Wilde

1.) After having read "The Importance of Being Earnest", I must say that I am a little disappointed. Everyone lives happily ever after?! Everyone the entire play was deceiving, and manipulating everyone else; all too prepare us for the huge finale where...everyone is ok with it and loves each other. However, I think that Jack and Algernon, although idiots who were about as smooth as sandpaper, really made the play enjoyable with their hilarity. Despite being somewhat disappointed, I think that if acted properly, this could be a very funny play to see preformed.


2.) The dialogue of the characters in "The Importance of Being Earnest" is essential in the development of the identity of each character. Each character has a mirror of themself in the form of another character in the play whose lives and actions in the play parallel one another almost perfectly. These actions can be seen in Jack and Algernon with their relationships with nonexistent people in order to maintain their personal desired lives. The parallel actions are evident between Cecily and Gwendolen who both are obsessed with the name Ernest and are able to fall in love simply because of the name. Lastly, Mrs. Bracknell and Miss Prism both share a similar secret from the past that they have hidden from their families are counterparts of one another. With these mirroring experiences and behaviors, Wilde uses unique dialogue and attitude for each of the characters, enabling the reader to distinguish the characters from the others in the play.

With the actions of the characters being so similar, the dialogue enables the characters create their own distinct identity. In Act I, we are introduced to Jack who thinks of himself as quite a gentleman, and Algernon, who has no problem wittingly defending himself from Jack’s criticisms for not being one. The conversations between Jack and Algernon throughout the play, and the way in which they interact with the surrounding cast is rather amusing and at times hilarious. As for the ladies, they are differentiated easily with conceited and pretentious quotes from Gwendolen such as, “I am always smart! Am I not, Mr. Worthington?” followed with (in response to being called perfect), “Oh! I hope I am not that. It would leave no room for developments, and I intend to develop in many directions” (9). This separates her from the seemingly meek and innocent little cousin of Jack, Cecily. Wilde’s sometimes far fetched conversations amongst the characters creates a humorous setting in which the characters can ironically function while being both harmonious and conflicting.

"The Taming of the Shrew"

1.) “The Taming of the Shrew” is a little difficult to follow because of the various characters in disguises and ongoing subplots. However, it is very funny. I can picture the arguments between Katharina and Petruchio as they are happening, picturing Kate getting redder and redder as Petruchio continues to make her angrier. The competition amongst the other characters for Bianca reminds me of high school when everyone was going after the hot, quite girl, the untouchable girl. The story is a little rough to follow but its humor is making it interesting and makes me want to keep reading to see who does what next.

2.) Petruchio is a sly, money hungry, egotistical character in the story. It is made quite obvious that his only intention in pursuing Katharina is to become the benefactor of the dowry accompanying marriage with her. Petruchio ignores warnings about Katharina’s shrew like behavior and claims that her father’s gold is all he needs to fall in love with her. He then displays his arrogance when claims that wooing Katharina will be nothing compared to his past experiences such as hearing a lion’s roar or the sea puff’d in the winds.

Although Petruchio makes these claims as if he has known Katharina forever, he actually has never even laid eyes on her. Their first encounter is quite amusing with Katharina being her usual unpleasant self and Petruchio refusing to submit to her intimidating attitude. Katharina may be witty and condescending but Petruchio’s equal cleverness and ability to turn everything that Katharina says into some sort of sexual innuendo creates a hilarious scene.

KATH. If I be waspish, best beware my sting.
PET. My remedy is then, to pluck it out.
KATH. Ay, if the fool could find it where it lies.
PET. Who knows not where a wasp does wear his sting? In his tail.
KATH. In his tongue.
PET. Whose tongue?
KATH. Yours, if you talk of tails: and so farewell.
PET. What, with my tongue in your tail? Nay, come again,
Good Kate; I am a gentleman. (35)

Petruchio’s ability to balance the constant negativity and arrogant behavior of Katharina through his light hearted carefree attitude is wonderful. The conflict present with Katharina and Petruchio is one of wit; resulting in incredibly entertaining conversations and arguments. Shakespeare has given us two characters who are in many ways similar but whose differences counteract each other perfectly.