Reflecting on a photograph of her foster grandmother in a Shakespearean costume, the speaker contemplates the character she is playing and reflects on their own experiences with Shakespeare. They explore themes of friendship, melancholy, and marriage in Shakespeare's works. The chapter also delves into the character of J. Quiz and explores the multifaceted nature of scorn in Shakespearean speeches.
The photograph of Sally's grandmother dressed in Shakespearean costume raises questions about the suitability of women, particularly those who are more boyish, for traditional female roles in Shakespeare's plays.
Jaques from 'As You Like It' serves as a fascinating character who represents a man who has experienced the world and can articulate his grief, highlighting the concept of melancholy and the search for solace outside societal norms.
Deep dives
The photograph of my grandmother in Shakespearean costume
I have received a photograph of my grandmother dressed in Shakespearean costume and I am trying to determine the character she is playing. She stands apart, looking like a page boy, while the lovers beside her appear more present and realized. I cannot decipher her exact role, but I believe she might be playing a male character given her boyish appearance. The photograph shows stage curtains behind her, reminiscent of my own memories from sixth form days. Shakespeare's plays and romances have captivated me since then, and this photograph has reignited my interest in his works.
Women's roles and relationships in Shakespeare's romances
Reflecting on Shakespeare's romances and the women characters in his plays, I wonder if women, particularly those who are more boyish than feminine, are suited for traditional female roles. The photograph of my grandmother standing next to two lovers makes me think of Celia and Rosalind in 'As You Like It.' Their bond exemplifies the romantic and partly romantic relationships between women in Shakespeare's works. However, the idea of marriage and societal expectations for women raises questions about their preparedness for such commitments and the constraints it imposes.
The character of Jaques and the allure of melancholy
The character Jaques from 'As You Like It' fascinates me as Shakespeare's thinker and philosopher. He embodies a man who has experienced the world and can articulate his grief. His melancholy, a combination of various symbols and contemplations, sets him apart from the courtly life. He opts for the forest, where he can freely express his thoughts. I relate to Jaques, contemplating the nature of melancholy and its connection to his own experiences. This reminds me of the concept of melancholia or depression, which can shut individuals down and lead them to seek solace and understanding outside societal norms.
Sally is thinking this week about a photograph of her foster grandmother in Shakespearean costume. Who is she? How did she find her part? Did she have her experience, like Jacques, the man of the world? Listen to her meditations, extemporised and recorded in a single take, to find out.
For those in and around Oxford, Sally will be speaking about her latest book, The Green Lady, at 3pm this Saturday, the 28th of October, at Blackwell's Bookshop. Tickets for this free event can be found here: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/sally-bayley-the-green-lady-with-triona-adams-tickets-681607986837
The wonderful piano music in the closing section is by Paul Clarke.
This episode was edited and produced by James Bowen.
Special thanks to Andrew Smith, Violet Henderson, Kris Dyer, and Maeve Magnus.
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