Abstract This paper examines how Thomas Kyd's "The Spanish Tragedy" focuses on the female character, Bel-Imperia, who becomes affected by a conflict between her lover, Horatio, and suitor, Balthazar. It focuses on the character portrayal by Kyd of Bel-Imperia's character as the faithful and vengeful lover of the fallen Horatio. It also discusses and analyzes important points and events in the play that illustrate Bel-Imperia's passing from prosperity and misfortune, since Bel-Imperia's character portrayal in the play goes from being a woman of love to being a woman of revenge.
From the Paper "After Bel-Imperia's confirmation of her love for Horatio, Bel-Imperia and Horatio exchanges love lines with each other, reflecting upon the readers of the play Bel-Imperia's goodness and thoughtfulness as a woman. However, Bel-Imperia's relationship with Horatio will always be filled with danger upon Balthazar's arrival into her life. In the midst of their love dialogue, Bel-Imperia once again mentions the impending danger that awaits her lover: ?If I be Venus, thou must needs be Mars/ And where Mars reigneth there must needs be wars.? Bel-Imperia's use of mythology illustrates how their love and life together may be likened to an immortal bond between them, but it also gives a "heavy weight" that are hanging upon them, especially in the rivalry between Balthazar and Horatio."
Abstract This paper analyzes the various factors pertinent to the deaths of Romeo and Juliet, with an emphasis on Friar Lawrence's role in their deaths. The writer concludes that the responsibility for the deaths of Romeo and Juliet lies not only with the Friar but also with nearly every main character in the play.
From the Paper "Although it often appears that the Friar is responsible for events leading to the deaths of Romeo and Juliet, in reality it is usually other influences that are accountable. For instance, the Friar's plan (giving Juliet the sleeping potion to evade the wedding to Paris, then spiriting her to Mantua until Romeo could return to Verona) was not flawed in itself. Unfortunately however, Balthazar, seeing Juliet's funeral, hastened to tell Romeo that he ?saw her laid low in her kindred's vault,? (5, 1, 20). It was this information that made him, and later Juliet, commit suicide. Again, while marrying Romeo and Juliet may seem like an irresponsible action, it did not contribute to the lovers? deaths. Their first meeting, based on chance, and their separation, as a result of Romeo's banishment, played a far greater role in the tragedy."
Abstract In this article, the writer discusses the concept of mercy in "The Merchant of Venice" and how it shown as is entirely dependent upon personal favoritism. The writer notes that the character of Portia, disguised as Balthazar, interprets Venetian law to the wishes of Shylock, but than accuses him of attempted murder. With this dramatic courtroom scene, the writer points out that Shakespeare is uncovering an uncomfortable truth to the hypocrisy found in Portia's and Antonio's cajoling for mercy. The writer discusses that mercy in 'The Merchant of Venice' is given and taken away based upon subjective interest as opposed to good will. Because Shylock is trying to take revenge upon her husband's friend, Portia denies Shylock mercy. The writer relates that cleverness gives Portia the upper hand with Shylock in court, and the audience may see an end to the villain, but there is a lingering sense of wrongness about her ease of manipulation of the Venetian legal system. The writer concludes that Shakespeare, through disguising Portia and having her be the character to bring about the fall of Shylock, is questioning the sincerity of the mercy the Christians in the play are offering.
From the Paper "Portia's goal in the courtroom scene in The Merchant of Venice is neither justice in the courtroom sense nor fairness that the Christian model provides but rather the redemption of her husband's friendship with Antonio through the defeat of the villainous Shylock. That is to say, she is acting with a biasness stemming from personal vindictiveness and not Christian concern for a universal sense of justice. Shakespeare is showing that vindictiveness and favoritism renders us unable to make any judgment without prejudice. When Portia's plan to defeat Shylock's villainy with monetary value fails, as she suggests paying the Jewish merchant three times the sum of the monetary value he lost, Portia turns to the court. Portia undermines any justice or law available to Shylock and prematurely has already decided his fate in the court. "
