Conversation Piece - Monday, December 8, 2008
"Oh, come not near me, sir; I shall defile you.
I am that of your blood was taken from you
For your better health. Look no more upon't
But cast it to the ground regardlessly;
Let the common sewer take it from distinction.
Beneath the stars, upon yon meteor
Ever hung my fate, 'mongst things corruptible;
I ne'er could pluck it from him. My loathing
Was prophet to the rest, bu ne'er believed;
Mine honor fell with him, and now my life."
(The Changeling V.iii.158-67)
I am that of your blood was taken from you
For your better health. Look no more upon't
But cast it to the ground regardlessly;
Let the common sewer take it from distinction.
Beneath the stars, upon yon meteor
Ever hung my fate, 'mongst things corruptible;
I ne'er could pluck it from him. My loathing
Was prophet to the rest, bu ne'er believed;
Mine honor fell with him, and now my life."
(The Changeling V.iii.158-67)
Tuesday, November 4, 2008
Away With Family
The above passage clearly demonstrates the conviction that Coriolanus has with his revenge against Rome. He acknowledges this woman as the person who gave him life, but disregards this fact and continues his previous stance. Additionally, Coriolanus gives credence to his wife and young Martius, but forces his "affection" out. Although the audience finds out momentarily of Coriolanus' change in decision, up until now he seems as stubborn as ever. The people that care and love him the most have just entered the scene, and the only thought process that occurs in his mind is how he needs to disregard them. I am relieved that in just a few pages, Coriolanus has a change of heart, and decides to cancel his previous plans. We have seen in former tragedies how deception between family has played a critical role--but I think deceiving one's own wife, let alone mother, can be viewed as much harsher.
