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This was not saying to the stars, O.K., you can go on a couple of talk shows to open the movie and do a weekend of interviews at a junket and thanks so much for helping, Gill said. Still, as the old saying goes, "Never let the facts get in the way of a good story," which explains co-screenwriter Tom Stoppard's argument that it's okay for the movie to be a far cry from reality. Where is good night sweet prince from? Explained by FAQ Blog The movie's cast participated in a classroom video supplement on Shakespeare. Marlowe accompanies Will to Violas balcony, and a Romeo-and-Juliet-like balcony scene unfolds as Will discovers new-found inspiration. For the best experience on our site, be sure to turn on Javascript in your browser. [31], Shakespeare in Love was among 1999's box office number-one films in the United Kingdom. William Shakespeare is out of ideas. It was called "A joyous celebration of theatre" in the Daily Telegraph,[63] "Joyous" in The Independent,[64] and "A love letter to theatre" in The Guardian. Prince Edward was originally to have been titled Duke of Cambridge following his marriage to Sophie Rhys-Jones in 1999, the year after the film's release. Webster would go on to make a name for himself as a writer of grisly plays such as The Duchess of Malfi and The White Devil. This is a reference to the fact that several versions of Shakespeare's signature exist, and in each one he spelled his name differently.[21]. for only $11.00 $9.35/page. Still, Weinstein needed to win over one key crowd. He once was betrothed to Hermia's best friend, Helena, who still loves him. Powerless to end a lawful marriage, she orders Viola to sail with Wessex to Virginia. [14], Christopher Marlowe is presented in the film as the master playwright whom the characters consider the greatest English dramatist of that time this is historically accurate, yet also humorous, since the film's audience knows what will eventually happen to Shakespeare's reputation. A great memorable quote from the Shakespeare in Love movie on Quotes.net - Philip Henslowe: Mr. Fennyman, allow me to explain about the theatre business. It's so simple, it's complicated. The daughter of his enemy! The film received numerous accolades, including seven Oscars at the 71st Academy Awards, including Best Picture, Best Actress (Gwyneth Paltrow), Best Supporting Actress (Judi Dench), and Best Screenplay Written Directly for the Screen. Shakespeare in Love (Film) - TV Tropes In addition, the two lovers are equally "star-crossed" they are not ultimately destined to be together (since Viola is of rich and socially ambitious merchant stock and is promised to marry Lord Wessex, while Shakespeare himself is poor and already married). William Shakespeare: Love knows nothing of rank or river bank. Immediately after her wedding to Lord Wessex, Viola bolts from the church and runs to the theatre to see the play. [27] A leading character is an Earl of Wessex, a title which in Shakespeare's time had not existed for over 500 years. Henslowe, believing the play to be near completion, holds auditions. Shakespeare in Love (1998) - Plot - IMDb Hamlet shows throughout the play that he is really in love with Ophelia. . Shakespeare In Love. Use of this site constitutes acceptance of our User Agreement and Privacy Policy and Cookie Statement and Your California Privacy Rights. Hermia loves Lysander, but her father, Egeus, has ordered her to marry Demetrius. Then again, it would make sense that someone as idiotic as Lord Wessex would make arrangements to move halfway across the world to a place that existed only in his head. The film centres around the forbidden love of William Shakespeare (Joseph Fiennes) and a noble woman, Viola de Lesseps (Gwyneth Paltrow). By the time Shakespeare in Love opened in limited release, on December 11, 1998, Saving Private Ryan had been in theaters for nearly five months and was well on its way to making $481.8 million . Disguised as a young man and going by the name Thomas Kent, Viola attends auditions for Wills next play, the very one he is struggling to finish. The first reason why I believe Capulet is to blame for Romeo and Juliet's death is because he decided to vanish Romeo to Mantua after he killed Tybalt. Readers who enjoyed 'Sonnet 138' should also consider reading some other William Shakespeare poems.For example: 'Sonnet 92' - discusses the fact that the speaker is going to live and die happily because of his relationship with the Fair Youth. During the meeting, Paltrow alleged, Weinstein put his hands on her and suggested they head to his bedroom for a massage, which Paltrow declined. To