Re-Tartuffe as per Helen Williams

Commenting of Matthew's post, I candidly agree that the play appear more investigative than being a comedy. I will likely compare  him to most of our modern day preachers whose scandals are always on the screen of our televisions at news time. They preach holiness and practice otherwise. I strongly believe that everyman will reap the fruit of their labour, just like Tartuffe.

Doctor Faustus

Why is that if a person is not exclusively sexual with one other person than they are considered immoral and sluttish and it's generally considered wrong? I mean, can't people be sexually active with more than one person and still be healthy, safe and responsible?

Doctor Faustus has a moment. He is human right? He wants some you-know-what so naturally he asks for a. . .wife? Well Mister Mephistopheles shuts that down quick! In 2.1 lines 141-143 Faustus says,

"But leaving off this, let me have a wife, the fairest maid
in Germany, for I am wanton and lascivious and cannot live
without a wife."

Mephistopheles replies,

"How, a wife? I prithee, Faustus, talk not of a wife."

Mephistopheles goes on in lines 152-155 to say,

"Tut, Faustus, marriage is but a ceremonial toy.
If thou lovest me, think no more of it.
I'll cull thee out the fairest courtesans
And bring them ev'ry morning to thy bed."

So because Mephistopheles will bring Faustus a woman and they will not marry but they will sleep together, this is considered wrong and of the devil?

In our society (and obviously in Marlowe's time as well) it was custom that if two people were going to sleep together that they were to be married first. I think that the problem is centered on the fact that society in general doesn't look at sex as healthy. If they do, they don't feel obliged to be open about it.

I say go for it Faustus! Have a woman, but you do not have to marry her.

Tartuffe - Helen Williams

Tartuffe by Moliere represents a comedy that satirizes religion hypocrisy of the sixteen and seventeen century. Here a messenger preaches moral value but does not abide by the morals. It also focuses on Orgon, a wealthy man who takes a stranger by face value and almost lost everything.

 He placed the needs of Tartuffe above those of his family and even disinherits his own son in an attempt to make an hypocritical, self righteous con artist the sole heir to his fortune.

This will be an interesting play to watch over and over for its dramatic effect. The Climax of the play will be when Orgon finally caught Tartuffe in action as he reveals his real identity, very devastated of course. To make things worse, Tartuffe even tries to lay claim to Orgon's property.

As it was then so it is now, we see the replay of this scenario everyday in today's society that is permeated with crimes and fraudulent acts.

Kelli Firmin- Tartuffe

Moliere, Tartuffe was a  complex read at first. It was not until half way through that I understood the play. It was suppose to be a comedy? I did not find it humorous. How could so many be fooled by the hypocrisy of Tartuffe? Madame Pernell is pleased with her son at the beginning that he has accepted Tartuffe into his home and welcomed him with open arms. She criticizes the rest of Orgon's family of being suspicious of Tartuffe. Orgon is so mesmerized with Tartuffe that he would allow him to marry his daughter instead of the man she loves. Orgon would allow him to steal from him and take possession of his home and seduce his wife.  When Orgon takes a trip and returns he does not inquire about the well being of his wife or family only Tartuffe. He definitely had the wool pulled over his eyes. Dorine the outspoken maid knew Tartuffe was a hypocrite; Damis the son did as well. Orgon took the side of Tartuffe and threw his son out of his home.


All of Orgon's family is on to Tartuffe. His brother in law Cleante tries to bring Damis and Orgon back together as a family. Elmire finally convinces Orgon to hid under a table and witness for himself what type of person Tartuffe is. Orgon finally see the real person Tartuffe is. In the end good does prevail. Orgon regains his house from Tartuffe, allows Mariane to marry Valere as she wished. Tartuffe gets what he deserves. He goes to jail and does not steal things that do not belong to him. His hypocrisy is seen by all. You cannot always believe what you see. We are at times fooled by a person's outward appearance and behavior but the truth will eventually prevail!

