Shakespeare Closely Read: Recent Episodes
Mark Naftel
Full readings of Shakespeare's plays and other works in the public domain along with comments and text analysis. A podcast for lovers of beautiful thoughts and words!
Cleopatra is distraught to hear of Antony's marriage to Octavia. Sextus Pompey makes peace with the Triumverate.
Antony leaves Egypt and Cleopatra to meet Octavian and Lepidus to meet the threat of Pompey. Agrippa arranges a marriage between Antony and Octavia, Octavian's sister.
Anthony is neglecting his duty while dalying with Cleopatra. He receives news that his wife, Fulvia, has died.
I read and analyze T.S Eliot's Christmas poem, "The Journey of the Magi." I include a reading of Lancelot Andrewe's Christmas Homily that Eliot stole, err relied heavily upon in this poem.
The image of the Christmas card sent with Eliot's poem is at https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Journey_of_the_Magi#/media/File:T_S_Eliot_1927_The_Journey_of_the_Magi_No_8_Ariel_Poems_Faber.jpg
A recording of Eliot reading the poem is at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BCVnuEWXQcg
His life was gentle and the elements
So mixed in him that nature might stand up
And say to all the world “This was a man.”
Anthony and Octavius join forces against the conspirators. We see Brutus and Cassius quarreling.
The conspirators come together at Brutus' house. Caesar's wife begs him not to go to the Capitol.
Led by Cassius, the conspiracy against Caesar comes together, but Brutus has not joined yet.
This episode we hear Caesar's famous "lean and hungry" short speech as follows:
"Let me have men about me that are fat,
Sleek-headed men, and such as sleep a-nights.
Yond Cassius has a lean and hungry look.
He thinks too much. Such men are dangerous."
We also hear, "But for mine
own part, it was Greek to me."
Beware the Ides of March!
Movie version of the play is here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ETrA5w1i3M0
Plutarch concludes. Although Plutarch found much admirable in Coriolanus' character, his pride was a fatal flaw.
We conclude the reading of Plutarch's life of Coriolanus. The women of Rome, led by his mother and wife, persuade Coriolanus to give up his siege of Rome. His Volscian enemy engineers his death.
Coriolanus successfully wages war on Rome on behalf of the Volscians and rebuffs Roman attempts to recall him to the city.
We continue reading Plutarch's account of the life of Coriolanus. He is exiled from Rome and offers his assistance to the Volscians in waging war on Rome.
Marcius is, almost alone, victorious over the Volscians, and receives the new name of Coriolanus. He is very virtuous in his behavior, but apparently begins to crave political advancement.
The Romans are greatly relieved that Coriolanus relented, but the Volscians, provoked by Aufidius, turn on Coriolanus and kill him.
Coriolanus rebuffs his old friend Meneius, but is finally moved by the entreaties of his family to give up his attack on Rome.
Coriolanus leads the Volscians to victory against Rome and threatens the city itself. The people regret banishing Coriolanus, but Aufidius grows envious of Coriolanus.
Coriolanus is banished from Rome and immediately seeks the Volscians, Rome's worst enemies, and his old nemesis, Aufridius.
Coriolanus' mother pleads with him to humble himself before the Plebians. She thinks he can still become Consul. After pledging to be calm, Coriolanus explodes on the first mention of "treason" and he is banished from Rome. He predicts dire consequences for Rome.
Coriolanus appears to humble himself and ask the Plebians to consent to him becoming Consul. But he is not sincere. Some of the people see that and the Tribunes goad the people on to withdraw their consent. When confronted by the Tribunes, Coriolanus erupts in anger, insults the people and a riot ensues. The Tribunes try to have Coriolanus arrested and executed.
Coriolanus returns to Rome and great honor. The Senate wants to make him Consul, the highest office in Rome. But the people must consent, and their Tribunes want to use this opportunity to wreck Coriolanus' political career.
Martius receives credit for capturing Corioles, and also receives the name of Coriolanus.