thee the book even of my secret soul.". It was this blanket commitment of resources. More. She plays Juliet to Shakespeare's Romeo to an enthralled audience. Paltrow, Weinstein, and Minnie Driver after the 1999 ceremony. [24][25] An out-of-court settlement was reached, but the sum agreed between the parties indicates that the claim was "unwarranted". Hugh Fennyman: So what do we do? Shakespeare in Love and Harvey Weinstein's Dark Oscar Victory Theme in 'Shakespeare in Love'. Shakespeare In Love Essay Essay - Summaries & Essays [65], From December 2016 to January 2017, Shakespeare of True Love (Japanese: ), a Japanese adaptation of Shakespeare in Love written by Shigeki Motoiki and Sakurako Fukuyama, was produced in Kanagawa Arts Theatre. Shakespeare in Love is a 1998 Shakespeare in Fiction Romantic Comedy directed by John Madden (no, not the one associated with American football), written by Tom Stoppard, and with a packed cast led by Gwyneth Paltrow, Joseph Fiennes, Geoffrey Rush, Colin Firth, Ben Affleck, and Judi Dench.. Meet William Shakespeare (Fiennes), an aspiring playwright who can't find the inspiration to write . Queen Elizabeth, who is in attendance, intervenes and tells the magistrate he is mistaken; it is obvious 'Thomas Kent' is not a woman although "the illusion is remarkable." When the angle is behind Viola, we see that her hair gets caught around his left hand's fingers. Love In The Villa Plot Synopsis. Team #1 gets first crack at question # 1. When the angle is behind Viola, we see that her hair gets caught around his left hand's fingers. When Weinstein took the stage that night to accept the best-picture prize, it was an unorthodox move for a studio chief, and one that rankled some Academy members in its audacity. Duke Orsino (act 1, scene 1) "I have unclaspd. Viola and Shakespeare say their goodbyes, and he vows to immortalize her, as he imagines the beginning of Twelfth Night, in character as a castaway disguised as a man after a voyage to a strange land. Shakespeare in Love Quotes, Movie quotes - Movie Quotes .com Weinsteins challenge was to win over skeptical Academy members. As was the custom of the time, women were banned from performing in the theater, so actors like Ralph had to take on the female parts. The high-spirited young lady, Viola De Lesseps, who knows Wills work very well, wishes to be on the stage. I said [to Steven Spielberg], Listen, this is whats going on. Steven said to me, I do not want you to get down in the mud with Harvey., Weinstein played into the inherent narcissism of the Academyits love of seeing actors and writers like themselves as heroic characters on-screenand he pushed the novelty of the film. [13], Many other plot devices used in the film are common in Shakespearean comedies and other plays of the Elizabethan era: the Queen disguised as a commoner, the cross-dressing disguises, mistaken identities, the sword fight, the suspicion of adultery, the appearance of a ghost (cf. The movie, which satirizes theatre life and plays with what is known and what is unknown about Shakespeares life and times, won the Academy Award and the BAFTA Award for best film as well as the Golden Globe Award for best comedy or musical. 2023 Shmoop University Inc | All Rights Reserved | Privacy | Legal. In November 2011, Variety reported that Disney Theatrical Productions intended to produce a stage version of the film in London with Sonia Friedman Productions. At the Los Angeles premiere, at the prestigious Academy theater, the films reception was more muted. Shakespeare's Parting Words | HuffPost Entertainment He was like, Can you do these radio call-ins all morning? He calls the clients directly and guilts them. [62] Based on the film screenplay by Norman and Stoppard, it was adapted for the stage by Lee Hall. '"[39], In 2015, The Hollywood Reporter magazine, claiming to have interviewed "hundreds" of Academy members, indicated that, having to choose between Shakespeare in Love and Saving Private Ryan, a majority of them would award the Oscar for Best Picture to the latter. Shakespeare in Love Summary | Shmoop Many have spoken to the sheer ridiculous nature of the plot. Shakespeare in Love quotes: the most famous and inspiring quotes from Shakespeare in Love. This, of course, is against the law in Elizabethan England, but it doesnt stop her from trying. Just watched Shakespeare in Love yesterday. Can someone please explain Exercises at the End of the Film. "Shakespeare in the Classroom" used Shakespeare in Love as a visual and historical aid to teach students about life during the Bard's time. Which of these themes is central to twelfth night? Explained by Sharing However, just