He shall taste of my bottle: if he havenever drunk wine afore will go near to remove hisfit.
Stephano stating that he can tame Caliban by giving him alcohol reflects the futility of European attempts to "civilize" their colonial subjects. While the Europeans feel that they are doing a service to these people by colonizing them (the idea of the "White Man's Burden"), Shakespeare is suggesting that they are just using their superiority to exclude and degrade them.
Let it alone, thou fool; it is but trash
Connecting to our discussion about disguise and clothing, Caliban is denouncing traditional power structures by calling noble clothing trash. He doesn't just want the image of nobility by going after Prospero that is represented in the clothing, but wants to kill Prospero for his treatment of him. Earlier in this scene Prospero expresses his arger for Caliban stating that "with age his body grows uglier" just before he sets the clothes out on the line. This suggests that Prospero was hoping that Caliban would be tempted by the clothing. Prospero thought that all Caliban desired was to have Prospero's noble image, but Caliban only wanted freedom for himself.
He is as disproportion'd in his mannersAs in his shape
This quote provides a complete summary of the othering of Caliban by the other characters and speaks to colonial attitudes the time. Colonial language frequently takes a paternalistic tone when describing colonized people, framing them as children needing better "manners." As is shown in the readings on monsters and cannibals, comparisons between European and non-European intellect are coupled with comparisons of human form. The colonizers need to feel that their perceived mental superiority is grounded in tangible fact, and differences in skin color and form provide this.
Have I, thy schoolmaster, made thee more profitThan other princesses can that have more timeFor vainer hours and tutors not so careful.
Propero describes himself as Miranda's schoolmaster instead of her father. This shows how Prospero's obsession with books and knowledge is blinding him to his own relationship with his daughter. This connects to our lacture today in which we discussed this play as being self-reflective for Shakespeare. Instead of focusing on his relationships and valuing those around him, Shakespeare put too much focus into his words.
No, the world must be peopled. When I said I woulddie a bachelor, I did not think I should live till Iwere married. Here comes Beatrice. By this day!she's a fair lady: I do spy some marks of love inher.
The line of "the world must be peopled" seems like a clear innuendo for reproduction. It is interesting that as Benedick is talking about his desire to die a bachelor, the point that turns his views on marriage is a sexual one. His justification for wanting to marry Beatrice is not for her personality or their chemistry, but to people the world. This line also references to the innuendo of "die" as an orgasm and another step in the goal of peopling.
And Benedick is not the unhopefullest husband thatI know. Thus far can I praise him; he is of a noblestrain, of approved valour and confirmed honesty. Iwill teach you how to humour your cousin, that sheshall fall in love with Benedick
Benedick's apprehension to get married to or even pursue Beatrice is in direct contrast with the marriage manuals. Whereas the man should be seen in the public eye as in control of his marriage, his friends have to bring this control to him. We also see this play out in Cassio's apprehension to express his love to Hero. These two men that would usually be in control of their relationships and impose their feelings over the women are actually weaker than the women in sparking their marriages.
Ay me, for pity! what a dream was here!Lysander, look how I do quake with fear:Methought a serpent eat my heart away,And you sat smiling at his cruel pray.
The references to a serpent consuming Hermia in this scene draw a close connection to the story of Adam and Eve. As these two characters, Lysander and Hermia sit in the majestic garden as Hermia dreams that a serpent is eating her heart as Lysander did nothing. In the following scene, the couple are "banished" as Lysander falls in love with Helena.
And waxen in their mirth and neeze and swearA merrier hour was never wasted there.
Puck's use of rhyme in this section in he assonance in these two lines reinforce his wit and cunningness. The connection that I immediately make is to the Riddler in Batman. He is one of the most cunning characters in pop culture and speaks in carefully crafted rhymes and riddles to show his wit.
Wipe thine eyes;The good-years shall devour them, flesh and fell,Ere they shall make us weep: we'll see 'em starvefirst
This is yet another reference to the theme of eyes and the sense of vision in the play. Whereas earlier the loss of vision was a punishment and curse (Gloucester), now King Lear is telling Cordelia to remember the good-years and let them take over her sight. This is in direct contrast to Lear's call for Cordelia to by banished from his sight.
