A Reading Life, A Writing Life, with Sally Bayley
Finding Your Part
Oct 25, 2023
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.
31:05
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Quick takeaways
- 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.
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