Hermione Alive

In Act 5.3 lines 6-102, Paulina offers to bring the statue of Hermione to life. Leontes insists that she does, and Paulina casts a spell on the statue. In this passage, Paulina claims that people may protest that she is “assisted by wicked powers,” (90) and insists that “those that think it is unlawful business..let them depart” (96). However, readers know that Paulina is more virtuous than evil. She has a lot of positive characteristics and readers praise her for being strong willed and fearless. Therefore, as a director, I would have Paulina glowing while she is bringing the statue to life. It would help give positive light to Paulina and reveal that her magic is only used for goodness. In a sense, she would resemble more holy characteristics, and her spell would be perceived more like a prayer. I would like to give a righteous effect, similar to how Jesus prays and allows the blind to see.

After Paulina says her prayer, Hermione would come to life. This reminds me of Michael Jackson’s video, “Do You Remember the Time,” where performers are trying to entertain the Pharaoh and his wife. A hooded man sprinkles dust on the floor and then gets sucked to the ground. Then the dust continuously swirls around until it formulates into Michael Jackson. In this sense, instead of the statue just subtlety transforming into a human, I would like if the statue changed into dust, swirled to the ground, and formulated into Hermione. In the play, this event is understated, but I believe this should emphasized because something magical just happened; Hermione is brought back to life. Thus, I believe the dust effect would build suspense and add admiration for the characters observing this event.

This passage may be difficult to interpret because all the characters are assumed to be regular humans. Then all of a sudden, Paulina nonchalantly suggests bringing the statue to life. Reader s never hear about Paulina’s powers beforehand, making the whole event seam surreal. The whole ordeal is rather bizarre, and it makes one think if Hermione really came back to life, if it was a dream, or if it was Leontes’ creative imagination.

If I were into watching movies and keeping up with celebrities’ names, I would be able to pick out a decent actor for Hermione and Paulina. But since don’t I keep up with movies and television, I’d suggest someone who has a strong personality for Paulina and someone whole is very charismatic for Hermione.

Leontes' remorse

In Act 3.2, lines 138-160, Leontes quickly accuses the Oracle for being wrong. His jealousness and persistence allows him to precede with the session, claiming that the Oracle “is mere falsehood” (139). However, after Mamillius dies, Leontes quickly admits that his accusations about Hermione, Camillo, and Polixenes are wrong.

In lines 138-139, Leontes’ speech is quick and short. In a sense, he speaks without thinking, and is defensive even towards the oracle who speaks against him. He sticks to his word and refuses to hear anyone who does not believe him. However, in lines 148-160, Leontes’ discourse is quite long, thus allowing him to think honestly and clearly.

Leontes’ rapid change from jealousy to remorse may reveal his guilty conscious. It’s almost as if he knew he was wrong about his accusations, but couldn’t go back on his word because he buried himself in too deep. Although the oracle speaks ultimate truth, it is his son’s death that changes Leontes’ mentality. It a sense, it also seems that Leontes is relieved, he quickly confesses, “Apollo, pardon / My great profaneness ‘gaint thine oracle! New woo my queen, recall the good Camillo” (152-155).

His automatic reaction to Mamillius' death also suggests that Leontes believes it is his son; otherwise he wouldn’t have been dramatically affected by his death. Believing this therefore suggests that Hermione is also innocent. His long speech in lines 148-160 reveal that he sees the truth of the matter, and finally becomes sympathetic to Hermione, claiming, “Tenderly apply her some remedies for life” (150-151) His guilt finally makes him aware of the consequences of his mistakes.

Lucy Analysis

To what extent does freedom and conformity have on people’s attitudes and behaviors?

From the onset of the novel, Lucy is portrayed as an innocent and naïve teenager. She can rarely think for herself and is always bossed around by older people, specifically Charlotte. As Lucy experiences Italy, she experiences joy and freedom, as well as the realities and the social norms she is confined to. Her inability to overcome social influence makes her unable to cope with her problems, thus alternating the behaviors and attitudes she truly wants to express.

In one instance, Lucy physically and literally crosses social class boundaries when she kisses George. Despite her feelings for him, she listens to Charlotte’s advice and suppresses them, swearing to secrecy. Now back in England, Lucy is again forced to act in lady-like, conventional ways. This time, however, Lucy has grown and matured from when she was previously in England.

Although she doesn’t want to comply with her old life style, she continues to conform to society by agreeing to marry Cecil. She shows no physical or emotional attachment towards Cecil, but agrees to marry him because is very genteel and conventional. Unable to resort back to confinement, Lucy expresses little forms of rebellion. In some instances, it’s by refusing to play Beethoven, talking back, and simply speaking her mind. Her obedience to society forces her to ignore her love for George, causing her to lie to those close to her, especially to herself.

Her ability to fully overcome social influence is apparent when she finally realizes that she truly loves George. She accepts George for who he is: an unconventional, loving, caring, and sensitive person. Although she always conforms to be accepted by society and her family, her love for George allows her to conquer her fears of rejection and criticism. Thus, love can prove to be a powerful tool, surpassing the social influence that others dominantly have on each other.

Theme

After Miss Bartlett catches Lucy kissing George, her main concern isn’t how Lucy feels about it, her distress comes from trying to figure out how “Lucky will silence George” P68. This scene struck me the most because it exemplifies the snobbery of the upper middle class and their view of the lower middle class. This passage helps to develop the theme of Lucy’s limited ability to express herself because of class status. Since Miss Bartlett is so caught up between the separations of classes, she is ashamed and disappointed because of Lucy’s actions. Although Lucy enjoyed the kiss, she feels obligated to tell her cousin that “I am a little to blame,” thus denying her feelings for George. Because Miss Bartlett is against socializing with the lower class, she makes Lucy feel guilty for kissing George, demanding,” if I had not arrived, what would have happened? P69. However, Lucy didn’t even think it was a big deal because “It didn’t occur to her that she would have to do anything” P68.

Readers get the impression that Miss Bartlett is always controlling Lucy and wants her to confine to the rules she was brought up with. However, this prevents Lucy from many experiences, especially of accepting the sparks between her and George. This notion reveals the potential for Lucy to rebel against Miss Bartlett and the tensions that will come along with class differences. However, this passage also reveals that Miss Barrlett will be a barrier between Lucy’s and George’s relationship. From this, readers get the notion that Lucy will be forced to suppress her emotions for George until she can be able to overcome the critic of associating herself with the lower class.