literature/very intelligent) wrote a post, saying they felt confused by MWOW, first act; later I noticed they dropped out. So many on this forum seem to get discouraged the first act of the play if it does not grab your attention right off. Many of the forum members seem to prefer pyscholgical thrillers, over history and in my opinion Richard III is both, a good history and a great thriller, and it is not a difficult play to understand, starting with the first line. A play that starts with these lines has to draw someone right in:
Now is the winter of our discontent.
Made glorious summer by this sun of York...
This line can be easily explained, and sets the whole tone of the play, taken from Richard's disgruntled point of view.
Ok, Virgil,...we are at odds again;)...what else is new lately...:lol:.. this may be true, as far as being 'finer', but I think the majority here would prefer Richard III more so because, for some reason I have noticed that many members perfer twisted characters and the unusual to the normal. Richard II is the nobler play perhaps, but Richard III is the more psychological one in my opinion; perhaps why it is so often discussed. I read the the histories back a few years ago, this being my goal, and I understand where you are coming from on this one; but if you recall, when we tried to discuss King John, which starts them off (if I am correct) no one showed up much for the discussion. In my opinion the play King John is the dullest of the histories.Quote:
I voted for Richard the second. In my opinion a finer play than Richard III.
Anyway, to me, Richard III is the most dramatic and dynamic of the the histories, besides Henry V, which will remain my all-time favorite of the histories.
Luckily, I have been getting some good help on text for TMWOW from lugdunum. Had to add this because I wanted to thank you again. I am still muddling through that one and will not give up on it, even though I am way far behind...
I'm sorry to say I haven't had time to read The Merry Wives of Windsor, but I think if you go for either Richards, you're onto a winner. I love R111, it's one of my all-time favourites, it's brilliant. But I love R11 too, and studied it for my degree, whereas R111 is just one I loved off my own bat, so to speak. They're both excellent, and I would love to read along with either. Which to choose?
I love HV too Janine, I've just watched the Branagh version on tv today, it's sooooo good.
Hi Wessexgirl, It is true that both plays are good ones. I like them both. I just thought that - bottomline - more people would stay with Richard III because it is suspenseful. I will discuss either one, although I only read Richard II once and will have to review the actual text.Quote:
Originally Posted by wessexgirl
Branagh's best film ever is Henry V - to me, it is a perfect film. He excelled in his first production, in my opinion; it is brilliant. I have seen it so many times now and never tire of that film. I liked the way he tied in Henry's early role in Richard II by flashback, in this way giving us some insight into the background of King Hal as a young man. Also, the way he showed us Falstaff is just great, another flashback device that works so well. I still feel like crying when Hal has to give the order to have Bartoff hung. To me that is a pivatol moment in the play. I own the film and I love it! There are some stunning scenes in the film, ones that just take my breath away - the moment the tear roles down Henry's cheek, and he lowers his head, after his lone silouquey in the nightcamp and following his prayer about building the chantry to Richard's memory; another is when Henry enters the chamber with the torches lighted on each side of him, he being in silouette and flowing robe, the way the doorway is awash with light....a thrilling moment. The soundtrack also is just perfect. I think it was Patrick Doyle's very first - amazing? Doyle appears in all of Branagh's films, did you know that. He plays bit parts mostly and sometimes sings or plays an instrument.
Well I voted for Antony & Cleopatra, but would like to participate in anything really.
X
It is a stunning film, but I thought the flashback was to Henry the 1V, with Falstaff, with the echoes of marriage vows, but he's cutting him out of his life. "I do, I will" before the later heartbreaking line of "I know thee not old man". I've seen these performed at Stratford a few times with different actors and they are absolutely brilliant. I saw Alan Howard years ago (when I was at school) as Prince Hal, and more recently, but still more than a decade ago, Michael Maloney was the Prince. He's one of my favourite actors, and interestingly, he's often in Ken's (if I may be so bold as to call him Ken :lol:) films, and played the Dauphin in Henry V. Falstaff was played by the late, great Robert Stephens, who played Pistol in the film, (or was he Poins?). He swallowed a raw egg concoction on stage every night I think, as a sort of hangover cure! Yeuk. The scene where Bardolph is hung is very moving. I think you need to see Henry 1V parts 1 and 2 to really see the growth of Prince Hal to Henry V. It is a wonderful transformation, and must be a gift for any actor to be cast for all 3. We also meet those other characters previously, and as I said in another thread, the death scene of Falstaff as narrated by Mistress Quickly, is very touching, after we've come through the previous plays with him.Quote:
Originally Posted by Janine
I want to go and watch them all again now :D!
wessexgirl, I think we are hijacking this thread; so at anyrate, I will try to post a message in your profile page, if I may. I think we have a lot in common here and of course, you can call him Ken anytime at all!;) I own almost all his films, so I refer to him as Ken, too. :lol: I have read all the history plays, so I do know the full background of Prince Hal, that is what made the film so great to me and more poignant in certain scenes. I will take the rest of my response to you page. Be there soon.Quote:
Originally Posted by wessexgirl
I noticed that there are now three in the first spot, I fancy either of the Richard's to read this winter.