as the curtain is rising, the man playing Juliet can no longer play . [6], The film went into production in 1991 at Universal, with Zwick as director, but although sets and costumes were in construction, Shakespeare had not yet been cast, because Roberts insisted that only Daniel Day-Lewis could play the role. Shakespeare embraced the Renaissance in the following . Curtis Yarvin and the rising right are crafting a different strain of conservative politics. Rosaline, with whom Will is in love at the beginning of the film, is a namesake of Romeo's love-interest at the beginning of the play. Shakespeare follows him, unaware that he is in fact a young noblewoman, Viola De Lesseps (Gwyneth Paltrow), all the way to Violas home. In Shakespeare's sonnets, the rhyme pattern is abab cdcd efef gg, with the final couplet used to summarize the previous 12 lines or present a surprise ending. Talk prose. Writing, rehearsals, and the love affair between Viola and Shakespeare continue, but Webster spies on them and alerts Tilney, the Master of the Revels (Simon Callow), that one of the actors is a woman (which is forbidden), and Master Tilney closes the Rose Theatre. Will follows Kent from rehearsal and divulges his desperate love for Viola. They tried to get everybody to believe that Saving Private Ryan was all in the first 15 minutes, said Press. Last edited on 26 February 2023, at 23:09, Best Screenplay Written Directly for the Screen, The Tragical History of Romeus and Juliet, 1999's box office number-one films in the United Kingdom, sexual abuse allegations against Weinstein, Best Screenplay Written Directly for the Screen, American Society of Cinematographers Awards, Outstanding Achievement in Cinematography in Theatrical Releases, Excellence in Production Design for a Feature Film, Outstanding Directorial Achievement in Motion Pictures, Best Actress in a Motion Picture Musical or Comedy, Best Instrumental Composition Written for a Motion Picture, Television or Other Visual Media, Los Angeles Film Critics Association Awards, Outstanding Producer of Theatrical Motion Pictures, Best Actress in a Motion Picture Comedy or Musical, Best Actor in a Supporting Role in a Motion Picture Comedy or Musical, Outstanding Performance by a Cast in a Motion Picture, Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Leading Role, Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Leading Role, Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Supporting Role, Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Supporting Role, http://articles.chicagotribune.com/1998-12-23/features/9812230314_1_romeo-and-ethel-shakespeare-marc-norman, "Kate Winslet: One woman Hollywood can't ignore", "Shakespeare in Love (1998) Misc Notes", "Playing Fast and Loose with Shakespeare's Name how did Shakespeare spell his own name anyway? Suicide. A TRUE SHORT STORY By Stephen Dignan via Lillian Ross I met Allen A reference is also made to Marlowe's final, unfinished play The Massacre at Paris in a scene wherein Marlowe (Rupert Everett) seeks payment for the final act of the play from Richard Burbage (Martin Clunes). gyri and sulci pronunciation - klocker.media We used to joke that working at Miramax was like working at a tiny labor camp with a nice lobby., Weinstein strong-armed the movies talent into participating in an unprecedented blitzkrieg of press. Check out the mistake & trivia books, on Kindle and in paperback. The best movie quotes, movie lines and film phrases by Movie Quotes .com . His plays (The Duchess of Malfi, The White Devil) are known for their 'blood and gore', which is humorously referred to by the child saying that he enjoys Titus Andronicus, and also saying of Romeo and Juliet, when asked his opinion by the Queen, "I liked it when she stabbed herself. Queen Elizabeth: Have her then, but you're a lordly fool: she's been plucked since I saw her last, and not by you. Will almost quits writing, he's so depressed, but Viola tells him, "If my hurt is to be that you will write no more, then I shall be the sorrier." Explain Why Capulet Is To Blame For Romeo And Juliet's Death Viola and Sebastian's reunion resolves the various confusions and deceptions amongst the Twelfth Night characters and restores society-approved heterosexual marriages and class distinctions. How is the theme of deception presented in Twelfth Night? John Madden's Shakespeare in love is a 'romantic comedy' set in sixteenth century England. Shakespeare writes Twelfth Night as an ode to his muse and lost love, Viola. The 23th song from Shakespeare in love composed by Stephen Warbeck. 