Helen Williams on Dr Faustus script performance analysis

I really enjoy watching this play . The costumes and scenery are  appropriate and tastefully done. The plot is very clear and the message is that sinners will never go unpunished and the evil that men do will always live after them. Dr Faustus is a man blinded by his own intellect and possessed by himself and he got blown up in pride.
 One scene I found very comical and at least interesting from religion point of view is when Mephistophillis    
became invisible. He  also used his power to make Faustus in the presence of the Pope and Cardinal - most revered roles in Christianity. Faustus was actually playing tricks on the Pope and making fool of him. This I found very disrespectful to say the least and may have set the stage for his self destructing acts. Despite his sins he failed to yield to all warnings that could have saved him.
 Faustus denial of God's power and Majesty became the source of his damnation.

Tartuffe:Matthew Chenevert

Tartuffe: Matthew Chenevert

A French play. This was listed as a comedy but it seemed more like an episode of Murder She Wrote to me. Well between that and Golden Girls. A lot of text to read. I’m hoping the video will help clear up some of my questions when I watch it later.

While it took a while for me to find the direction of the play, I didn’t really see the point of it. The characters were difficult to keep straight as far as their relationship to each other. I don’t like a lot of characters popping in and out. I actually had to create an chart to figure out who was married to who and who was the brother-in-law and who wanted to marry which ones sister… Very confusing.

Tartuffe is a con-man and the character struck me as crazy to take on a whole family as he seemed to play them against each other seemingly without worry of getting caught. Orgon was so misled that the was going through all sorts of hoops for Tartuffe. His daughter, he’s secrets, and to top it off he got Orgons house! He was slick. Well that or Orgon is an idiot. That seems to be the direction of the play. Orgon gets deeper and deeper into trouble.

Tartuffe was a hypocrite, a con-man, and I pictured him as Bill Clinton. Maybe not quite as slick because he got caught.

Kelli Firmin Script- Performance Anaylsis Dr. Faustus

Script- Performance Analysis

The video was like watching an old movie. I enjoyed seeing Richard Burton and Elizabeth Taylor perform together, two great actors of the time. The scene I chose was the very end of the play when Faustus time is running out. His twenty four years is ending which is symbolized by the hour glass. The Scholars visit Faustus and try to help him repent to God and ask for forgiveness. Faustus asks what will become of him being in hell forever. This seems too late to worry about this now. The scholars somewhat scold Faustus and said if they would have known he sold his soul to the devil they would have prayed for him.

In the entire movie there are symbols of religion. The crucifix, people making the sign of the cross but the main character sells his soul to the devil. I feel Faustus struggled with his decision the entire time. At times he asked for forgiveness but the hold the devil had on him was much stronger.

The end when his time had expired and Helen (Elizabeth Taylor) appeared to him, her face green she was leading him into the fires of hell. There was that look of regret on his face or what have I done? I enjoyed the costumes and the scenery. It was a science fiction production in my opinion.

Matthew Chenevert: Dr Faustus: Analysis Prod v Text

Dr Faustus: Analysis Production vs Text

Well I really enjoyed the video of this play. This was like watch a real movie to me. The play was MUCH better than I had envisioned it in my head. I think one of the reasons it was so good came when the final credits rolled…. Richard Burton and Elizabeth Taylor! While I couldn’t name another movie that these people were in I know they were major actors of their day.

I’m having some trouble on picking a scene this week so I will just pick the first part of the play. It opens and what caught my eye was the crucifix with Jesus hanging on the cross right in Faustus’ very room. He even speaks to it. What manner of man would go from having such a prominent religious symbol in his very study to making a pact with the a demon? Quite a swing.

Valdez and Cornelius looked very evil. I had pictured the setting where he attempts to call forth Mephistopheles to be in his study, but in the video they bring him to a cave of some sort. A foreboding cave at that.

I also noted that Faustus got younger looking after his deal was made. I also like the way they used an hour glass to keep track of Faustus’ time left before the 24 years ran out. At the end when he was being dragged off I think Lucifer was a woman. I hadn’t pictured any of those things in my head when I read the play.
Lastly the look on Mephistopheles face as Faustus was dragged off almost had an “I feel sorry” expression… very interesting.

