RenoVous

  Final thoughts on Much Ado About Nothing . For establishing the "enemies to lovers" rom-com trope, there wasn't much actual romance....Benedick and Beatrice clearly have a rapport, but they admit in the end that there's no love.  Pushed together and willing to accept each other, really.  And then there's Hero, resigned to whomever apparently. But it was funny.  Dogberry is definitely the comedic relief amidst the bit of drama.   "I am a wise fellow and, which is more, an officer and, which is more, a householder and, which is more, as pretty a piece of flesh as any in Messina." I would have liked more closure with Don John.  I know he's a bitter bastard and wanted to cause trouble for his brother, but Hero didn't deserve that, and I'm curious what his punishment would be.  Claudio's footman, perhaps. *** So now I'm onto the next read, maybe this Stephen King I picked up - or, yesterday Guy de Maupassant came up again.  He's writ...

  Much Ado About Nothing This has been a fun one.  I didn't read much on vacation, but I've made it into Act 4. I thought it was funny how much emphasis was on Don John, the bastard.   In station and behavior, though, turns out.  What he does to Hero just to piss his brother off....  While Claudio could probably fall in love equally fast with any other beautiful woman. I like the more joyous prank of getting Benedick and Beatrice together, and it's a believable match. But I love this line when she was disavowing marriage: "Adam's sons are my brethren; and truly, I hold it a sin to match in my kindred." Certainly witty, and dare I say, feminist?  It speaks to an equality, a rejection of subservience. And I appreciate that Benedick acknowledges his own hypocrisy as he falls for Beatrice: "When I said I would die a bachelor, I did not think I should live till I were married." Ha. Share your thoughts if you're reading along or have read before!!

  What timing!   My sister and I finished Othello  last night and today is the reason I chose April to start with. Shakespeare was born on this day in 1564.  This is assumed from church records that confirm his baptism on April 26, and it was customary to do so three days after birth. Anyway, I quite liked this one.  Iago was truly a villain, and Desdemona truly an innocent.  But it's Emilia I'm most unhappy with dying.  She was going to leave her awful husband, and I was rooting for it!  The analysis review suggested she was the play's conscience, and that tracks. Which leaves Othello, the fool, "to die upon a kiss."  He no longer deserved that, but it was well written.  I'm just glad he stabbed Iago too. "I bleed, sir, but not kill'd." "I'd have thee live, for in my sense 'tis happiness to die." Which Othello chose for himself.

I've made it through Act III, and what a mess Iago has created.  He is often considered one of the most effective villains in literature, a master manipulator. The plot of this is taken in part from Giraldo Cinthio's Gli Hecatommithi , but there Iago's motivations are driven by Desdemona's rejection, whereas in the play he just seems to hate Othello.  It's certainly not just about the position he wanted over Cassio, because he nearly had that after setting him up. I'm a little annoyed how easy it was for Iago to goad Othello, but such is the point, I suppose.  Insecurity, vulnerability, and stubborn male perspective. "They are all but stomachs, and we all but food.  They eat us hungerly, and when they are full they belch us." Emilia's husband Iago already treats her like garbage, so she's warning Desdemona that her honeymoon phase may well be over. And it all comes down to a handkerchief. Online Source Summary and Analysis We'll finish up b...

  Othello I'm not sure if I'll be able to start today, but tomorrow for sure. And my sister will be reading along with me as well this time! Online Source Summary and Analysis The play has recently been revived on Broadway, with Denzel Washington in the lead role. Playbill So we'll check in mid-month to touch base around Act III.

The Taming of the Shrew I did not like Petruchio's behavior, his goal to break Kate down.  I didn't like when she'd submit to him, such as in Act IV when he declares the time wrong, or when he claims the sun as the moon.  But then....maybe Katharina is playing her own game, knowing his. Maybe Petruchio is the shrew, after all. The analysis I reviewed suggested that love for Petruchio and Kate is a sport, whereas for Bianca and Lucentio it is an art.  Their side of the story just wasn't as exciting, even when the real Vincentio arrived.  While we had people in disguise, it didn't play out in a big reveal. And then there's the Christopher Sly part....introduced as a viewer of the play we are reading, and he was turned to once throughout, but never again.  What was the point of the setup, the trickery? Apparently there is a version that closes out with him outside the tavern, remembering a dream and how to tame a shrew.... *** But that was April!  For this mon...