200 Easy General Knowledge Questions and Answers Q. We know now that those memorable 1999 Oscars hid a darker story, one most of the world learned of this fall as more than 79 women (as of press time) came forward accusing Weinstein of sexual misconduct. . As the Queen says, this is how it ends: "As stories must when love is denied: with tears, and a journey. However, Zwick disliked Norman's screenplay and hired the playwright Tom Stoppard to improve it (Stoppard's first major success had been with the Shakespeare-themed play Rosencrantz and Guildenstern Are Dead). Vanity Fair may earn a portion of sales from products that are purchased through our site as part of our Affiliate Partnerships with retailers. And because Viola is a woman, she can play Juliet in a way that no man can. The man who will forever be known as the Crawley familys faithful butler Carson in Downton Abbey portrayed (fictional) actor Ralph Bashford in Shakespeare in Love. So Viola returns taking on the very role she inspired. Please refer to the appropriate style manual or other sources if you have any questions. PALTROW SAYS HER BREAKUP WITH BRAD PITT ALMOST COST HER THE OSCAR-WINNING ROLE OF VIOLA DE LESSEPS. Shakespeare in Love is a 1998 romantic period comedy-drama film directed by John Madden, written by Marc Norman and playwright Tom Stoppard, and produced by Harvey Weinstein. Weinstein ticked off Academy brass by paying for a Welcome to America party for Madden, who is British, at Elaines, in New York, and inviting Academy members, appearing to violate a 1997 Academy rule that deemed such receptions improper. We're backstage of the Rose, an Elizabethan theater, and there's more drama backstage than there is onstage. In what is still regarded as one of the biggest upsets in Oscar history, Shakespeare in Love won the Best Picture trophy in 1999 over Steven Spielberg's WWII masterpiece, Saving Private Ryan. Shakespeare in Love Quotes Just then the magistrate bursts in, accusing Shakespeare of breaking the law. Viola and Wessex depart for Wessexs plantation in America, and Shakespeare begins writing a new play, Twelfth Night. About Shakespeare's Sonnets - CliffsNotes Rehearsals begin the next day and Viola (as Kent) plays Romeo. Gill confirmed that the negative-speak was part of Weinsteins plan, and doesnt apologize for it. We think the reason it does is because the two actors are in love. While serving Dench's Queen Elizabeth I in Shakespeare in Love, they were given the anonymous "ladies in waiting" billing. Drunk and stirred up, Wessex finds Viola distraught in her bedroom and breaks the news of her playwrights death. It stars Gwyneth Paltrow, Joseph Fiennes, Geoffrey Rush, Colin Firth, Ben Affleck and Judi Dench. According to one theory, dark energy is a particle, linked to a fifth fundamental force, a theory that was yet to be supported by experimental evidence. Catch up on the years best movies, whether in theaters or now streaming at home. [4], The Sunday Telegraph claimed that the film prompted the revival of the title of Earl of Wessex. The film's plot can claim a tradition in fiction reaching back to Alexandre Duval's "Shakespeare amoureux ou la Piece a l'Etude" (1804), in which Shakespeare falls in love with an actress who is playing Richard III. BBC One - Shakespeare in Love Inspired by Viola, Shakespeare quickly transforms the play into what will become Romeo and Juliet. Henslowe persuades Fennyman that the new comedy being written for him by Will Shakespeare (Joseph Fiennes), Romeo and Ethel, the Pirates Daughter, will bring in enough money to cover the debt. As the actors mourn the demise of their play and their employment, Richard Burbage (Martin Clunes), proprietor of the rival Curtain Theatre, offers to stage the play. Henslowe offers Fennyman a partnership in the upcoming . After the film's release, certain publications, including Private Eye, noted strong similarities between the film and the 1941 novel No Bed for Bacon, by Caryl Brahms and S. J. Simon, which also features Shakespeare falling in love and finding inspiration for his later plays. [23], The writers of Shakespeare in Love were sued in 1999 by bestselling author Faye Kellerman. Shakespeare In Love won the Best Picture Oscar at the 71st Academy Awards, controversially beating critically favored Saving Private Ryan and becoming the first comedy to win the award since Annie Hall (1977). He pursues Kent to Viola's house and leaves a note with her nurse, asking Kent to begin rehearsals at the Rose. Put away the extinguisher.). He becomes depressed after many failed attempts of writing the last scene. Carters character played Juliets Nurse in the final production of Romeo and Juliet, slipping out of his affected high-pitched voice upon