Polixenes 1. Flashcards
What is polixenes first quote.
Perdita- “need some call natures bastards”
Polixenes- “over that art which you say adds to nature, is an art that nature makes”
“The art itself is nature”
What is the overview of this quote
This act shows Polixenes and Camillo entering the feast in disguise to figure out what is son is doing learning that they are to marry Perdita without his approval and disowns Florizell threatening to kill the Shepherd and his son.
Analysis
This exchange can be seen to be humorous and gentle but dark as Perdita was banished as she was seen as a bastard which she does not like within the flowers.
Polixenes states that they should still not be neglected creating acceptance for these flowers.
Dramatic method
This creates irony within the dialogue as the audience is aware of Perditas past of being neglected which Perdita rejects within the flowers.
Further irony is created as Polixenes instructs her to not call them bastards despite unknowningly that he will soon reject Perdita and order her family to be killed through being a bastard and poor unworthy of his son as she is low-born of a shepherd
Theme
This can carry the theme of justice and natural order as this play abounds unfair punishments and faulty attempt of justice as this quote shows that through costume different social classes are mixed with no one having prior knowledge on others backgrounds. This theme of justice in this play is associated with things being in their rightful place. Polixenes shows respect until he finds out that Perdita is not in her rightful place/class and sees that justice is served through killing her family.
Context
Within the renaissance period of 1500-1660 being born Out of (supposed) wedlock led to many restrictions on children such as discrimination, prejudice and could result in being put to death.
Perdita was seen to come from a lower class family (irony as she was princess) resulting in rejection for her inter-class relationship that would’ve brought shame and rejection onto the family.
Link
This acceptance of Polixenes and likeness of Peridta can link to the end of the play through foreshadowing of polixenes acceptance to perdita