  Richard Burton and Elizabeth Taylor as Petruchio and Katharina. One of the main reasons I started reading Shakespeare for myself was to know the origins of quotes in pop culture, such as "Kiss me, Kate!" in this instance. When they first met, I enjoyed their back and forth of witty insult and innuendo.  But now heading into Act IV, I don't like this guy at all.  Instead of matching her, he must overpower her, break her.  I don't see that being necessary, especially as she isn't railing against the marriage or anything. On the other hand, Bianca seems to have more power in her courtings.  She's aware of Lucentio's trick, (disguised as Cambio), and she's playing on Hortensio's desire.  She is about to "practice how to bride it" from the bedroom her sister was just taken from.  No wedding party for Kate. Summary and Analysis

  This year I've decided on The Taming of the Shrew. Over the years I've heard that the movie, 10 Things I Hate About You,  is loosely based on the story. So I'm interested to see how that compares and contrasts.  One article I read has already suggested the movie is a bit more feminist than the play, and that tracks. Introducing Katharina (Kat) as the shrew.  Petruchio (Patrick) as the suitor. Her sister Bianca, and suitor Lucentio.  There are others, of course, whom she cannot entertain until her older sister does. Their father, Baptista. As always, I have my  Summary and Analysis  for review ready. We'll touch base mid-month in case you're reading along!

  Titus Andronicus T.S. Eliot called this, "one of the stupidest and most uninspired plays ever written," but I'm pretty sure this has been my favorite so far.  Yeah, it's brutal, but I'm a horror fan.  Sometimes there isn't a happy ending or a good person, plus I liked the rhyme and that poetic contrast it provided. I have to admit I giggled reading this dark prank of Aaron's. "Oft have I digg'd up dead men from their graves, And set them upright at their dear friends' door Even when their sorrows almost was forgot, And on their skins, as on the bark of trees, Have with my knife carved in Roman letters 'Let not your sorrow die, though I am dead.'" Sorry, but that's more creative and morbidly funny than anything that occurred in The Comedy of Errors. That's just my opinion though - what did you think? And what else are you reading? I'll be finishing up the local short stories and then it will be a trip to the library.

  Online Source Study Guide I've had a slow start on my end, but from the onset we're dealing with fealty and feelings.  Titus is offered the position of emperor but he declines and aligns with Saturninus against his brother, Bassianus.  When Titus bestows his daughter, Lavinia, to the new Caesar, we learn she was already promised to Bassianus.   S shouldn't be mad though, because he's just fallen for the Goth prisoner, the Queen, Tamora.  But he does hold it against Titus, even after Titus kills his own son, Mutius, for protecting his sister.  He considers his sons treasonous. Tamora calms everyone down though and makes amends.  She quietly tells Saturninus that she will massacre them all, for him, and herself.  She had begged Titus not to kill her son Alarbus, but Lucius gleefully carried out the sentence. By Act II I realized the Moor, Aaron, is Tamora's lover.  Her sons, Chiron and Demetrius, are now in love with Lavinia as well....

  I did finish Dennis Lehane's short stories, but got distracted with some local short stories, so I haven't completed the play just yet. Mark Maynard is a Renoite English professor at the community college.  His stories all center around the area, and each one has made me tear up so far.  Maybe not great when you're sitting alone at a dinner booth.  :-P I also grabbed a local photography book, Reno: Now and Then.   It's nice to see the historical buildings that have survived the changes over time. And now it's on to Shakespeare! Titus Andronicus Again, I won't post Act analysis, but we'll touch base mid-month for anyone reading along with me.  I force this on myself, so it's up to you.  :-)

  I was too sucked into Old Bones  by Preston & Child, which I finished last night, and now I can finally start this year's play. But that won't be happening this weekend, since my sister is getting married! So I will be off tomorrow for preparations. Just in case, here's a PDF version. The Comedy of Errors Happy Reading, Happy Weekend, Happy End of April!

  Since I'm starting later in the month, I decided to go with the shortest of his plays, The Comedy of Errors. I'm not going to drive you nuts with a post per Act, we'll just touch base at the end of the month, if you choose to read along.  :-) Cast of Characters Solinus - Duke of Ephesus Egeon - Merchant from Syracuse and father of the Antipholus twins. Antipholus of Ephesus Antipholus of Syracuse Dromio of Ephesus - Servant of Antipholus E. Dromio of Syracuse - Servant of Antipholus S. Adriana - Wife of Antipholus of Ephesus Luciana - Sister of Adriana Nell - Kitchen Maid to Adriana Angelo - Goldsmith Balthasar - Merchant Courtesan Doctor Pinch - Schoolmaster and Exorcist Merchant of Ephesus Second Merchant - Angelo's creditor. Abbess - Wife of Egeon, known as Emilia I have to admit my interest went up a notch with the mention of an exorcist.

 Act V Summary and Analysis This act is one long scene where everything comes to a head. It opens with Fabian asking Feste for the letter Malvolio wrote, but he refuses.  The Duke and Cesario arrive, asking for Olivia.  Feste plays him for a bit of money. Officers arrive with Antonio, whom the Duke recognizes but asks, "What's the matter?"  The officers explain they arrested him for his crimes, so Viola speaks in his defense, since he did interrupt the duel with Andrew.  But Antonio, feeling betrayed by this person he thinks is Sebastian, complains of him to the Duke.  But it can't be the same person, since Cesario has been with him all this time, not with Antonio. Olivia comes out, with Orsino swooning and her denying him still, especially since she's been married, and of course assumes it was to Cesario standing here.  When Viola denies being husband, and chooses to follow the Duke as he means to stomp off, Olivia calls on the priest.  He confir...

