Sorry to hear that. I don't really have that problem now since I have read a good deal of his plays and his sonnets. It is certainly true the language can be a bit daunting for some. I had more trouble when I was younger and usually would rely on some audio recordings to understand just what was going on. I think some of the old English lingo and language is difficult because we can't fully comprehend all of it's meaning in today's world. Like it took me a great while to know what the words in the famous Hamlet speach refer to 'a bare botkin" - alas, I finally broke down and looked up the word and it meerly means 'a small unsheathed dagger'..duh for me:(.. Like how many times, had I heard the phrase and just skipped over it.Quote:
Originally Posted by wilbur lim
But basically, what I am trying to say, is the more you read or hear Shakespeare, the more it all sinks in and you get into the flow of the language and poetry of the plays. Try giving it another go maybe.
Sorry to say that I have failed miserably so far, with posting in this play discussion. I have no excuse at all, except being overwhelmed generally, at the present time. I did read the play, watch the video of the stage production twice and listen twice to the audio CD's, so you would think that I came her prepared. I have been hopeless here; but hope to make some worthwhile comments eventually. Here is something for now:
I think there is definitely precise text to show just what feeds Leonete's jealously and impending rage towards his wife and friend. It starts with her urging the other king to stay on and she does it in a very playful lighthearted mannor, much like flirting. There are key words in this section that would cause the Leonetes to have his own views on what they are talking about between them; of course he has twisted their words around to his own interpretations. Also Leontes blows the whole thing way out of proportion, but it seems that once set on that course, he can't stop his actions - they are like a chain of events spiralling him and his family downward. He is caught up in this violent tornado of over-sensitive perceptions and his own confluted temperament. Once the wife does not immediately say when the 'other time was' that she had shown as brightly to Leonetes, referring to the time that she gave into his advances and became betrothed to the L, then Leonetes goes wild with rage and jealousy - one can clearly see his sudden change in attitude and his suspicions taking form in his mind. He is totally wounded - the old 'male ego' thing is bruised and he feels underminded by his good friend and that his wife must be quilty of betraying him, by her unfaithfulness.
