Timon of Athens by William Shakespeare

Timon of Athens by William Shakespeare 

Timon of Athens is a tragedy by Shakespeare, probably co-written with Thomas Middleton, very early 17^thCentury. It is about a fictional Athenian during Hellenistic Greece. The title character may have been influenced by, though not entirely based on, Greek philosopher Timon of Phlius.

Timon is a generous and gregarious fellow – generous to a fault. He has many friends and flatterers who receive benefit from his generosity. Timon’s faithful steward, Flavius, tries to warn him of his wastefulness, but Timon is too deluded by flatterers to listen.

Of course, there is a limit to Timon’s resources and his generosity leads to ruin. He rebuffs Flavius for not warning him, but is not overly worried. He is confident his many friends will assist HIM, now that HE is in need. He chides Flavius for doubting.

     And, in some sort, these wants of mine are crown’d

     That I account them blessings for by these

     Shall I try friends: you shall perceive how you

     Mistake my fortunes; I am wealthy in my friends

But of course, none are so faithful. 

Timon’s lands are sold, he renounces society (pictured) and flees to live in a cave and dine on roots. He discovers a hidden treasure of gold, which he uses to hire mercenaries to destroy Athens. I’ll spare the rest.

This is rightly called a tragedy, not because Timon is ruined financially, but because his soul is ruined. He becomes a complete and hopeless misanthrope. He offers this prayer…

     And grant, as Timon grows, his hate may grow

     To the whole race of mankind, high and low!

Throughout the play all the characters, but especially Timon’s false friends, are ridiculed by cynical Apemantus, who sees through their duplicity. And although Apemantus is somewhat sympathetic to Timon’s disillusionment and need, Timon offers even him contempt, which is then returned in a sad, and yet amusing exchange of insults

     T: I had rather be a beggar’s dog than Apemantus

     A: Thou art the cap of all the fools alive

     T: Would thou wert clean enough to spit on

     A: A plague on thee, thou art too bad to curse

     T: All villains that do stand by thee are pure

     A: There is no leprosy but what thou speak’st

     T: If I name thee – I’ll beat thee, but I should infect my hands

     A: I would my tongue could rot them off

     T: Away, thou issue of a mangy dog!

          Choler does kill me that thou art alive;

          I swoon to see thee

     A: Would thou wouldst burst

     T: Away, thou tedious rogue! I am sorry I shall lose a stone

          [throws a stone at Apemantus]

     A: Beast!

     T: Slave!

     A: Toad!

     T: Rogue, rogue, rogue!

The play is a sobering indictment on humanity. And while I am certain that not all friends are false, there is a danger in wealth that makes it hard to distinguish between the true and false. I’m certain there are many instant millionaires (lottery winners, professional athletes, etc.) who could relate to this interesting play. I can’t say I loved it. I’m not surprised it is not one of Shakespeare’s more popular plays.

I read this for the 2019 Year of Shakespeare Challenge.

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Julius Caesar by William Shakespeare

Julius Caesar by William Shakespeare 

He is a dreamer; let us leave him ~ Julius Caesar regarding the Soothsayer who told him Beware the ides of March

The fault, dear Brutus, is not in our stars,

But in ourselves that we are underlings ~ Cassius, one of Caesar’s betrayers

Cry Havoc, and let slip the dogs of war… ~ Marc Antony

Julius Caesar is a tragedy by Shakespeare, though it is also historical. It was written very late 16^thCentury and, in spite of the name, is really more about Marcus Brutus and the dilemma he faces regarding his friend Julius Caesar. 

The setting:  Rome, 44 BC, during the Roman Republic, not the Roman Empire. Julius Caesar was not emperor, there was no Roman emperor; he was the greatest military leader of his day, who was becoming increasingly powerful and popular. A group of Senators and Generals fear Caesar will soon be made King, and so, ostensibly for the love of Rome, they plot Caesars death. They need Brutus to join the conspiracy if they hope to keep the peace in the aftermath.

Brutus is greatly conflicted.

But you probably know the outcome. Ironically, the attempt to preserve the republic, causes its demise and ushers in the Roman Empire (or dictatorship), when Caesar’s adopted son Octavius becomes the first Roman Emperor, Caesar Augustus.

This may be my favorite of Shakespeare’s plays. It is an intriguing mess of conflicted ideals: friendship vs patriotism, law vs justice, idealism vs pragmatism, and honor vs necessity. It is filled with powerful quotations, many of which are part of today’s vernacular. 

And a couple great speeches. First, Brutus who convinces the pro-Caesar mob that the assassination was necessary for the good of greater Rome. 

If, then that friend demand why Brutus rose against Caesar, this is my answer, - Not that I loved Caesar less, but that I loved Rome more.

He is followed immediately by Marc Antony’s eulogy of Caesar. Antony was not one of the conspirators, but he is allowed to speak kindly of Caesar, in hopes of bringing about some healing and unity to the nation.