Martius' mother and wife wait for him in Rome, while the battle rages in and around Corioles
We begin Cariolanus, and meet Martius, a proud Roman patrician, who later becomes Cariolanus. He confronts a band of rebellious plebians and expresses his contempt for them. The civil strife is apparently interrupted by pending war with the Volscians, whose leader is a frenemy of Martius. He goes to war, but the new tribunes stay behind and begin a plot against Martius.
The Duke reveals his true identity and that he set up the test of Angelo. Mariana enlists Isabel in her cause and the Duke agrees to pardon Angelo. Everyone is sentenced to be married.
What’s mine is yours, and what is yours is mine.
The Duke's plot to substitute Marianna for Isabella seems to work, but will Angelo fulfill his part of the bargain and pardon Claudio?
Claudio appears resigned to his death, but then urges Isabella to give in to Angelo to save himself. She refuses. The Duke convinces Isabella to appear to give in but actually substitute Angelo's former finacee.
Isabella pleads for her brother's life, but Angelo will only pardon him if Isabella agrees to sleep with him. Isabella has some good speeches on how the law can act like a tyrant, contrasting that with mercy.
Lucio pleads with Isabella, about to become a nun, that she plead with Angelo for her brother Claudio's life.
The Duke of Vienna appears to depart leaving Angelo with power to enforce law. Claudio is arrested for getting his fiancee with child.
Hero's father, uncle, and Benedict challenge Claudio and the Prince for causing Hero's death. Don John flees and his men confess the trick they played on Hero.
Claudio and his friends, falling for Don John's deception, accuse Hero of infidelity. Hero faints, and supposing her to be dead her accusers depart. The friar advises Hero's family and friends to let out that she is dead. Benedict and Beatrice declare their love for each other, and Beatrice has Benedict challenge Claudio to avenge Hero.
Don John's plot to slander Hero and break up her impending marriage appears successful, but the night Watch overhears a confession by Don John's henchman.
Benedict and Beatrice's friends contrive to bring them together by pretending to know that they secretly love each other.
Claudio believes that the Prince has betrayed him by wooing Hero for himself, but it is all straightened out; the marriage of Claudio and Hero is set. The company then determines to have Benedick and Beatrice fall in love with each other - a seemingly impossible task. There is, however, a hint that the two were lovers in the past: "I gave him use for it, a double heart for his single one. Marry, once before he won it of me with false dice."
We start the delightful Much Ado About Nothing. While the Kenneth Branagh version is highly recommended, a free production (by a Texas Shakespeare company) can be found at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RgTsb2GGtjA
Burnam Wood came to Dunsinane, but Macbeth still holds hope of prevailing since he cannot be killed by anyone of woman born. Until he meets Macduff, from his mother's womb untimely ripped. The end. Of Macbeth.
The Macbeth's descend into madness. Lady Macbeth sleepwalks, delivers her "Out damn spot" speech, and commits suicide. Macbeth depends wholly on the witches' prophecies. Learning of Lady Macbeth's death, he gives the "out brief candle" speech on the shortness and futility of life.
"It is a tale
Told by an idiot, full of sound and fury,
Signifying nothing."
Macbeth is now the epitome of nihilism.
Some memorable lines from the Weird Sisters: "Eye of newt and toe of frog,"
"Something wicked this way comes."
"for none of woman born
Shall harm Macbeth."
"Macbeth shall never vanquished be until
Great Birnam Wood to high Dunsinane Hill
Shall come against him."
Macbeth has Banquo murdered, but Banquo's son, Fleance, escapes. Banquo's ghost appears! Hecate chides the Weird Sisters.
With Lady Macbeth urging him on, Macbeth kills King Duncan and they frame two servants. When the king's body is discovered, Macbeth kills the two servants, supposedly in a rage at what they had done. Duncan's sons flee, rightly suspecting Macbeth. Macbeth turns his attention to Banquo.
