A New Way to Pay Old Debts
Endymion
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Author Archives: wendy c
Posts: 4 (archived below)
Comments: 2
A New Perspective
As discussed in today’s class Massinger illustrates a different point of view of the lower class. Overreach is a character full of schemes that would do anything just as long as it followed his hidden agenda. This is clearly different from other characters we have read prior to this play, in which characters of the lower class were often those that possess righteous personalities such as Simon Eyre in The Shoemaker’s Holiday. Massinger’s characterization of Overreach is relevant to modern society as there are countless individuals who are also as reckless as Overreach in order to climb higher on the social ladder.
However Overreach’s character is an important contrast to the relationship that servants have with their masters in the play. The servants of the Allworth’s household all have a genuine affection and dedication for Lady Allworth and her stepson Tom Allworth. As we have already seen in Act 1 scene 2, Order, Amble, Furnace and Watchall expressed concern as how to little Lady Allworth has been eating after the death of her husband. Similarly they express concern to Tom Allworth in Act 2 scene 2, as they continuous remind him to remember to eat. This form of dedication is unique, as we have seen from previous plays that we have read, servants often know the deepest secrets of their master and are easily bribed to reveal these secrets to interested parties as we have seen from Pedringano in The Spanish Tragedy. This type of betrayal would not occur in the Allworth household, when asked by Lady Allworth to refrain from overhearing her conversation, both Amble and Lady Allworth’s waiting-woman replied: “we are taught better / By you, good madam. / And well know our distance” (4.1.176-174). Such response from servants emphasizes the dedication evident in all of Lady Allworth’s servants.
Massinger’s close attention to detail to the personalities of all the characters captivates the reader. Although the storyline composes of details similar to ones we have read in previous plays, it offers a unique twist in perspective not only to the plot of the play but also to society.
The Intensity of Ferdinand
In the previous act, Ferdinand and the Cardinal both were adamant about not wanting the Duchess to remarry. However, Ferdinand’s refusal is especially evident during Act II scene v, after reading the letter that the Duchess had given birth. Although the Cardinal and Ferdinand are angry upon hearing the news about the Duchess’ birth, when juxtaposed together, their reactions reveal insight into both of these characters. Both characters uses blood in their speech, the Cardinal indicates that the blood in the family is now tainted (2.5.21-22). However, Ferdinand emphasizes that the Duchess deserves to die in which one should “purge infect blood” (2.5.26) Ferdinand continues this in line 49 when he refers to the Duchess’ as “whore’s blood.” Ferdinand extreme reaction is revealing of his character as only he believes that the Duchess should be killed for her (whorish) ways, whereas the Cardinal is almost calm in comparison to Ferdinand.
Ferdinand’s obsession and extreme nature is further revealed as the Cardinal even asks Ferdinand if he has gone “stark mad” (2.5.68). It is ironic that Ferdinand continuously wants to punish the Duchess for her act; however, once the Duchess has been “punished” for her act, Ferdinand shows signs of repent and subsequently does go mad as the play progresses. Therefore, the character of Ferdinand is intriguing because he is a character that likes to pushes actions to the extreme, both mentally and physically.
Posted in Psychological detail, The Duchess of Malfi
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The Shoemaker’s Holiday: Ralph’s Realistic Journey
The Shoemaker’s Holiday comedic tone was a breath of fresh air to the audience after almost a decade of tragic events such as outbreaks of a plague, bad harvest and inflation (483). The audience would have definitely been entertained with the comedic jokes and the subliminal sexual comparisons that Dekker writes for most of the characters in the play. In my opinion, I think the character of Ralph is one character the audience member would definitely be able to relate and empathize with the most, as England at the time had been at war with Spain for almost twelve years. One could image that many of the soldiers were returning with battle wounds similar to Ralph.
Ralph is released from war and returns back to the Eyre’s shop in Scene 10 with missing limbs. Although Ralph returned with these wounds, he is encouraged by Hodge to continue to be a shoemaker as he still had his hands and was still capable of making a living for himself. Furthermore, because Ralph continued as a shoemaker he was able to find his wife Jane and finally reunite with her. Ralph’s situation is one that is common when a country is at war. Many find themselves separated from their loved ones and often returned with permanent damages; however the character of Ralph is a representation that war heroes are valuable to society and reminding many that they can continue to live the life they desire to have.
Dedication in Endymion
One particular aspect of Lyly’s Endymion that left an impression on me was this form of dedication present between characters. In the beginning of the play, we are informed of Endymion long dedication of love and infatuation with Cynthia, goddess of the moon. However, we are also introduced to Eumenides’ dedication to Endymion. Although, to some, it may not be as impressive as Endymion’s committed love for Cynthia, even after twenty years, Eumenides was committed to find the remedy that would allow Endymion to awake from his slumber. Furthermore, Eumenides also voluntary sacrificed his love for Semele for Endymion as we saw in his struggle between friendship and love during his conversation with Geron at his fountain. Without this sacrifice, Eumenides would not have been able to find the only remedy that would awake Endymion and convince Cynthia to kiss Endymion.
However, with the sacrifices affiliated with dedication, it also comes with its own respective rewards. With the awake of Endymion, Eumenides is rewarded by Cynthia, a budding relationship between himself and Semele. Although Endymion is ultimately unable to be in a relationship with Cynthia, Endymion was still awakened and saved by Cynthia herself. Lyly’s demonstration of dedication in Endymion is met with rewards. This could also represent an symbolic representation of Lyly’s dedication to Queen Elizabeth through the previous discussion of Cynthia being an allegorical representation of Queen Elizabeth.
