Shavahn Loux

2/14/05

S. Marx

ENGL 339

 

Pat is Pat

 

       The transformation of a woman into a man is not a common occurrence and something which is not easily pulled off, whether centuries ago, or today.  However, the transformation of Rosalind into Ganymede is well pulled off, at least on the surface.  In ShakespeareÕs time, this transformation would have been even more comical because [SM1] there would have been a boy playing a girl, this girl would then be playing a boy (Ganymede), and Ganymede would then play a girl (Rosalind) for Orlando. 

            This matter of having a male actor portray Rosalind is further accentuated in the epilogue when Rosalind declares, ÒIf I were a woman, I would kiss as many of you as had beards that pleased me, complexions that liked me and breaths that defied notÉÓ  (p. 104)

            Rosalind however, has some difficulty staying in character when she portrays Ganymede around Orlando.  Her passion is so intense that she tends to slip between her true self and Ganymede[SM2] .  The scene performed in class is a perfect example of this relationship.  One minute Rosalind is being Ganymede and speaking of all the evils women are to Orlando.  ÒI will weep at nothing, like Diana in the fountain, and that when thou art disposed to be merry.  I will laugh, like a hyen, and that when thou art inclined to sleep.Ó  The next minute she is obviously passionately in love with him, unable to control her affections.  ÒAlas dear love, I cannot lack thee two hours[SM3] .Ó 

            Although Rosalind thinks herself wise, many see through her trick.  Orlando begins to see through this disguise of Ganymede, and comments that he believes Ganymede must be RosalindÕs brother.  But, being that his father and RosalindÕs father were very close, he must know that Rosalind has no brother[SM4] . 

            Towards the end of the play, when Rosalind is telling everyone that they will wed the next day, no one acts surprised when Ganymede says that he will wed tomorrow, but not to a woman.  Orlando does not doubt that Ganymede will conjure up Rosalind to marry him either, and he has no doubts that Rosalind will say yes. 

            Although her disguise did not end up fooling anyone (except Phebe), it still worked in all the ways that Rosalind could have hoped that it would.  She made it to the Forest of Arden unharmed, and she was married to Orlando.  Alls well that ends well[SM5] .

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 [SM1]And challenging

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 [SM2]good!

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 [SM3]Good example, though she exerts partial control by deliberately overtheatricalizing her urgency

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 [SM4]very clever observation

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 [SM5]It would have been fun to examine her exchange with Jaques whoÕs obviously attracted to the Òboy.Ó   Your analysis is clear and  full of surprising insights.  Your performance displayed these insights in a lucid and inventive manner.

 

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