Dr. Faustus. --Helen Williams

An interesting play for a life lesson, glad to see that we all agree on one thing, Dr Faustus paid for and got what he deserved. He is not only greedy but has too much pride in him to back out when the old man sought to help.

Dr Faustus - Helen Williams

Dr Faustus by Malowe is another morality play of its kind. Faustus attempt to go beyond his assigned place constitute an act of pride and great sin, this eventually led to his demise. He suddenly developed the desire to gain forbidden knowledge that transcends the limitation of humanity despite his achievements.

     This attempt to rise to greater achievement and height led to his contract with Lucifer. With so much desperation that he signed the contract with his soul and blood, this signifies the beginning of his damnation. So intoxicated with his power that he went to Pope's court in Rome and played series of tricks.

  The chorus at the end of the drama re-emphasizes  the moral position of the play as it reminds audience to learn from Faustus tragedy. Unlike the play "Everyman" who was forgiven and went to his grave with Good Deed, Faustus consciously remain aligned with Mephastophillis the devil, and did not take the steps toward forgiveness. He rationalizes that he has lived against the dictates of God.

   At the end not even his magical power can save him. Faustus had more than enough warning but he failed to yield, he deserve what he got . A well written play with well laid out plot.

Doctor Faustus- Kelli Firmin

The play by Marlowe was somewhat of a confusing read. It told us of a story of a very intelligent man who wanted more knowledge and was willing to sell his soul to the devil to get what he wanted. The play was difficult to follow at times. It started with Faustus as an old man then he was young again and the journey back and forth. He also seemed to struggle with his decision even after he signed his contract in blood with the devil. He asked for penance from God on several occasions and struggled with his decision to go to the dark side.
Faustus made the deal with Mephistophilis to allow him all his desires for a period of 24 years. Why 24 years? He bought his service for his soul and to serve the devil. It was interesting when he signed the contract that his blood congealed. Was this a way of him re thinking his decision? It eventually flowed so he could continue to sign his contract in blood. I thought the play had many religious aspect in it. Everyone whom encountered Faustus asked to him to repent to God and he would be forgiven. The Good angel and the evil angel that was the voice that continued to encourage Faustus to follow God or Lucifer they came in at different parts of the play pleading their case.
I thought the only comical version of the play was when Faustus was invisible and was playing tricks on the pope and made them believe it was a ghost. Faustus had an infatuation with Helen and had his wish from Mephistophilis to be with her. I think the play showed a early version of someone dappling with the occult and making a decision to sell his soul but was not 100 percent sure he made the right decision at the end. I did watch the video as well and that helps me understand the play. The video was the most interesting by far. What does everyone else think?

Matthew Chenevert: Dr Faustus

Dr Faustus Christopher Marlowe

This play struck me as a spin-off of our last weeks reading, Everyman. Overall it was very hard to read at times but had long stretches of dialogue that were very easy to follow.

One thing I liked was that there weren’t frequent character changes. It can get confusing for me with the language and verbiage of the time period…. And if you throw in a lot of characters it gets confusing.

What Marlowe seemed to convey in this play is that there was no saving Faustus once that contract was signed. The devil used trickery and deception to get the contract signed and once it was that was it. The devil also was given some admirable qualities given that he also would keep his end of the deal.

The play would drag on with paragraphs of Faustus wishing he hadn’t made a pact for his soul then it would jump 24 years into the future. I had to go back and see where the 24 years went. One page he was still lamenting on his eternal doom and the next the clock was striking 12.

With Marlowe being an atheist he didn’t seem to have a dog in this fight. I think he was capitalizing on the sensationalism. It’s probably hard to be compared to Shakespeare. Religion was probably a popular theme that could draw the crowds.

The last thing I’d like to point out is that the An Old Man character seemed to come in and attempt to help Faustus but basically Faustus was to weak willed to try and fight for his soul. Is this some sort of message that Marlowe was putting out? That the religious man is too weak (in his opinion) to fight for his soul? Seems to be a little bit of a condescending tone to me….what do you guys think?