We meet Lady Macbeth, one of literature's greatest villainesses. This selection has several notables lines and speeches. Lady Macbeth's "unsex me now speech, inviting demons to possess her. And she bends all her power urging a reluctant appearing Macbeth to murder.
Scottish King Duncan, with the aid of loyal Macbeth and Banquo, defeats the rebel army. Macbeth is rewarded with the title Thane of Cawdor. The three witches greet Macbeth with that title and prophesy he will be king and that Banquo will be the father of kings. Macbeth starts to plot to murder Duncan.
Royal Shakespeare with Ian McKellen version is at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IgEshHhnLqU . There is also the Orson Welles version on Youtube, but I can't really recommend that.
Richmond lands, gathers strength and prepares for battle against Richard. Both commanders are visited in the night by the ghosts of Richard's victims.
Richard delights to hear of the princes' murder, but rebellion is growing. Queen Margaret confronts Richard's mother and Queen Elizabeth and reminds them of her curses. Richard (unbelievably) seems to win Queen Elizabeth's consent to his marrying her daughter.
Richard is crowned. Nobles flee and a rebellion is in the offing. Richard arranges for the princes in the Tower to be murdered.
Richard arranges for the Prince to stay at the Tower and plots to have all his potential rivals killed.
King Edward dies, thinking that all the rival factions around the throne have reconciled. Richard goes to escort the king's son, confusingly also an "Edward" back to London.
Queen Margaret concludes her curses. Richard arranges for his brother, Clarence' murder.
Richard wins for himself Anne, widow of Prince Edward. The king is dying; family and faction members are confronted by Richard. The old (deposed) Queen Margaret begins her curses.
Concluding thoughts on Henry V.
Introduction to Richard III, one of the great stage villains of all times. I discuss whether Richard was in fact a such a villain. For further reading, I suggest "To Prove a Villain," by Dr LIttleton and Dr Rea: https://www.amazon.com/Prove-Villain-Case-King-Richard/dp/B0010VUIYQ/ref=sr_1_2?crid=128NL4OMYSIES&keywords=To+prove+a+villain%3A+the+case+of+King+Richard+III&qid=1646423913&sprefix=to+prove+a+villain+the+case+of+king+richard+iii%2Caps%2C163&sr=8-2
Video production of the play can be currently found at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wMNNyda3sCk
Henry V ends with a marriage alliance between Henry and the French princess. Their son, Henry VI, is destined to be king of England and France, but holds neither.
The battle over, King Henry engages in more disguised trickery, returns to England, and then back to France again to negotiate the peace.
The great battle is about to start, with the French supremely confident and the British saying their prayers. King Henry gives the great Band of Brothers speech. When asked to name his ransom by the French herald, the King replies, "The man that once did sell the lion's skin While the beast lived was killed with hunting him."
As a bonus for the Lenten season, I will read the Book of Psalms, without commentary. The text is from the Coverdale Psalter, used by the Church of England during Shakespeare's life.
King Henry, disguised as an ordinary soldier, goes our among his army. He discusses the responsibility of kings for wars and deaths and afterwards seems to long for a simpler life. The French arrogantly contemplate their forthcoming victory.
The supremely confident French surround the English and prepare for battle. King Henry ponders the coming battle and his likely defeat.
Harfleur falls to Henry, but his army is now diminished and in poor condition. The French resolve to counterattack in great numbers. We see French Princess Katherine learning English.
The war starts. King Henry delivers the "Once more unto the breach" speech, which is so mis-understood today.
Traitors taken care of, Henry departs for France. We hear of Falstaff's death. The French court prepares for war.
The French Prince sends King Henry tennis balls as a joke. Falstaff is dying. A plot against the King is discovered.
Shakespeare's great war play, Henry V, begins. The World War II era Laurence Olivier version of this play is available free on line at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5BLBQIwZ_h4 . I highly recommend it.
Prince Hal is coronated as Henry V and banishes Falstaff. We hear rumor of forthcoming war with France.
