A Leap into the past
This year we have studied William Shakespeare and his works .Our class 3BSA has been very interested in this topic that we have dealt with great pleasure . Therefore some days ago Our English teacher had a surprise for us: a time machine capable of transporting us to any era. After much excitement and discussion, we decided to journey back to 1601, to the heart of Elizabethan London, to witness a live performance at the Globe Theatre.
As the time machine activated, we found ourselves amidst the bustling streets of London, the air filled with the scent of roasted chestnuts and the sounds of merchants. We made our way to the iconic Globe Theatre, eager to experience the magic of Shakespeare’s plays firsthand.Suddenly we met Shakespeare and we began our conversation
Student: Mister Shakespeare, it’s an honour to meet you.
Shakespeare: The pleasure is mine. You seem… out of place.
Student: Indeed, I come from the future. My class and I travelled back in time to meet you and ask some questions.
Shakespeare: Fascinating. What brings you to my abode?
Student: We attended a performance of “Hamlet” at the Globe. I was particularly intrigued by the female characters, especially Ophelia and Gertrude.
Shakespeare: Ah, Ophelia and Gertrude. Their stories are very complex.
Student: Ophelia’s descent into madness was heartbreaking. What inspired you to create such a tragic character?
Shakespeare: Ophelia represents the innocence and vulnerability that can be crushed by the machinations of court politics and betrayal. Her madness is a reflection of the chaos around her.
Student: And Gertrude? Her quick remarriage to Claudius raises questions about her loyalty and motivations.
Shakespeare: Gertrude’s actions are open to interpretation. Is she complicit, or merely a woman trying to survive in a patriarchal society? I leave that to the audience to decide.
Student: In “Romeo and Juliet,” Juliet is portrayed as a young girl even though determined. How did you approach describing her character?
Shakespeare: Juliet embodies youthful passion and the struggle between personal desire and familial duty. Her courage in pursuing love, even in the face of dire consequences, is a testament to her strength.
Student: Lady Capulet, on the other hand, seems distant from Juliet. Was this intentional?
Shakespeare: Lady Capulet represents the traditional expectations placed upon women, often at the expense of emotional connection. Her relationship with Juliet highlights the generational division.
Student: And what about “Othello,”? Desdemona’s unwavering love and tragic end are powerful. What message were you conveying through her character?
Shakespeare: Desdemona’s purity and devotion contrast sharply with the jealousy and manipulation that lead to her death. It’s a commentary on the destructive power of unfounded suspicion.
Student: Emilia’s role is also significant. Her realization and confrontation of Iago’s deceit add depth to the narrative.
Shakespeare: Emilia serves as a voice of reason and truth. Her courage in exposing the truth, even at great personal risk, underscores the importance of integrity.
Student: Lastly, Lady Macbeth’s ambition and subsequent guilt are central to “Macbeth.” What drove you to craft such a multifaceted character?
Shakespeare: Lady Macbeth challenges traditional gender roles, displaying ambition and strength. However, her descent into guilt-induced madness reveals the psychological toll of unchecked ambition.
Student: Your portrayal of women is remarkably nuanced for your time. What influenced this approach?
Shakespeare: I sought to reflect the complexities of human nature, regardless of gender. Women, like men, possess a spectrum of emotions and motivations worthy of exploration.
Student: Thank you for your time, Mister Shakespeare. This conversation has been enlightening.
Shakespeare: Safe travel, my friend to the future. May your journey be filled with discovery.
3BSA
Alunni: Armando Sarno, Luigi De Vivo, Federico Savignano e Luigi Tangredi
