Author Archives: wchen

The title “Throne of Blood” clearly reflects the plot of the play, a throne that is riddle with blood. The play presents two murders related to Washizu acquiring the position of the Lord of Spider Web castle and his attempt at keeping that position. Throne of Blood is entertaining to watch, even though without prior exposure to the film version or to Shakespeare’s MacBeth will leave a viewer confused for several scenes. Charles Isherwood, a writer for the New York Times states that the show is “as boring to look at as it is to listen to.” (New York Times) Isherwood also states that Mr. Chong, the director, “musters little in the way of innovative staging to propel the story forward.” I feel this is incorrect because Chong was able to use light to create a scene where no door was present. I was surprised at how well light was use with sound to simulate a door being opened and closed.

I feel that Isherwood is too critical of this show. He compares this show to the film version. While filming, the director is able to make each scene better by trying again and again. A live show does not have this luxury. Mr. Chong has to make sure the entire show is perfect the first time and that the show is complete within a certain time limit.

“The Pillow Book of Sei Shonagon” is a major Japanese text that is written in the form of diary entries. This text is written based on the thoughts of Sei Shonagon as she is criticizing the people around her. However, she does not desire for her thoughts to be made public. Sei Shonagon clearly states that “much of [her text] might appear malicious and even harmful to other people.” (B, 258) Sei Shonagon is expressing her feeling by writing, but fears others will read her writing. She is in constant fear of having her writings found and read.

The New York Times released an article on November 7, 2010 called “For Afghan Wives, a Desperate, Fiery Way Out.” This article is about the practice of honor killing in Afghanistan. Honor Killing is the practice of killing oneself in order to preserve the honor of their family.  In Afghanistan, the act of lighting oneself on fire is very easy because what is needed is readily accessible. Wives in Afghanistan are constantly expressing their feeling of discontent and oppression through the act of suicide.  A woman who tries to commit suicide, Farzana states that “I felt so sad and such pain in my heart and I felt very angry at my husband and my father- and mother-in-law, and then I took the matches and lit myself.” (New York Times)

Sei Shonagon express herself by privately writing down her thoughts. Farzana express herself by engaging in an act that would end her life. Although these two women express themselves differently, this difference is also their similarity. Both Sei Shonagon and Farzana are releasing their frustration about what they see and feel. Sei Shonagon writes down what she feels is “depressing” and “hateful.” Farzana’s act of suicide reflects her frustration with her life.