Everyman performance analysis -- Helen Williams

The language in Everyman's script is simple and clearly written.In a literary way,Everyman represent every human being journey true life. I also think it is symbolic of human journey from birth to death and we all have to undergo this trip in life.All these fit together to teach a moral lesson in a play that dramatize man's struggle to avoid vices and seek virtue. It is very interesting to note that the play carries no surprises. The plot of the play was unravel right at the beginning , unlike most modern play, the messenger let it out as a moral play about our lives and ending.
The costumes are very simple,  I was expecting an elaborate costume that carries the  message. I would like to see costumes designed to appropriately personify each abstract idea that it represents.For example Death could be costumed as a scary skeleton, and Good Deed costumed in white to signify purity.
The climax is seeing Everyman departure to his grave with Good Deed, one would hope that he is forgiven and spared the wrath of Death.

Kelli Firmin- Script Analysis- Everyman

Kelli Firmin- Script Analysis (Everyman)

The scene I chose to analyze was between Everyman and Goods. I felt the play was the easiest thus far to follow and understand. The scenes from the video production were a little boring and I expected more dramatic effects. The character that plays Goods impressed me the most with his acting ability. Goods costume was fitting but I thought the actually goods and riches would have been more elaborate. It looked like he was holding Mardi Gras beads. The opening statement from Goods when Everyman called upon him and he stated “who calleth me I lie here in corners, trussed and piled so high”. He also goes on to say Goods are sacked in bags and chest locked fast.

Everyman desired Goods counsel. Goods were quick to refuse to accompany on his journey to death. Goods stated he followed no man on this voyage. It was obvious in the acting ability of Everyman his disappointment that his beloved Goods that he valued so much would turn his back on him. The best line in the play was when Goods said that his mission was to kill a man’s soul. This made the powerful statement that material things mean nothing to you at this journey in life. Only the Good Deeds done will help you when you are entering the kingdom of heaven. That is what you will be judged by not the amount of wealth or Goods you have accumulated or stockpiled or worshipped.  This scene really sent out a powerful message I hope all read and viewed it the same as I did.

Matthew Chenevert: Everyman Analysis Production vs Text

Everyman Analysis: Production vs Text

The play was easy to follow on screen. The story was kept true to the text but that is about where the similarities ended for me and my mind’s eye.
The characters were poorly represented and the costumes were PLAIN. The set was dark and minimal. With the exception of the scene I’m about to discuss I was let down.


The scene I chose to examine was when Everyman interacted with Goods. This fellow could act! He was powerful in his character. His costume was good and he had props! He out acted the Everyman. My favorite line was “my condition is man’s soul to kill”. I had pictured much more wealth-type items to be lavished around but generally it was well represented. (I like piles of gold)



In the Medieval Theatre I’m sure this would have been a big production, even for being so short of a play. Costumes would have been much more thought out and exaggerated for the people standing in the back of the crowd to see. For example, Death would have been a truly scary and imposing figure instead of a dark and skulking robed weasel. The Friendship and Kinsman scene would have been much more crowded with people to re-enforce that they would all abandon you in your last hour.


Overall I was let down but I went back and re-watched the Goods scene twice. If that guy doesn’t turn pro then he is missing his calling. Even with that being the case I still liked the story and had my expectation set a little high. Overall still my favorite play of the year so far.

Everyman

Everyman was an interesting read for me. I am slightly familiar with traditions of the Catholic church, but not extensively, still I could relate many of the lessons in this play with lessons and sermons from my own religious teachings.

For me, this play was much like a sermon from God intended to remind his people that there are many worldly things that may distract us along our journey of life, but we must always remember his love, grace and mercy. It is a play that definitely would have made its audiences reflect on their lives and possibly call them to change their ways and live a better quality spiritual life.

The play includes the theme that final judgement cannot be escaped by any man and if one does not live every day as if it is one's last day then that person probably will not be ready when judgement day comes. Material possessions are not as important as they may seem and good deeds should never be underestimated.

I would've loved to work on costumes for this production. I think that everything would be very big and overdone and it would be fun to be able to be creative in that way. In high school I performed in Oedipus and we did the play with masks and everything was very overdone (including the set, lights, costumes and acting) because it is Greek and the Greeks were always outrageous and flamboyant.