realizing Paltrows Viola had illegally stepped into the role of Juliet. Though it breaks her heart, Viola sends word to Will that he must not visit her again because it is too dangerous. It is the beginning of Shakespeare in Love, which tells us that it's 1593. Flora: my problem is the fact that you arent constantly showering me with the love and attention I obviously There's one tiny snag with that plan: Shakespeare in Love takes place in 1593, and the first American colony wouldn't be established for another 14 years. After decades of dreaming, the women finally decide to make a pilgrimage to the Super Bowl for the once-in-a-lifetime chance to meet their favorite player, noteworthy NFL mainstay Tom Brady. Dakota Johnson on Family, Sexual AgencyAnd the Psychotic Making of, Prince Harry on Williams Hairline and Their Wicked Stepmother. From a Dramatica point of view, it is intriguing how the two compare (see Romeo . Peter Biskind, "Down and Dirty Pictures: Miramax, Sundance and the Rise of Independent Film" (New York: Simon & Schuster, 2004), pp. I dont remember ever feeling Shakespeare, the Renaissance Man. The studio then brought in playwright Tom Stoppard to add to the script. Happy Endings A Midsummer Night's Dream: What Does the Ending Mean? - SparkNotes Continuity mistake: Halfway into the film, Shakespeare is holding Viola's face placing his hands around her jaw, looking closely at her. The natural condition is one of insurmountable obstacles on the road to imminent disaster. After a brief discussion about Will's feeling's for Viola, Thomas (Viola) kisses a surprised Will Shakespeare, then rushes away when the boat docks. Oberon utters this blessing himself, saying "Never mole, harelip, nor scar / Nor mark prodigious, such as are / Despised in nativity . The Ending of Twelfth Night - The Fresh Reads Queen Elizabeth I declares that she will judge the matter. Early in the film, the dialogue includes a tip of the hat to Webster's penchant for gore, when Will asks the teenage ragamuffin his opinion of Titus Andronicus: "I like it when they cut the heads off," answers young Webster. 'What Dreams May Come', Understand The Meaning & Context Apparently the prince just liked the sound of Wessex (there is no proof that he was a fan of Firths snobbish and greedy nobleman). With timing, technology, and Weinsteins brazenness on its side, Shakespeare in Love ended the 71st Academy Awards with seven Oscars, including those for best picture and best actress for Paltrow; Saving Private Ryan won five, including that for best director for Spielberg. The 1998 film, which cleaned up the following year at the Academy Awards, told the tale of a writer's-block-stricken William "Will" Shakespeare (Joseph Fiennes), and how he went on to compose his most famous love story, Romeo and Juliet. Maybe, but theres no question that it was done and it may have made the difference, Gill said. Therefore, the imagery used throughout the poem would have been recognizable . (That sounds like a good sequel or an episode of Gilligan's Island.). A sonnet is a 14-line poem that rhymes in a particular pattern. [29], Janet Maslin made the film an "NYT Critics' Pick", calling it "pure enchantment". At what point does Will actually realise that Thomas Kent is really Viola? About Press Copyright Contact us Creators Advertise Developers Terms Privacy Policy & Safety How YouTube works Test new features Press Copyright Contact us Creators . Feeling inspired, Shakespeare then begins writing the play. Chosen answer: When they are in the boat, just after "Thomas Kent" delivered Viola's farewell letter to Shakespeare. JavaScript seems to be disabled in your browser. Those of us who were in school during the late 1990s and had a cool enough teacher to pop in this educational video got a chance to learn all about William Shakespeare from such experts as Gwyneth Paltrow, Joseph Fiennes, Dame Judi Dench, Ben Affleck and Geoffrey Rush. His name is Mercutio. I was carried along by the wit, the energy and a surprising sweetness. Viola is summoned to court to receive approval for her proposed marriage to Wessex. Have we detected dark energy? | Sunny Vagnozzi IAI TV Here Will sees Viola for the first time, and soon a scene similar to the initial meeting of Romeo and Juliet takes place. Shakespeare in Love received acclaim from critics and was a box office success, grossing $289.3 million worldwide and was the ninth highest-grossing film of 1998. They write new content and verify and edit content received from contributors. Later, Violas nurse delivers Wills message to Viola about her getting the role in the play but warns that acting will not end well for her. One