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, December 2, 2008
De Flores' reasoning
In this passage, De Flores explains to Beatrice that they are now equals. Beatrice is no longer superior to De Flores due to her part in the murder. Therefore, according to De Flores, Beatrice has no authority over claiming her innocence and honor. She isn't "innocent" any more and it's ironic for her to try to guard her modesty when she is still "dipped in blood". The murder now defines her because (to De Flores) she has lost her rank. To him, since they are now equals and she longer has superiority, they deserve each other; they have no boundaries to separate them. De Flores at one time was a gentleman lowered in position, and now he has the power to do the same to Beatrice. Although he views himself and Beatrice as complete equals ("and made you one with me") it appears as if De Flores holds the power. He will atempt manipulate and control Beatrice by blackmail into sexual acts that will degrade and humiliate her. He is already trying to take over her body and reputation. Beatrice may become defined by the murder and the consequences and lose power over her self.