Poor pelting villages, sheep-cotes, and mills,Sometime with lunatic bans, sometime with prayers,Enforce their charity. Poor Turlygod! poor Tom!That's something yet: Edgar I nothing am.
Edgar's transition to becoming Poor Tom is an example of the breaking down of class structure and also speaks to his virtue. While almost every other character in Lear is consumed with their status, Edgar makes the decision to lower himself and break from the royal structure. As we see, the other characters are punished for their hubris while Edgar is rewarded for his humility by taking control of the kingdom. Edgar's descent into baseness is in direct contrast to the ladder of social hierarchy that we looked at in class, so Shakespeare may be criticizing these traditional structures.
No, I will be the pattern of all patience;I will say nothing.
An example of the repeated use and theme of the word "nothing." In this instance, Lear is challenging the gods to batter him with the storm, asking for repentance for what he has done. This quote seems to show Lear giving in to the universe and excepting defeat, but it displays his quest to make things right with Cordelia. The conflict of the play began when Cordelia said "nothing" and now Lear connects with her by doing the same.
The bow is bent and drawn, make from the shaft.
This metaphor used by Leer suggests that his is insecure about the people around him. By making a connecting to a bow shooting an arrow, he is suggesting that whatever Kent says will stab him. Lear needs to here what other people think of him, but if it is anything negative, he becomes an innocent victim. This is reflective more of abusive manipulation than punishment.
What needs this iteration, woman? I say thy husband.
Emilia repeating "my husband" multiple times displays her shock at Iago's deception, but also highlights her place in the relationship. By only referring to Iago as her husband, she places herself as only his wife, whose purpose is to serve and obey him. In this moment, Emilia realizes that she has been used by her husband, dismantling her faith in the structure of marriage. This point represents her turn from a good, obedient wife to an individual with a sense of self.
It gives me wonder great as my contentTo see you here before me. O my soul's joy!If after every tempest come such calms,May the winds blow till they have waken'd death!And let the labouring bark climb hills of seasOlympus-high and duck again as lowAs hell's from heaven!
This seems like a strange way to greet your wife. Even in regular interactions, Othello is already focusing on death and themes of hell. This may be a reference to his obsession with military success and conquest. It also serves as strong foreshadowing for his language used towards Desdemona in Act IV. This section also displays how Othello sustains himself off of his relationship with Desdemona, making his betrayal even more egregious.
deathFor the fair devil. Now art thou my lieutenant.
There are many different references to the devil and devilishness throughout the play. Iago and Brabantio use this term to justify their hatred of Othello, suggesting that his "blackness" makes him inherently wicked. Conversly, when Othello uses the term "devil" he is referring to truly evil acts, like Iago's plan to destroy him. These differences in references to the devil highlight contrast between socially constructed "evil" and actual evil.
He that shall live this day, and see old age,Will yearly on the vigil feast his neighbours,And say 'To-morrow is Saint Crispian
This line and the entire speech connect with modern concepts of patriotism and honoring of veterans. We mark heroic battles with who was present for them and that only they know what it was truly like. In the way that old men show their scars from D-Day today, Henry suggests that his men will do the same. Was Cripians day actually honored in England? Would the audience have recognized this commemorative day?
Then imitate the action of the tiger;Stiffen the sinews, summon up the blood,Disguise fair nature with hard-favour'd rage;Then lend the eye a terrible aspect
There is an interesting difference between the use of the metaphors of lions and tigers. In Act I sc. ii, Ely compares Henry's nobility to strength to that of a lion. A lion is also a traditional symbol of English royalty and influence. This is contrasted by Henry's call for his soldiers to fight like tigers, an an animal that hasn't been "tamed" by the nobility of Britain. I think Henry is trying to encourage his soldiers to be savage and wild in their fighting.
We few, we happy few, we band of brothers;For he to-day that sheds his blood with meShall be my brother; be he ne'er so vile,This day shall gentle his condition:And gentlemen in England now a-bedShall think themselves accursed they were not here,And hold their manhoods cheap whiles any speaksThat fought with us upon Saint Crispin's day.
Despite Henry being a ruthless ruler, in this scene he is able to put himself on the level with his soldiers. This speech shows that he is not concerned with the flashiness and status of royalty, but wants to feel like he is among the soldiers. This is displayed directly when he switches coats to look like a regular soldier and deceives Williams. This connection to his soldiers and fellow Englishmen is likely why is revered as a great military leader.