of the "great" or "middle" comedies, A . Read our selection of the very best and most well known Twelfth Night quotes below, along with speaker, act and scene. The desperate Henslowe, in debt to ruthless moneylender Fennyman, begins auditions anyway. Judi Dench had less than 10 minutes of screen time, but still snagged an Oscar. But Spring is special in that it brings a . Have the class perform an exercise with the Shakespeare in Love Worksheet. This "resolution"a return to social orderis typical of Shakespearean comedies. The Academy's decision was criticized by many for awarding the film over Saving Private Ryan,[34][35][36] and Gwyneth Paltrow winning Best Actress over frontrunner Cate Blanchett for Elizabeth. The Influence of the Renaissance in Shakespeare's Work - ThoughtCo The original idea for Shakespeare in Love was suggested to screenwriter Marc Norman in the late 1980s by his son Zachary. As it happens, the actor who is to play Juliet suddenly undergoes the voice change that comes with puberty, and Viola replaces him as Juliet. Shakespeare appears at her church, allaying Viola's fears and terrifying Wessex, who believes he is a ghost. The movie, which satirizes theatre life and plays with what is known and what is unknown about Shakespeare's life and times, won the Academy Award and the BAFTA Award for best film as well as the . When they are in the boat, just after "Thomas Kent" delivered Viola's farewell letter to Shakespeare. Show more. His cash-strapped benefactor and owner of the Rose theatre desperately needs the play to be completed so he can pay off his ruthless creditors from the profits. The audience gasps, either because a woman is one stage, or they can't possibly believe a man could be that beautiful. Meanwhile, across town, a rival theatre performs Will's The . Viola and Shakespeare make their sad farewells, and Viola departs with Lord Wessex for the American colonies. Another fun fact about Carters portrayal of Ralph/Nurse? The movie is still great, said Mark Gill, Miramaxs L.A. president at the time of the Shakespeare in Love win. [61] The production was officially announced in November 2013. [5] Norman wrote a draft screenplay which he presented to director Edward Zwick, which attracted Julia Roberts, who agreed to play Viola. While it's true Shakespeare was in . William Shakespeare: A broad river divides my lovers: family, duty, fate. Shakespeare receives advice from rival playwright Christopher Marlowe, but is despondent to learn Rosaline is sleeping with Master of the Revels Edmund Tilney. The production opened at the Nol Coward Theatre in London's West End on 23 July 2014, receiving rave reviews from critics. Rehearsals begin, with Thomas Kent as Romeo, the leading tragedian Ned Alleyn as Mercutio, and the stagestruck Fennyman in a small role. Her verdict: It can. Written by Marc Norman and Tom Stoppard. Contact me | Privacy policy | Join the mailing list | Links. She overhears that the boy playing Juliet cannot perform, his voice having broken, and Henslowe asks her to replace him. Suicide is the act of intentionally causing one's own death. Shakespeare in Love (1998) plot summary - Moviemistakes.com When Prince Edward got married in 1999, his mother, Queen Elizabeth II, was going to make him the Duke of Cambridge (the title eventually bestowed upon Prince William when he married Kate Middleton in 2011). Queen Elizabeth I appears a total of three times in Shakespeare in Love, but that didn't stop a powerhouse like Dame Judi Dench from stealing each of her scenes from the rest of her fellow actors. That is, until Viola de Lesseps, the stage-struck daughter of a wealthy merchant, attends auditions disguised as Thomas Kent. Synopsis: Shakespeare in Love | Utah Shakespeare Festival It has been suggested that it is a memorial reconstruction by the actors who performed the work. Peter Biskind, "Down and Dirty Pictures: Miramax, Sundance and the Rise of Independent Film" (New York: Simon & Schuster, 2004), pp. Viola confesses her love for Shakespeare, but both recognize she cannot escape her duty to marry Wessex. A limited-release opening weekend in eight theaters brought in $224,012, a respectable showing that suggested a robust box-office future. Ending / spoiler. The speech 'Our revels now are ended' is famous as Shakespeare's farewell address to us, his audience. "[19], When the clown Will Kempe (Patrick Barlow) says to Shakespeare that he would like to play in a drama, he is told that "they would laugh at Seneca if you played it", a reference to the Roman tragedian renowned for his sombre and bloody plot lines which were a major influence on the development of English tragedy.