New King Henry V decides to cast off his old dissolute companions and instead takes the Chief Justice as his closest advisor. Falstaff hurries to London in anticipation of reward and high office.
Henry IV dies. Long live the King! Falstaff is in great expectation and the Chief Justice in fear as to what Henry V may be and do.
Prince John tricks the rebels into dispersing their army and then arrests them. Falstaff looks forward to his advancement. The King hears of the rebels' defeats, but is very ill.
Falstaff promises to put Justice Shallow down when he (Falstaff) is promoted at court. The rebels, led by the Archbishop of York, enter into negotiations with Price John.
King Henry cannot sleep due to this worries over the rebellion, "Uneasy lies the head that wears a crown." He remembers that Richard prophesied that Northumberland (Percy) would also revolt against Henry. Falstaff is pressing soldiers and meets two friends from his youth, Justices Shallow and Shadow.
The tavern scene. Falstaff fights with Pistol. Prince Hal and Poins disguise themselves as drawers (waiters) and overhear Falstaff insulting them.
Falstaff continues the exchange with Mistress Quickly and the Chief Justice. Prince Hal and Poins return to London. Northumberland decides to flee to Scotland.
The Chief Justice is introduced as a foil to Falstaff. Falstaff's health appears to be failing. The rebels gather forces.
Rumor tells of a rebels' victory at Shrewsbury; the elder Percy learns otherwise. The rebels are defeated and his son, Hotspur, lies cold in death. We see Falstaff complaining about others making jokes at his expense. " I am not only witty in myself, but the cause that wit is in other men."
Video version of the play is currently at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=keJ9vGZ1gL0 . New version from the Royal Sharkespeare Company. Very good.
The King forces and the rebels fight a long hour by Shrewsbury clock. Prince Hal kills Hotspur but Falstaff take credit. The play ends with rebels still to be dealt with.
Scrooge returns, resolves to keep Christmas, and enters fully and joyfully into Christmas merriment and generosity.
The rebels and King Henry move towards battle. Prince Hal gives Falstaff a commission and he uses it to accept bribes and recruit dregs.
King Henry upbraids Prince Hal, while admitting he stole the crown. The Prince promises to reform.
The Ghost of Christmas yet to come shows Scrooge his apparent death and lack of mourners. Tiny Tim is gone as well!
Falstaff and Prince Hal exchange roles of King Henry and the Prince, with Falstaff pleading not to be banished. The rebels divide the kingdom they have yet to win.
Falstaff tells a tale of how he fought a great number of men who robbed him. When confronted with the truth, Falstaff claims he instintively knew it was actually Price Hal: "The lion will not touch the true prince." The king sends for Hal to help him confront the growing rebellion.
The Ghost of Christmas present continues to show Scrooge scenes, including celebrations in mining country, in a lighthouse, and on a ship. Scrooge is delighted with his nephew's party. The clock strikes twelve and he meets the Ghost of Christmas Yet to Come.
Prince Hal and Poins rob Falstaff and the other robbers. Hotspur's plot against King Henry proceeds.
Prince Hal's first great speech. Double robbery at Gadshill planned. A plot against King Henry.
The Ghost of Christmas Present continues through London. We meet the Cratchits. Scrooge responds to Tiny Tim; the Ghost throws Scrooge's words back at him.
Links from Margaret about the Cratchits' ribbons and Christmas pudding:
https://i98.photobucket.com/albums/l244/naztybaby/fashion/lmi/LAMODE-ILL-1872-No-6-PHOTO-.jpg
https://www.inliterature.net/food-in-literature/baked-goods/cakes/2012/12/a-christmas-carol-steamed-christmas-pudding.html#:~:text=What%20is%20Mrs%20Cratchit's%20pudding,for%20washday%2C%20bathes%20and%20cleaning
Henry IV's plan to lead a Crusade is disrupted by internal strife. We meet Prince Hal and Falstaff.
