Polixenes 3. Flashcards
Quote
“Thou old traitor, I am sorry that by hanging thee I can but shorten thy life one week”
Overview
This act contrasts polixenes previous gentle demeanour as he wields his power to belittle and be disrespectful for those who are of a lower class than him causing him to be seen as classist and temperamental.
Analysis
He has been transformed through the idea that his son will Marry a low-born girl and turns to violent behaviour onto her father <—
Dramatic method
This use of characterisation if polixenes into a temperamental and arguably fascist behaviour creates a tense atmosphere on stage and a sense of betrayal on the audience as they believed polixenes to be an innocent victim of Leontes however, confusion and tension has arisen in the audience and stage as polixenes shows his true colours that are contrasting of his previous characterisation.
Theme
This deals with the theme of natural order as polixenes attempts to be seen as serving justice to perdita and florizel however, this quote identifies that those who attempt to uphold loyalty most vigorously end up committing the plays most heinous acts. Deals with the them of appearance and reality relating to the class system as once he learns the reality of perdita he rejects her as a person despite earlier telling her that nature is art.
Context
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.
This relates to Kings being seen as omnipotent as their title has been given by god himself he sees this betrayal of his son as going against god as he goes against him.
Link
This quote goes against every idea of kindness that was seen by polixenes as he use to be a respectful, caring king towards others for example, he called Hermione “O my most scared lady!” But is now referring to her daughter as a Witch