Lysistrata-Analysis

I chose the scene between Magistrate and Lysistrata to analyze because in the video, this scene was made much more clear to me than in the text. I did not realize that the women dressed the Magistrate in woman's clothing. This is quite humorous. All of the things that Lysistrata says in this scene upsets the Magistrate so much and his lack of power in this situation (his own men refuse to arrest Lysistrata and the other women) make him increasingly angered.

In this version of the play (not VHS), Lysistrata touches and teases the Magistrate and he is very much distracted and enticed by her and the other women but seriously offended and angered at them just the same. The women find his reaction hilarious and after he departs they all burst into teasing laughs toward him.

Much of the comedy in this play comes from subtle jokes the women make toward the men and sometimes it is hard to catch that humor in the text of the play. Watching the video makes the scene come alive and it helps to see different interpretations of the text manifested through the performance.

Everyman by Helen Williams

      So much can be learned from this eye opening Morality play. Any christian can truly relate to Everyman. It brings back memories from those bible knowledge classes. Heaven is  described as the most beautiful place where God resides and the final destination for the good and the faithful . This  is in contrast to the glazing Inferno of Hell a prominent resident for Satan and the evil doers.
 Everyman tell the story of  individual life on earth and the great reward in Heaven. The religion message is simple , earthly comfort and riches are fleeting, only good deeds  and God's grace  can provide  eternal salvation. The lessons are delivered as different characters with each representing  a variety of abstract concept like material procession, good deeds, God and other characters. The virtue of this play is about living for tomorrow and focusing on life after death. To achieve this , we must lead a holy and virtuous life that includes doing good work and doing good, the theme is clearly stated by Death in the beginning  when he warns "look well and heed to the ending" .
 Everyman will ultimately undertake a final journey and give an account of his life before the Lord.

Lysistrata

I enjoyed this play because it demonstrates women's ability to outsmart men and it is proof that women may never be underestimated. In a world where women are constantly put down, it is interesting to see a twist in the plot. The irony in the play is that although these women end up getting what they want and outsmarting their men, they do so by exploiting themselves as mere sex objects.

Lysistrata encourages the women to tease and taunt their husbands without actually having sex with them. In this she believes the men won't be able to resist their wives, thus they will agree to do whatever it is the women demand of them. Lysistrata makes sexual comments on the woman's bodies in such a way that suggests she is only concerned with using their sexual potential to gain peace and end the war.

In a way these women begin to look at themselves as men do and I think Lysistrata personifies a man in this play. She resists all sexual urges completely and dedicates herself to encouraging the women to remain committed to their oath. I took a lesson from this play that perhaps it is not so bad to exploit oneself for a cause that one feels deeply about. Before reading this play I may have strongly gone against this type of action: using "what you've got to get what you want."

Everyman- Kelli Firmin

Everyman was finally something I felt I truly understood. I also watched the video of the play after I read it and that helped significantly to understand the meaning of the play. I imagine this being performed in a beautiful old church on the altar. I am Catholic and I felt the story had a good meaning and made me think if death appeared to me today who would be by my side to walk that journey. It was a moral play that makes you think about your life and what is important and what is not. It is somewhat of a reality check to prioritize what really is important in God's eyes.
The heavenly fathered summoned Death to give all creatures (everyman) an account of their lives or a flashback. Everyman thought for sure he could count on several to help him or accompany him on this journey but was surprised so many refused. Fellowship listened attentively, his cousins and kindred were sympathetic but had no intention of following everyman.  What everyman valued most his goods, his prized possessions let him know that he followed no man. So many today receive or think they receive the most pleasure from worldly goods instead of doing good for others.

I felt that that was the most important aspect of everyman. If we do good on this earth, love our fellow man, help the poor we will be welcomed into the kingdom of heaven when our time is called and have no regrets. In the end of everyman good deeds was by his side. This was the most powerful statement that certainly made me think about my own life.

The Open Door

My first reaction to The Open Door is that I love the way this play is written. It is not modern at all, rather quite eloquent and Sir Geoffrey and Lady Torminster are very prim and proper toward each other from the beginning of the play.