Video of the play can be currently found at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3hItvO_Tpb4
King Henry pardons Aumerle, but has other rebels beheaded. Richard is murdered by Exton. The play ends and the stage is set for Henry IV Part 1.
Scrooge relives the wonderful Christmas party of Mr. Fezziwig and breaks up with his fiancee. We meet the Ghost of Christmas Present.
Marley's ghost departs promising that Scrooge will be visited by three spirits. We meet the ghost of Christmas past - Scrooge's past.
Richard completes his abdication. Bolingbroke prepares his coronation. Richard is imprisoned and his queen is exiled to France. We hear of Bolingbroke's son, Prince Hal.
Richard surrenders to Bolingbroke. He initially states loyalty to Richard, but proceeds immediately to seize the crown.
Scrooge goes home on Christmas Eve night and meets the ghost of his old partner, Jacob Marley.
King Richard returns to England too late. All his followers have deserted him. The Hollow Crown speech.
Bolingroke's rebellion gains ground and he is surrounded by supporters who hope to gain by his success.
John of Gaunt dies after delivering the wonderful, patriotic "sceptered isle" speech. King Richard seizes all of John's property for his Irish war, effectively disinheireting Henry Bolingbroke. Henry immediately revolts.
All is set for the trial by combat when Richard steps in and decrees banishment on the combatants. Mowbray gets lifetime banishment, and Bolingbroke ten years (reduced to six years for some reason). Richard makes them swear not to conspire together against him but neglects to have them swear loyalty.
We start the Hollow Crown series of plays, consisting of Richard II, Henry IV Parts One and Two, and Henry V. This episode begins Richard II; Henry Bolingbroke and Thomas Mowbray accuse each other of treason. After failing to reconcile them, Richard agrees to have them resolve it through trial by combat.
Video version of the play can be currently found at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VEaFTcFNSH0
The end of Hamlet in which everyone dies. Goodnight sweet prince.
One final note, the episode title "The rest is silence", the last line from Hamlet just before he dies, is probably a reference to the silence of death - we don't know what comes after death - that he discussed in the "To be or not to be" speech.
Hamlet tells Horatio how he turned the tables on Rosencrantz and Guildenstern. Short episode today [exit, pursued by a dog].
Laertes vows revenge for Polonius. Claudius skillfully turns his wrath against Hamlet and plots Hamlet's death. Ophelia is mad.
Hamlet finishes confronting his mother. The king contrives to send Hamlet away to England and there have him murdered. Hamlet encounters Fortinbras' army and contrasts his resolve and purpose with his own lack of action.
Having seen proof of his father's murder, Hamlet still decides not to take his revenge since Claudius is praying. Hamlet mistakes Polonius for a rat (understandably) and kills him. Hamlet confronts his mother and sees the ghost.
The play within the play whereby Hamlet catches the conscience of the king. Rosencrantz and Guildenstern try to treat Hamlet like a recorder, and although they may fret him, they shall not play upon him.
Hamlet meets this "old friends" Rosencrantz and Guildenstern and immediately determines they were sent to spy on him. We meet the players, hear a dramatic reading of the Fall of Troy, and see Hamlet admonish Polonius to use men according to his own honour and dignity - not as they deserve.
More bad advice and actions from Polonius. We meet the tools Rosencrantz and Guildenstern.
Hamlet hears of his father's ghost and the Polonius family gives and receives (bad) advice amongst themselves.
We begin Act 1, Scene 2, meeting King Claudius and Queen Gertrude, Hamlet's mother. Hamlet's first great speech, showing his grief over his father's death and his mother's marriage to his uncle. Hamlet resolves to hold his tongue.
Welcome to Shakespeare closely read, a study guide to Shakespeare's great plays and other great works in the public domain. This first episode introduces Hamlet and covers Act 1, Scene 1. The Ghost enters!
The Laurence Olivier version (1948) is currently available on YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wNP_2Omaciw