But Antony, has a different agenda, and with crafty words, words that ostensibly place no shame on the conspirators, he subtly lays bare the treachery and ambition of the assassins, and turns the crowd against them. Antony’s speech, begins with some of Shakespeare’s most famous lines:

Friends, Romans, countrymen, lend me your ears…

And later concludes:

Now let it work: mischief, thou art afoot.Take thou what course thou wilt!

I ached for Caesar at his betrayal. When he cries:

et tu, Brute? – Then fall, Caesar!

I was dubious of his betrayers – I think most acted from jealousy and ambition rather than altruism. I sympathized with Brutus, in a disappointed sort of way, and I admired Marc Antony, in a devious sort of way. Most of all, I despaired for Rome.

In the end, there is much death, much falling on swords, much suffering before the rise of an Empire.

I’d love to see this enacted on stage. In the meantime, any recommendations for a good film rendering?

I read this for the 2019 Year of Shakespeare Challenge, and although I didn’t read it as part of R.I.P. 14, I could have – because it has a ghost, ya gotta love a play with a ghost.

Other excerpts:

It was Greek to me ~ Casca, on not being able to understand Cicero who was speaking Greek

For let the gods so speed me as I love

The name of honour more than I fear death. ~ Brutus

Good night then Casca: this disturbed sky is not to walk in. ~ Cicero

Let’s be sacrificers, but not butchers… ~ Brutus

O ye gods, Render me worthy of this noble wife ~ Brutus

No, Cassius, no: think not, thou noble Roman

That ever Brutus will go bound to Rome;

He bears too great a mind. But this same day

Must end that work the ides of March began;

And whether we shall meet again, I know not.

Therefore our everlasting farewell take:

For ever, and for ever, farewell Cassius!

If we do meet again, why, we shall smile;

If not, why then, this parting was well made. ~ Brutus

O, coward that I am, to live so long,

To see my best friend ta’en before my face. ~ Cassius on seeing Titinius captured

Like most of Shakespeare’s plays, Julius Caesar is filled with phrases that have made their way into the modern vernacular – many of which I’ve already cited: The Dogs of War, It’s Greek to me, Cowards die a thousand deaths, etc. There is probably one more modern colloquialism that should be attributed to this play…

Great Caesar’s Ghost!

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The Tragical History of the Life and Death of Doctor Faustus by Christopher Marlowe

The Tragical History of the Life and Death of Doctor Faustus 

God forbade it, indeed; but Faustus hath done it…

This play, often referred to simply as Dr. Faustus, is a tragedy, by English playwright, Christopher Marlowe, late 16^thcentury.

It is the story of learned Dr. Faustus, who disdains his conventional education and turns to dark texts.

         

          Ay, these are those that Faustus most desires.

          O, what a world of profit and delight,

          Of power, of honour, of omnipotence,

          Is promis’d to the studious artisan!

          All things that move between the quiet poles

          Shall be at my command: emperors and kings

          Are but obeyed in their several provinces,

          Nor can they raise the wind, or rend the clouds;

          But his dominion that exceeds in this,

          Stretcheth as far as doeth the mind of man;

          A sound magician is a mighty god:

          Here, Faustus, tire thy brains to gain a deity.

Faustus often speaks to himself, and refers to himself in first person.

I’m not certain, but Marlowe may be the creator of the well used trope of the devil on one shoulder and an angel on the other, as Dr. Faustus is often visited by a good angel and an evil angel. When they find him reading of the dark arts, the good angel warns:

          O, Faustus, lay that damned book aside,

          And gaze not on it, lest it tempt thy soul

          And heap God’s heavy wrath upon thy head!

          Read the scriptures:  – that is blasphemy.

But…

          This word “damnation” terrifies not him,

Dr. Faustus sells his soul to the devil in exchange for 24 years of power and prestige. One of Lucifer’s chief lieutenants, Mephistophilis, is put at Dr. Faustus disposal. When Faustus questions that fallen angels must not be condemned to Hell, because after all – here is Mephistophilis free from hell, the demon responds:

          Why, this is hell, nor am I out of it:

          Think’st thou that I, who saw the face of God,

          And tasted the eternal joys of heaven,

          Am not tormented with ten thousand hells,

          In being deprived of everlasting bliss?

At the end of the 24 years, as midnight, the hour of reckoning approaches, Faustus of course regrets his choice but finds

          But Faustus’ offence can ne’er be pardoned…

I was surprised by this short play. I expected Marlowe, educated, intellectual, and atheist to use the play to mock Christianity and make Faustus something like a hero, but no.

Marlow is knowledgeable of Christianity’s tenets, and treats them respectfully – almost, dare I say, reverently. Faustus is indeed portrayed as the fool, who gained the world, and lost his soul.

God forbade it, indeed; but Faustus hath done it: for vain pleasure of  twenty-four years hath Faustus lost eternal joy and felicity.

I read this for the Back to the Classics Challenge 2019: a classic play

Faustian legend is based on the German alchemist, astrologer, and magician Johann Georg Faust, of the 15-16th centuries. Numerous writers have told a version of the legend, but Marlowe's play is perhaps the most well known. They vary greatly in details, but the common premise is a man who compromises his morals, ethics, or mortal soul in exchange for worldly fame, fortune, and pleasure.