The Open Door is a story of a woman and a man (Lady Torminster and Sir Geoffrey) who love each other, but cannot be together because the woman is married to the man’s best friend. Instead of being unfaithful to her husband, Lady Torminster holds back her love for Sir Geoffrey and rejects any inappropriate actions from him until this one particular night when she realizes this may be her last chance to confess her love to her husband’s best friend.

When Lady Torminster tells Sir Geoffrey that she feels the same way about him that he does for her, things become hilariously funny because all of a sudden Sir Geoffrey begins to feel guilty and wrong for his feelings toward Lady Torminster and he regrets asking her to sit and talk with him. Lady Torminster assures Sir Geoffrey that she knew the way he felt for her all along and she appreciates him for loving her husband such that he never tried anything with her. 

The story is happy and sad all at once because on the one hand it’s good to know that both Lady Torminster and Sir Geoffrey were upright enough not to have an affair, but it’s sad to think that they cannot be together because when they met it was already too late. I enjoyed reading this play for both reasons.

Everyman: Matthew Chenevert

Everyman by Anonymous

This was a fun read for me!

The whole play was easily to relate to. Being Catholic it was probably very adventitious.

I could actually picture the masses of people watching this play being performed on a large out-door stage. They probably didn’t even know they were being taught a religious lesson. Well maybe they did but it didn’t matter because they were being entertained.

With characters like Death, Goods, Five-Wits and Strength (just to name a few) I’m sure the costumes and imagery was a large part of the play. The costumes were probably largely exaggerated and gaudy. The scenes leave a very large canvas to depict what the play was trying to convey.

Concerning the subject matter, it is a gripping topic… we all of us die so everyone (everyman) would be interested to see how the event is reconciled. I must admit I was even thrown off course twice during the play as to how it would play out. The first time was when he actually got someone to accompany him on his journey. I thought it would play out how everyone would abandon him and that would be the lesson. The second time was when Everyman was finally abandon buy all EXCEPT one of the characters that had originally denied him…. Overall it was a great lesson and a well thought out play.

But besides that it was a great way for the powers of the time keep the unwashed, unlearned masses in line… and keep them entertained the whole while also. Pretty sneaky Sis’.

Lysistrata analysis.

My focus is the scene when a magistrate arrives. the old men complain that the women not only put out the fire but also soak them with the water making it appear as if they urinated on themselves. The magistrate and his Scythian guards bring in crowbars to open the doors, but Lysistrata willingly comes out to confront them.. what a contrast I noticed. The magistrate ordered her hands tied, but she boldly threatens the guards who was tying her hands.
  The guard was so intimidated that he defecates on himself, the magistrate then summoned a second officer to tie her hands, Cleonice  threatens  to trample him, he too got scared and he defecates on himself, more officer came and also face the same problem. the women gang up and beat them and throw water the magistrate .
I honestly like the VHS version of Lysistrata  better, the VHS version brings this comedy to life, it is full of energy and the setting  are more intriguing compare to the stage play. the music makes it even  more entertaining.

Lysistrata: Matthew Chenevert Text vs Production

Text vs production analysis : Lysistrata

I picked the scene where Cinesias is seduced by Myrrhine.

This is VERY much the way I pictured interaction between the two characters. The producer was true to the text with all the vital parts of the scene. Pan’s Cave, making Cinesias comfortable, Cushions and pillows, a blanket, the perfume (both of them).

The most important parts of the text also did justice to the written Greek comedy. Mainly Cinesias’ words that provided humor, and more importantly, pivotal points. I found it funny when he sent the boy home (he was obviously bait). While Myrrhine was seducing Cinesias she asked him if he would be true to his word and work towards a treaty. At first he says he is not deceiving her “No, by my life, I’m not”. Then later he says “I’ll think about it”. That’s when she gets some backbone and runs off. Very true to the actually play text and the most important part of the scene.


I did picture an actual bench as opposed to the lawn chair thing they used on stage. Also, I don’t know if the Clepsydra is the same thing as a fountain but that is another minor improvising that was made.


