Shakespeare Study Programs; The Comedies by Charlotte Porter;Helen A. Clarke
page 76 of 126 (60%)
page 76 of 126 (60%)
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ACT V THE RINGS What is the business of Act V? How is it linked to the preceding Act? Since reunion and rejoicing are not alone the business of the plot; since recognition and declaration to the two husbands, and to Anthonio, especially, are needed, as well as to the others, of the part played by the wives in solving the difficulties of the plot, the Ring scenes constitute the due dramatic conclusion of the Play. Note that the threat of quarrel over the reluctant but requisite giving away of the rings in the preceding Act makes a deceptively serious difficulty. It is happily to be solved as a result of the wives' preceding action. This difficulty and this solution at this final stage of the plot constitute a little character play that is an epitome of the action. The whole is the more happily and amusingly solved that the Audience is wise and the characters still in the dark are really perplexed. Point out the value of the exchange of Rings as made clear in these two ways, by bringing out the characters of Gratiano, Bassanio, and especially of Anthonio as peace-maker; and by bringing out to them the fact that to the wives' love and skill the victory over the difficulties they suffered is due. Are the rings the sole test of this? |
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