For this week's online discussion, please view the following videos:
TASK ONE
Use the comments box to address the questions below:
Characterization
1. Compare the actresses who play the character Hermia in the two separate videos. Based on what you read in the play (Act 1 Scene 1), which actress in your opinion, portrays Hermia more effectively?
Explain and substantiate your responses in terms of:
- your knowledge of Hermia as a character
and
- what you liked and disliked about the actress's protrayal of Hermia
2. Compare the section in each video where Lysander tells Demetrius: "You have her father's love, Demetrius- Let me have Hermia's. Do you marry him."
Comment on the tone that each 'Lysander' uses. Which actor in your opinion, manages to portray Lysander's emotions more effectively? How is this actor more effective? In your response, please indicate clearly which video clip you are referring to.
Take note:
1. I will log-in periodically to view your responses. I may add-on to your comments or clarify what is not clear. I will also be on the look out for the best/most thought-provoking response to posed questions.
2. Use your real name and class when making your responses.
3. If you disagree with a comment made, you may respond- in a civilized manner.
4. No cursing, swearing, slandering allowed. No spamming either. Consequences will be dire.
Please visit regularly to read and/or comment on your classmates responses.
Good luck everyone! Here's to a fruitful discussion :)
Cheers
Ms. Nsa
10 comments:
(Please follow this format when posting a reply)
Name:
Class:
Comment:
Thanks!
-Ms. Nsa-
Chua Boon Hee
3RP
1)The actress in the 2nd video portrays Hermia more effectively. Hermia in Act 1 Scene1 is bold to reason with Theseus for her own rights of whom to marry. The actress that acts as Hermia is the 2nd video posseses such boldness, unlike the actress in the 1st video who was crying like a helpless lady. The actress's protrayal of Hermia presents Hermia as a strong woman. She acts in a calm manner upon given a obstacle/problem and handle it well without fear,instead of being paranoid.
2)The actor in video 2 manages to portray Lysander's emotions. This actor is more effective as when he says the line "You have her father's love, Demetrius. Let me have Hermia's. Do you marry him." , he surges forth with anger and strong emotions unlike the actor in the 1st video who acted less caring of Demetrius marrying Hermia, mainly due to his over-calmness in acting out his part in the play.
Chang Bing Lin
3BN
1)In my opinion, the actress in the 2nd video is a better potrayal of Hermia. To me, Hermia is bold, for a woman at that time. Due to gender discrimination, women have no say in marriage but Hermia, was very brave to have made her thoughts known to her father and the duke of Athens, Theseus. "So will i die, so live, so die, my lord,..."(act1,scene1,line79-82), when Hermia said this, it shows that she is very firm in her decision, even if it means to live the rest of her life in singleness or death.
The actress in the first video wasn't as firm as the actress in the second video when she said these lines and therefore, the actress in the second video potrayed Hermia's boldness and was very firm as she said these lines. it looked like nothing in this world is able to change her mind.
2)Same as the previous one, the actor in the second video was better at portraying Lysander's character. In the first video, the actor said this line "you have her father's love, Demetrius, let me have Hermia's. Do you marry him?" very quickly and therefore unclear. He also said it without much emotions and without anger.
Whereas, the actor in the second video said the same line but with rage and sarcasm("do you marry him"). He paused between the lines, trying to calm himself, showing his anger. Also, when Egeus said" stand forth Lysander,..", Lysander stood up reluctantly and thus crossing his arms. He looked very angry when Egeus said he bewitched his daugther's, so on and so forth. He has potrayed Lysander very well.
Sheryl Lee Keying
3BN
1)Hermia portrayed in the second video was more effective in bringing out Hermia's true personality.As mentioned in the book, Hermia is an independent-minded lady of confidence. In the first video, when the actress said the lines 'so will i grow, so live, so die, my lord, Ere i will yield my virgin patent up unto his lordship whose unwished yoke my soul consents not to give sovereignty', it did not seem like she was eager and desperate to go against the Athenian law to fight for her love. However in the second video, the actress said the lines in a calm yet firm manner. As we all know, in order to go against the law, one had to be courageous enough to do so. Hence, i felt that Hermia's confidence was more outstanding in the second video where she reasoned out calmly with Theseus instead of the lady who was close to tears in video 1.
2)'Lysander' in video 1 seemed to be less concerned about Hermia's marriage with Demetrius. When he said the lines ' You have her father's love, Demetrius- Let me have Hermia's.Do you marry him', it did not sound like he really wanted to oppose to the marriage and fight for his rights.Neither did he sound angry not sarcastic which was supposed to be the tone he was supposed to use. However, 'Lysander' in video 2 sounded agitated by the fact that Demetrius had Egeus's love. He also sounded sarcastic when saying 'Do you marry him', which brought out Lysander's true emotions.Lysander being someone who is infatuated with Hermia, should be fuming mad by the fact that he could not marry Hermia since he was as well-possessed if not, even better than Demetrius.Therefore, i felt that the actor in video 2 brought out the genuine emotions of Lysander.
Yeong Shu Bin
3BN
1)I feel that the actress in the second video portrays Hermia better. In my opinion, Hermia is a determined, independent and confident person. The second actress displays Hermia's determination better. When she boldly says "So Will I live... not to give sovereignty." she says it firmly and with strength. She has made up her mind and is undaunted by the consequences she will face if she defy her father. The second actress manages to bring out Hermia's determination and confidence. Unlike the second actress, the first actress was already on the verge of crying and she collaspes into Lysander's arms after everyone left. I also feel that the first actress is childish and inmature.