The scene was more bare that in my mind’s eye. I actually had it pictured more in the light (like day time or dusk) and with some activity in the back ground. Like city activity. It seemed that it was more of an impromptu meeting than a full on encounter. That made it easy for her to make her exit.

Much more fun to watch this one that to try and read the the captions then watch the characters actually act. I didn’t get a good feel for that one (but the music was a nice addition).

Lysistrata - Kaleb Babb

To be honest, before reading the play I was very apprehensive that the play was going to be anywhere near excellent. What I did, and what I highly suggest before reading these types of classical plays is to read a short synopsis of the play before reading. This may give away the ending but it doesn’t give away most of the details and helps you follow along with the story.
As I read this play I began to enjoy it more and more surprisingly enough. I understood that they were trying to stop the Peloponnesian War but as I read I couldn’t help but think how relevant this play could be during any time period. Perhaps during the American Revolution, World War II, or even the War on Terror. Imagine if the simple way to end any war was for all women to make a pact to stop having sex with their husbands. I specifically kept imagining Lysistrata as the strong and confident “Rosie the Riveter” type of character putting her foot down and stopping war but with just a different cause.
Something I found very interesting was that the women came off strong cool calm and confident, but that is easier said than done. As soon as they are in the presence of the men hostility arises. It just goes to show that it cannot be one sex winning over the other but a give and take of both. Recently, funny enough, I read an article in Cosmopolitan magazine about couples who were having more successful relationships because they returned sex for favors. The husband asks the wife to cook a fancy dinner and she returns with sexual favors and vice versa. Simple enough right.
One last thing I found amusing was when the women referred to not having men but having marble consolation. Maybe all the women had a perfect statue of David waiting in their homes waiting to please them instead.

Lysistrata - Helen Williams

Lysistrata is a comic by Aristophanes. An account of one bold woman's mission to end the Peloponnesian war. Lysistrata single- handedly persuaded the women of Greece to withhold sexual privileges from their husbands and lovers as a means of forcing them to negotiate peace. This strategy unfortunately inflamed the battle between both sexes. I see a male dominated society that see their women as  sex tools, and a suppressed group of women trying to use sex as  weapons against their men
 I found the plot of this play very difficult to read and follow. The text are often unclear, and the use of language or what I see as a dialet by the women even makes for a complicated read.The message of this play is almost  lost in the text . Its all about using the power at your disposal to achieve a purpose.[the power of sex] These women frustrated at the ongoing violence of the civil war  decided  that the only way to make peace is to stop making love .
 This is not limited to the ancient period, unfortunately in reversal our modern day politicians and those with influence use their power in exchange for sex from their subordinates in a  society that is infiltrated by corruption, the good thing is Lysistrata and her group used their influence to stop war.

Lysistrata: Matthew Chenevert

Lysistrata

This was a tough one for me. I was intimidated by the 72 page down load but at least it was a relative fast read.
I know this is categorized as a comedy but hopefully Aristophanes didn’t quit his day job.

Lysistrata’s character did some outside-the-box thinking in order to try to get the men home. One thing that puzzled me early on in the play was the initial resistance to the sex strike. Calonice and Myrrhine’s husbands had been away for 6 months or so but they didn’t want to commit to the strike? They were already not having sex (with their husbands at least) so what did they have to lose? I guess Cinesias came home at some point but Myrrhine got on board with the program when Cinesias started trying to initial relations.

I didn’t understand the importance of the “old men” and “old women” chorus.

The encounter between the men and the women at the Acropolis was mildly cute with the men bringing fire and the women bringing water to put out the fire. I guess this was a play on words especially when the men got doused and were cold and wrinkled. Kind of put out two fires.

The other thing that hit home to me was the women wanting control of the money! I guess some things don’t change even after 2500 years!


I had to remember this is a comedy. Having a woman with a voice at that time was laughable. Even though I’m sure many men often council with their wives of the time it was never probably never acknowledged.

I will also point out that Lysistrata went up against the Old Men. All the young men were fighting in the wars. So she was trying to be more young-man like than just man-like. That seemed to be the strength of here leadership over the young and old women.