  Act IV Summary and Analysis This one was fairly short: Sebastian has been mistaken for Cesario by nearly everyone.  Feste approaches him first, and then Andrew with Toby and Fabian.  He strikes Sebastian, who is more willing to fight than his sister.  But then Olivia intervenes, calls Toby an "ungracious wretch," and pulls Sebastian aside.  She asks, "Would thou'dst be ruled by me!"  He says he will. We return to the prank on Malvolio, where Maria plans to dress Feste as Master Parson, Sir Topas.  He has come to see the lunatic, who insists he is not mad and has been wronged.  "This house is as dark as ignorance."  Feste talks with himself as Sir Topas, telling himself not to speak with Malvolio, and when Sir Topas leaves, Malvolio asks Feste for ink, paper and light.  Feste says he'll fetch them. Sebastian is in Olivia's garden, wondering what the heck is going on.  Is he dreaming, is he crazy, is SHE crazy?  But no, she run...

 Act III Summary and Analysis Scene 1 starts with Viola approaching Feste.  He tells her he does not like her, and goes on to explain he is not Olivia's fool, since she will not have one until she is married, but he is "her corrupter of words."  Viola offers to pay him for his wordplay for she does admire his wit. She is then met by Toby and Andrew and she asks for admittance into Olivia's, but then she and Maria come out.  Viola again tries to woo her for Orsino, which leads Olivia to apologize for her act with the ring previously.  She admits to her affection for Cesario, and asks what he thinks of her.  But Viola only inquires for her master, and bids adieu. "Never more will I my master's tears to you deplore." "Yet come again: for thou perhaps mayst move That heart, which nor abhors, to like his love." Scene 2 turns to Toby, Andrew, and Fabian.  Andrew has noticed Olivia's affection for the youth, "more favours to the count's s...

  Act II Summary and Analysis We learn that Viola's brother, Sebastian, is alive, having been saved by the sea captain Antonio.  He thinks Viola has been drowned and his plan is to head to Orsino's court.  Antonio has much love for Sebastian and decides to join him, even though he has enemies in the court.  "That danger shall seem sport." Malvolio catches up to Viola, as Cesario, and returns the ring Olivia gave him, but Viola says she left no ring behind.  She realizes that Olivia has been charmed by her ruse - Viola loves the Duke and he loves Olivia and now she loves Cesario!   "O time, thou must untangle this, not I,  It is too hard a knot for me t'untie." Toby and Andrew are up late drinking, Feste shows up and they ask him to sing a song.  They draw Maria's attention, "What a caterwauling do you keep here?"  Malvolio overhears as well and berates them for their manners and suggests he leave if he cannot honor the lady of the house....

Twelfth Night Act I  Summary and Analysis "If music be the food of love, play on..." Duke Orsino is lovesick for Olivia, but she won't give him the time of day.  She won't even admit his attendant Valentine to enter. Even the sea captain who saved Viola knows Orsino pines for Olivia, who has recently lost her husband and her brother.  So Viola, who has also lost her brother, concocts a plan to serve the Duke as a eunuch. We then meet Toby Belch, Olivia's drunk uncle.  He has tried to set her up with his friend, Andrew Aguecheek, but he's a bit of a fool, and Maria does not approve. Viola, as Cesario, is now with the Duke and says she will get admittance from Olivia.  But as she goes, "Whoe'er I woo, myself would be his wife." Next we meet Feste, the fool.  Maria gives him a hard time for his absence, and tells him to "make your excuse wisely," as Olivia approaches.  She at first tries to send him away, but he stands his ground and says ...

  Time for our April read-along! Knowing this was coming, I didn't start a new book after finishing Flowers in the Attic .  I've been reading a short story collection by Tucker Max.  It's kinda vulgar, but also pretty funny. So let's make our choice! Last year we read As You Like It. Some previous suggestions were: All's Well that Ends Well Twelfth Night Love's Labour's Lost Antony and Cleopatra Open to new ideas as well! And what else have you been reading??

As You Like It Summary and Analysis Act 5, Scene 1 Touchstone and Audrey are talking about getting married when he asks about another man who claims her, enter William.  After talking briefly, Touchstone tells him that he is going to marry Audrey and William should "abandon the society of this female, or clown, thy perishest."   Corin then enters and tells them Rosalind is asking for them. Act 5, Scene 2 Oliver and Orlando are discussing how Oliver has fallen in love with Aliena/Celia. "Is't possible that on so little acquaintance you should like her?" Much like Orlando fell for Rosalind...  Oliver tells him he shall have the house and revenue of Sir Rowland if he can only have Aliena. As Gaynmede enters, Orlando tells Oliver he shall be wed tomorrow.  He then talks to Rosalind about his wound, and the marriage. "Why then, tomorrow I cannot serve your turn for Rosalind?" But he cannot fake it anymore, so s...