2)The actor in the second video portrays Lysander's emotions more effectively. When Egeus asks him to stand up, he stands up unwillingly and crosses his arms. When he says "You have her father's love... Do you marry him" his tone was filled with sacarsm and anger which shows that he was bothered by the fact that he could not marry Hermia. The second actor is more concerned about Hermia's marriage.He stands up and fights strongly for his rights to marry Hermia. He also stresses that Demetrius is a "spotted and inconstsnt man. He makes use of body language, facial expression and the tone of his voice to bring out Lysander's emotions. Unlike the second actor, the first actor did not really fight for his rights to marry Hermia and seems less concerned about Hermia's marriage.
Ho Yan Yan
3BN
1)I personally feel that the actress in the 2nd video portrays Hermia much more effectively. Hermia is suppose to be confident and strong-willed as she says "So Will I live... not to give sovereignty." She say this with courage and resolution. As compared to the Hermia in the 2nd video, the 1st Hermia was on the verge of tears and she said that verse without much conviction. Also her expression was arranged into a pleading and wheedling look which is totally out of character for the determined Hermia.
2)Lysander in the 2nd video was much more effective as he showed various emotions like anger and contempt towards Demetrius. Lysander in the 1st video lack emotion, expression and he says his lines without expressing the character’s anger and contempt. Lysander in the first video generally was lacklustre whereas Lysander in the 2nd video had a scorning look of disdain on his expression when he spoke to Demetrius. There was a hint of anger and hate in his tone. Also the little physical skirmish, in addition to the vocal battle, compounded the loathing the 2 young men had for each other, it also shows that Demetrius is quite violent and easily agitated
Hi people. Firstly, thanks Boon Hee, Bing Lin, Sheryl, Shubin and Yan Yan for responding to the two videos! :)
My question is:
All of you seem to prefer the 2nd actress's portrayal of Hermia because she is supposed to be 'bold/independent/brave' etc. What then would you make of her line "I know not by what power I am made bold" (Act1Sc1 Line 59 p.31)- Is Hermia naturally bold and outspoken or is she "made bold"?
Just a thought :)
See you guys soon!
Ms. Nsa
Name: Joseline
Class:3GR
Comment:I also think that the actress in the second video portrays Hermia's character better. She is more indignant, despite being intimidated by her father's words at the same time. For the first video, Hermia shows more disappointment than anger for being hindered from her love.
I think that if not for Lysander and she would have to fight for her love, Hermia would not be 'made bold'. It is apparent that girls like her and Helena has not seen a different society.
Fiona Teh
3 Modesty
1. Comparison of Hermia
I would personally prefer Hermia as portrayed by the actress in the first video clip.
Though bold and strong she is, there is still a sweet and maiden character to her.
As said by Demetrius after Hermia relied to what might befall her in the worst case, "Relent, sweet Hermia;..."
By using 'Relent', i believe the emotions of Hermia as she was replying Theseus might have not been composed as depicted by the actress in the second video.
Evidence of Hermia's character as a female who seeks after love as traditionally as any other females, being no different even when in force of her father's authority is also at page 39, lines 130 - 140.
Lysander and Hermia exchanges their thoughts as they display dismay for their fate.
Through Hermia's reply to Lysander with regards to eloping with him, it proves Hermia to be truly in love with Lysander and death would not mean anything good for them.
These, i believe are characteristics of traditional females who come under the power of domineering males.
Hence i prefer the actress in the first scene as her act construes with the lines of Demetrius who told her to Relent. Her words are strong and enough to represent her character, but in mind as a female she is, that tremble in her voice, i think is appropriate for the depiction of a traditional Athenian woman and one who is so ill-fated.
2. Comparison of Lysander
The depiction of Lysander provided by both actors vary differently.
The actor in the first clip is composed and cool when saying "Do you marry him" This might not be a nonchalant attitude towards Hermia but a foreshadow to his catch over Demetrius who made love to Helena.
Whilst in the second video clip, the actor seemed all ready even in the start to defend himself for the sake of Hermia.
They delivered the lines, "Demetrius - I'll avouch .... spotted and inconstant man" quite similarly in terms of tone.
However, I prefer the Lysander as portrayed by the second actor as he showed more resilience and self-confident as he should be.
Ryan,
3Grace.
1. The actress in the second video is more effective in portraying Hermia. In the play, Hermia is undaunted and bold, further supported with her statement in (A1Sc1 l79-82)
'So will I grow, so live, so die, my lord, ere I will yield my virgin patent up unto his lordship whose unwished yoke my soul consents not to give sovereignty.' The actress in the second video spoke with intrepidity, while the actress in the first video spoke with teary eyes, which somehow spelt 'Damsel in distress' on her forehead, looking as if she were afraid of the consequences, death/becoming a nun for life, when she was supposed to be determined, and go all out to get what she wants, Lysander.
2. The actor in the second video is a more effective in portraying Lysander's emotions. In the first video, Lysander was rather lifeless, and spoke monotonously, with no facial expressions to heighten his emotions, while in the second video, Lysander spoke his ending statement, 'Do you marry him?' caustically, with his brows crooked, which accentuates his inner rage.
Post a Comment