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The Tragedy of Hamlet, Prince of Denmark by William Shakespeare

Hamlet by William Shakespeare 

What a piece of work is man ~ Hamlet

Hamlet, apart from Romeo and Juliet, is probably William Shakespeare’s best known play.  It is a tragedy, written very late 16^thor very early 17^thcentury, taking place in Denmark. It is also one of Shakespeare’s longest plays.

You probably know, that Shakespeare wrote: comedies and tragedies. Now comedies are not precisely what we may think of as comedies today – but goodness is Hamlet a tragedy.

There is almost nothing to feel good about at the end of this. The innocent die, the guilty die, the virtuous driven mad die, the sort of middlin die.

But it is, powerful. It is the story of the villainous king of Denmark – Hamlet’s uncle – who murders his brother, usurps the throne, and marries his brother’s wife.

Fortunately, the victim king, Hamlet’s father, returns in spirit form to charge Hamlet with vengeance. Hamlet of course complies, but well, it is pretty tragic.

          Hamlet – Now mother, what’s the matter

          Queen – Hamlet, thou hast thy father much offended.

          Hamlet – Mother, you have my father much offended.

          Queen – Come, come, you answer with an idle tongue.

          Hamlet – Go, go, you question with a wicked tongue.

I’ve seen Hamlet, as Shakespeare is intended, portrayed as a play, so I was not in suspense as to the outcome, but still I was captivated from the beginning. It is not surprising this is one of Shakespeare’s best known plays. I thoroughly enjoyed it.

Excerpts and Shakespearean phrases now part of English vernacular

Frailty, thy name is woman ~ Hamlet to his mother

I shall not look upon his like again ~ Hamlet regarding his father

Angels and ministers of grace defend us ~ Hamlet

Something is rotten in the state of Denmark. ~ Marcellus

There are more things in heaven and earth Horatio, than are dreamt of in your philosophy ~ Hamlet

Though this be madness, yet there be method in’t ~ Polonius

What a piece of work is man ~ Hamlet

…the devil hath power to assume a pleasing shape ~ Hamlet

…the play’s the thing – Wherein I’ll catch the conscience of the king ~ Hamlet

To be, or not to be, – that is the question ~ Hamlet

Rich gifts wax poor when givers prove unkind ~ Ophelia

The lady protests too much, methinks. ~ The queen, Hamlet’s mother

The cat will mew, and dog will have his day ~ Hamlet

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Macbeth by William Shakespeare

Macbeth is a tragedy by Shakespeare. The date of writing is unknown; the first performance is believed to have been 1603. It is set in late 16th Century Scotland.

The title character is a general in the Scottish army, and has just returned from an important victory to the great favor and generosity of King Duncan.

So that’s a happy beginning (unless you are Irish), but this is a tragedy – and things go south pretty quick. Macbeth encounters three witches who prophesy that he will be given a new title, and then become King. Fellow General Banquo also receives a prophesy that though he himself shall not be king, there would be many kings amongst his descendants.

Macbeth , Banquo, and the witches

by Theodore Chasseriau

Macbeth does not take the prophecy seriously until King Duncan rewards him with a new title. Still everything is pretty happy, but now that he’s beginning to believe the prophecy, Macbeth tells Lady Macbeth and things just get – well – in a word – tragic.

Macbeth and Lady Macbeth take proactive steps to bring the prophesy about. One act of villainy and betrayal leads to another, and another, and more.

False face must hide what the false heart doth know

Spoiler alert: Macbeth and Lady Macbeth are scumbags.

The guilt of treachery begins to trouble Macbeth, that and the ghost of one of his recently betrayed friends. Lady Macbeth is at first pretty aloof to any remorse, but later she is driven mad by guilt.

It doesn’t turn out well for either of them, as their growing group of victims join forces to, determined to…

Let’s make us medicines of our great revenge

In some ways, Macbeth is less tragic than some of Shakespeare’s tragedies. There is justice in the end, and some brilliant ironic twists. Those meddlesome witches, give Macbeth a few more prophecies that made him think he was invincible – but that in fact signaled his doom.

As with any work of Shakespeare, Macbeth contains phrases that are now part of English vernacular:

…be all and end all

…what’s done is done

And not really English vernacular, but this phrase, that Lady Macbeth utters to Macbeth…screw your courage to the sticking place…is quoted in Disney’s Beauty and the Beast.

There are also lines from Macbeth, that other authors would later use as the title of their works.

One of the witches chants: By the pricking of my thumbs, Something wicked this way comes. (Something Wicked This Way Comes is the title of a Ray Bradbury story).

And finally, from Macbeth’s soliloquy:

Life’s but a walking shadow; a poor player,

That struts and frets his hour upon the stage,

And then is heard no more; it is a tale

Told by an idiot, full of sound and fury,

Signifying nothing

(The Sound and the Fury is the title of a William Faulkner novel)

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