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What is the dramatic purpose of proctors discovery of Elizabeth's reprieve?
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What is the effect of Portia's delayed entrance into the trial scene Merchant of Venice?
The scene builds up an expectation that Shylock has every right in law to collect on his contract and kill Antonio. The Duke cannot find any loophole in the contract. However, he is going to rely on the advice of the lawyer Balthazar, who is Portia. The audience, who are inevitably hoping that Antonio has some way out, hope that Balthazar will pronounce that the contract is illegal (as indeed any modern court would do). But these hopes are dashed because Balthazar says that the contract is in fact legal and everyone (except Shylock of course) is once again plunged into despair. The delayed arrival of Portia thus creates a rollercoaster of feelings: despair, then hope, then despair again and then, at the last possible minute, a reprieve.
Why do you think critics consider the porter's speech comic relief in Macbeth?
Almost all critics evaluate the Porter in light of both the murder which directly proceeds it, and the discovery of Duncan's corpse, which immediately follows. That is to say, as you so plainly put it, they take it as comic relief for a shocked audience. This idea comes from the conception that Shakespeare assumes his audience will be utterly appalled by the deeds done onstage, nauseated by the amorality Macbeth and his wife display. According to this viewpoint, the Porter's drunken jesting, though low and tawdry, act as a palate-cleanser. They serve to ease the audience's discomfort, and prepare them for the further darkness to come. However, some scholars, myself included, interpret it in different views. Thomas de Quincey, for example, wrote a piece entitled "On the Knocking at the Gate in Macbeth," wherein he argued that the entirety of the porter scene is to set up a contrast with the porter, thereby to reveal the nature and gravity of Macbeth's crime. I personally identify the Porter's speech (II.3.788-97) as an allegory for the witches' promise and Macbeth's act. In fact, I'm writing my thesis on it. My theory is Shakespeare hid his own voice in the Porter's jest, his own view on Shakespeare's amorality. Like a drink, murder makes Macbeth yet mars him. It stands him to the deed, and then abandons him to his results. Once persuaded, now disheartened, Macbeth has been given the lie, and left to fate. I would not put it past the Bard to fully intend all three of these positions to be valid. Any break from the gore is a valued reprieve, and no doubt gives the audience time to evaluate for themselves Macbeth's dark desires and deeds. But to do both of these, and at the same time make a subtle statement about the consequences of breaking with morality? That's the sign of a master at work. Hope this helps! -John Hilyard
When was The Reprieve created?
The Reprieve was created in 1947.
How many pages does The Reprieve have?
The Reprieve has 464 pages.
What is the root word of reprieve?
There is no root word of reprieve.
Need a sentence for reprieve?
I was quite relieved to learn of my reprieve.
When was Reprieve - album - created?
Reprieve - album - was created in 2005.
When was Moments of Reprieve created?
Moments of Reprieve was created in 1981.
When was Reprieve from Paradise created?
Reprieve from Paradise was created in 1955.
Is reprieve a noun?
Yes, "reprieve" is a noun that refers to a temporary relief or suspension from punishment or harm.
How many pages does Moments of Reprieve have?
Moments of Reprieve has 172 pages.
How many pages does Reprieve from Paradise have?
Reprieve from Paradise has 256 pages.
What is a sentence with the word reprieve?
The death row inmate hoped for a Governors reprieve.
What is the synonym for reprieve?
Postponement, responsibility, and abatement are words. Those mean reprieve.