The utile dolche of this play tells me that the women ultimately hold the power, even though the men think they do.

Lysistrata- Kelli Firmin

The play Lysistrata by Aristophanes was very difficult to follow and maintain my interest. It was I believe to be a comedy? It did bring about femininity and a powerful role to women in changing the outcome of war. There was a high sexual overture. Lysistrata was an Athenian woman who was tired of the war. She masterminded and coordinated a woman's movement to take a stand against the war. I did find the plot was a little far fetched. With holding sex from men to end a war is making a strong statement but is it realistic? I am sure during that time period there were prostitutes that could have fulfilled these men sexual desires and they could have continued on with participating in the war. That aspect was not mentioned to my knowledge. Lysistrata was not one that was in the same mix with the other women. She seemed to have a masculine side that worked to her favor and gained respect from the male counter parts. I am not sure that a man should play her part in the play. I missed that in the reading of this play. I do feel the general idea is not realistic that with holding sex can stop a war. It definitely can make a statement.
There were so many different characters it became hard to follow. The different chorus of the old women and men were at times hard to follow. There was no sexual tension there. The younger women that Lysistrata had as her followers were encouraged to seduce or tease their husbands or lovers and then refrain from sexual intercourse. It did not matter if they beat them. If they were forced they were to act cold as ice. Now that is a strong statement. Any way I hope the future poems will be more interesting and I will grasp more of the concepts. I am anxious to see others views. I am new to this and  and anxious to learn different prospective.

Kelli Firmin- The Open Door

Wednesday, June 1, 2011

The Open Door- Kelli Firmin

The Open Door by Alfred Sutro was set in the 1920's and was about two characters Lady Torminster and Sir Geoffrey and their love for each other that was finally expressed to one another after many years of unsuppressed feelings. I think the title "the Open Door" is very fitting. I do not think it was by accident that Lady Torminster opens the door to the drawing room at 2am. She knows that Sir Geoffrey will be there and uses the excuse she cannot sleep to see him and have a conversation that will reveal hidden feelings they both share. Lady Torminster is bored with her husband Jack. They both agree what a good man he is and a valued friend to Sir Geoffrey. I find it odd after all these years the opportunity or an open door to express their feelings is occurring. Lady Torminster is afraid of Sir Geoffrey going to China and marrying. He states he will be gone for several years and promises to send things. He is leaving abruptly so Jack will not be suspicious and even may mention his wife has been like a sister to him. That is really odd description for your best friend's wife whom you happen to be secretly in love with.
I expected throughout reading the play to have some physical contact between the two or some romantic kiss or embrace. The only description of anything physical is the clasp of her hand and a hot tear on his wrist. Sir Geoffrey and Lady Torminster do not share the same feelings about Jack being boring. Jack saved Sir Geoffrey from been killed by a tiger. Although it still did not close the door for him being in love with his wife. Overall the play read easily I was looking for more action but I have to realize this was set in the 1920's and proper behavior was followed between the two characters

The Open Door

 The Open Door is an interesting shot play by Alfred Sutro. A conversation between two loving hearts. Sutro examines the relief of confessed love, shock of reciprocal emotions and sadness that can accompany a desire that is unattainable. The conversation between Lady Torminster and Sir Geoffrey was clear at the end , even though he teased  her  about her gown.  He offered her cigarette to gain her audience.
    This was a potentially dangerous  and risky encounter between these two people. Looking at the time this was written, the  encounter at that time of the night [ 0200am]  will be   scandalous for a married woman. Still not clear why he considered them souls of their spouses.
 Lady Torminster did not appear to be surprised by his love declaration, but thank goodness she did not fall for it . I was actually expecting a reciprocal demonstration of affection. This signifies the degree of mutual respect that existed between these two  and between Sir Geoffrey and Jack as he clearly declared that Jack is the best and only friend he has in the world.
I  commend  Sir Geoffrey. for not taking advantage of a vulnerable situation  [talking to a lady, dressed in her peignoir at 0200]. His decision to travel to China to me presents like an attempt to make her feel jealous. I am really curious about the interactions that exist between two after this revealing conversation.