Ian H > Recent Status Updates

Book IX complete.

Here, we get interesting parallels to Book X of the Iliad, which was one of my favorites, and interestingly enough also a debated Book regarding whether or not it truly belongs in the Iliad. Clearly Virgil thought it did belong.

Act IV complete.

“But fare thee well, most foul, most fair.”

If only Claudio were Scottish, he’d make a great witch…

Books VII and VIII complete.

So many parallels to things I’ve read coming full circle. What was Achilles’ shield in Homer became Aeneas’ shield in Virgil, which will later become Satan’s shield in Milton.

Act III complete.

Act II complete.

Book VI complete.

l have a feeling this book was a huge influence on Dante when writing the Inferno.

Act I complete.

“God help the / noble Claudio! If he have caught the Benedick, it / will cost him a thousand pound ere he be cured.”

I now get why Steve Holt was so excited to play Beatrice.

Books IV and V complete.

Sonnets XCII - XCVIII

This was a welcome change of pace. Sonnets XCIV & XCV both move away from love sonnets an offer some wisdom. The former about how not abusing one’s power is the best course of action, and the latter about how pretty privilege shouldn’t allow oneself to become a terrible person.

Also, Sonnets XCII & XCIII are nice companion sonnets, but love sonnets nonetheless.

Book III complete.

Book II complete.

Act IV done.

Act III complete.

“Canst thou, O partial sleep, give thy repose
To the wet sea-boy in an hour so rude,
And, in the calmest and most stillest night,
With all appliances and means to boot,
Deny it to a king? Then, happy low, lie down.
Uneasy lies the head that wears a crown.”

Act II done.

Introduction and Book I done.

Very different style from the Iliad and Odyssey. Also, I think I read where Shakespeare got the idea of Hamlet (in part) from. Neat!

Induction and Act I complete.