Still a tie...hummm....
Going once...
Am I too late?
My vote is for the Taming of the Shrew. I love the twist and transformation.
You are not too late but you need to have at least 50 posts before you can vote.
If you visit the Games section, that can be achieved in one hour! :)
But we did discuss "The Taming of the Shrew" about a year or so ago; don't you remember?
When will the voting end...tonight?
:lol: Richard the second snuck in. I wonder who got that going. :D
I don't know but after watching these excerpts with Derek Jacobi playing Richard, I wish to be the winner. If so I am definitely in. It should be great to discuss. It is a great play, I just forgot how great. :thumbs_upQuote:
Originally Posted by Virgil
I just placed a hold on Richard the Second. I'd like to be able to follow along with everyone.
Hi Motherhubbard, glad to hear it. I have become a convert now after watching some performance footage - wow! It is a good play - should prove interesting in discussion.Quote:
Originally Posted by motherhubbard
Did you vote yet, MH?
Well, Janine- I didn't vote. I never contribute very much to the conversation and I hate to vote and then be a blob. If someone who will really contribute would rather read something else I would hate to be the blob that squashed what they wanted to read.
You are too thoughtful, Motherhubbard, we all vote and then many times people don't show up anyway; I have been quilty of that, too; although I have posted something in the last twoS discussions, but then they seemed to come to a halt or go into limbo - I am still hoping to get back to MWOW; I know that Virgil said he did also; we just got sidetracked a bit. There is no pressure here. You can post a little or a lot, depending on what you can do; maybe just make a few comments now and then. You are not a blob! :lol: You have just as much right to vote as anyone here, but don't let me sway you. However you do have the right, so maybe consider it?Quote:
Originally Posted by motherhubbard
I have been reading Merry Wives of Windsor and will start posting on it tomorrow. ;)
I still prefer a problem or difficult play like Measure For Measure, which was Shakespeare's way of being dissatified with comedy and farce. These days I am more interested in the plays that get less attention, like King John, Titus, or even Troilus, which is also *difficult.*
I think it would be nice if Lit Net invited a Shakespearean to do a voluntary discussion now and again--no slight intended to the mods. It would just be nice to have access to lecturers, or even classical actors, to inject a little vigor and do something interesting. Maybe someone retired.
I'm nearing the end of a pretty busy quarter, and may have a little time for online Shakespeare discussion over part of the holidays and early January. Looks like Richard II may be next up? That would be great, since I just taught that one this term and have my recent lecture prep. handy.
Virg. seems to be indicating that the Merry Wives discussion is still up too? If so, maybe I'll pop in sometime soon when I'm not in danger of falling asleep at the keyboard. :as-sleep:
Petrarch, that would be like fate then if it is 'Richard II'; first I was pushing for Richard III, but now I think we would all enjoy the one that looks like the winner. I do recall reading the play (read all the histories) a few years back and liking it very much. I think I recall some of it and tonight on Youtube, I came across the production with Derek Jacobi for the BBC, and it is wonderful. You know it has to be great, with Jacobi playing Richard.;)Quote:
Originally Posted by Petrarch's Love
Well, like other things, some discussions have been slowed up, or I prefer to think they are in a temporary state of 'limbo'. I tried to revive the Lawrence Short Story discussion thread tonight and I will work next on posting something in the MWOW. Virgil and I keep saying we will resume, but then another week goes by. I guess we all have to make a concerted effort to get back to that one comedy play. The play is really quite funny and witty, observing what I read so far. I feel guilty and sorry that I did not keep up with it. I admit that I got distracted and felt a little overwhelmed, as well. I will be finishing up a book soon and then I will fully concentrate on the play, before I begin another novel; I hate to give up on anything. It would be so great if you could stop by to comment on it; you always have such insightful things to say. I love reading your commentary.Quote:
Virg. seems to be indicating that the Merry Wives discussion is still up too? If so, maybe I'll pop in sometime soon when I'm not in danger of falling asleep at the keyboard. :as-sleep:
I have been reading Merry Wives and finding it very enjoyable. I will definitely post something tonight when I get home from work.
:thumbs_upOh good, then I can comment on what you say and it won't be as taxing to start from scratch, again.:( I will try and read more today. How far did you get?Quote:
Originally Posted by Virgil
Also, Petrarch said she most likely will comment. Can't wait to hear what you two have to say about the play.
If the poll is correct it looks like Richard II, I read the opening lines this evening and look forward to reading the rest.
RG57, good to have you onboard for the discussion group. The play is a good one; I read it a number of years back. I see you are new, so welcome to the forum, as well. Love your little bird avatar - kind of goes with my quote, by D.H.Lawrence, but let's hope the poor little birdie does not freeze up and die....maybe my first quote would be more appropriate, what do you think?
When will the official discussion begin?
Yes Janine I think he likes the first one better. It's an English Robin, apparantly that is partly how my mother gave me my name! And strangely when I read the opening to Richard II, I read "Brought Henry Hereford thy bold son", Hereford is the city of my birth, though born a commener of that city and not (sadly) a Noble.