Never was monarch better fear'd and lovedThan is your majesty: there's not, I think, a subjectThat sits in heart-grief and uneasinessUnder the sweet shade of your government.
This suggestion by Cambridge connections to the classic moral question of whether it is better to be feared or loved. This might be a dichotomy that Henry V has to grapple with throughout the play. He is already extremely self-conscious about this question, constantly asking his advisors to confirm his legitimacy. I predict that he will chose to be feared as a strong military leader and build his confidence through commanding power.
The strawberry grows underneath the nettleAnd wholesome berries thrive and ripen bestNeighbour'd by fruit of baser quality:And so the prince obscured his contemplationUnder the veil of wildness; which, no doubt,Grew like the summer grass, fastest by night,Unseen, yet crescive in his faculty.
This reference to the hidden growth of a strawberry suggests that as a prince, Henry V was not expected to become a capable leader. He hid his potential under a layer of brashness and secrecy hence the "nettels" and "veil of wildness." This may foreshadow that Henry V still has a darker, wilder side to him.
The sea, all water, yet receives rain still,And in abundance addeth to his store;So thou, being rich in 'Will,' add to thy 'Will'One will of mine, to make thy large will more
On my first reading of this sonnet, I thought that the speaker was calling for the person to accept a relationship with the speaker even though they are already in one. Once I glanced at the Sparknotes analysis of the poem I saw its explicit suggestions. The speaker's use of the term 'Will' throughout the play is a metonymy for her female parts. The speaker also uses 'Will' as a double entendre for his male parts. The conceit is a direct sexual suggestion, with an insult that her "Will' is already "large."This is a stark shift in tone and suggestiveness from the first set of sonnets.
https://www.sparknotes.com/nofear/shakespeare/sonnets/sonnet_135/
I do forgive thy robbery, gentle thief,Although thou steal thee all my poverty:And yet, love knows it is a greater griefTo bear love's wrong, than hate's known injury
The assonance in this quatrain strongly emphasizes the speakers' willingness to make peace amid distrust and adultery. By repeating similar vowels, the deceitfulness and hurt of adultery are bridged with a call to peace. Whereas the first set of sonnets discussed the wealth that one's love can give, this sonnet directly contrasts that theme with theft. The conceit is that the person should not reserve the wealth of their beauty or share it among many. Their beauty should be given to the speaker, so that they mask "bask" in it.
Devouring Time, blunt thou the lion's paws,And make the earth devour her own sweet brood;Pluck the keen teeth from the fierce tiger's jaws,And burn the long-liv'd phoenix, in her blood
Time can defeat beings that are undefeatable by forcing them to age. Although this person will also be defeated by time, this sonnet will live on.
So long as men can breathe, or eyes can see, So long lives this, and this gives life to thee.
This person's beauty is beyond the limits of humanity, it is heavily. Only this sonnet can connect these concepts of beauty to a living person.
But were some child of yours alive that time, You should live twice,--in it, and in my rhyme.
This person's beauty is beyond the limits of Shakespeare's words. Only this person's child could come close to understanding Shakespeare's short-coming.
But from thine eyes my knowledge I derive,And constant stars in them I read such art
Shakespeare is saying that he does not need to know how to read the stars and predict world events. From this person's eyes he sees true beauty.
Which husbandry in honour might uphold,
Shakespeare is suggesting that finding a husband and bearing children is the way for a woman to fully use her beauty. This theme is evident in sonnet XII but with a less direct suggestion.
Borne on the bier with white and bristly beard,
In saying that summer is "Borne on the bier" Shakespeare is stating that the journey to death begins the moment life is created.
And dig deep trenches in thy beauty's field,Thy youth's proud livery so gazed on now,Will be a tatter'd weed of small worth held
The references to a "field" being reduced to "tatter'd weed" creates a metaphor of youth as a blossom that is reaped by aging and replaced by physical deterioration.
Sap checked with frost, and lusty leaves quite gone
"sap" and "lusty leaves" referring to the sweetness and fervor of youth that is now lost to the "frost" or slow passage of time.