olgavolovik

Book club selection (and I wish they had the correct edition to put here, because I'm superficially annoyed by how this one looks). Edit: This is a play that I didn't like all that much the first time I read it. I am temperamentally prejudiced against characters who put Grand Passion over duty, to start with, so began with a chip on my shoulder against Antony. Then, of course, it's not the easiest Shakespeare play to read and there are a crazy number of scenes and all sorts of things that happen that seem unnecessary and it was just frustrating. (And I almost sound like I'm making an argument for the unities, but don't mean to go that far.) Some beautiful language, though, sure. Now I'm on my third read, and increasingly love this play. I still wasn't so sure all the Pompey stuff needed to be there (although upon discussion I do think there's good argument for it), but really appreciated it for not only the beautiful language (still), but the portrayal of the characters. I doubt Cleopatra can be played in a satisfying way, but on the page her attractions and power is clear, and the contrast between Caesar and Antony and tragedy of Antony, who is overmanned by both of the others, despite being in some respects nobler, was fabulous. And the play isn't nearly so one-sided about Grand Passion as I originally thought we were to assume. The nuances are all there.

2022-11-14 13:42