Unpopular opinion- I actually tested this out- When you ask people who’s worse, Claudius or Macbeth- everyone says Claudius. But... is he? I mean Macbeth basically went on a killing spree because he could. He really didn’t have to kill Macduff’s family. He technically didn’t have to kill anyone. Compared to Macbeth, Claudius isn’t that bad. He’s more annoying, sure, but he killed the king and then tried to kill Hamlet, and that was it with his intentional murders.
Huh, weird I’m surprised people thought Claudius was “worse”. Though tbh I didn’t know there was… a debate??
I say “worse” in quotes because there’s any number of ways to judge morality beyond body count but uh. I agree there. I dislike Claudius profoundly as a character for reasons which are difficult to articulate but float vaguely around “your dad’s dead but get over yourself” as a concept. He makes me squirm. But Macbeth is like. Most definitely on a different level of paranoid kill-anyone-who-crosses-me, maintain-power-at-all-costs tyranny after a while.
So uh. Yes?
I think one of the reasons why I personally think Claudius is worse than Macbeth is because Claudius is completely sane for the duration of the play. When Macbeth starts killing people, he becomes less and less sane, however murder seems to have very little impact on Claudius’s sanity.
Also, Macbeth is the type of person who you’d suspect would commit murder. The other characters in Macbeth suspected Macbeth from more or less the start. Banquo even feels the need to check up on Macbeth before Duncan was murdered to make sure Macbeth wasn’t going to kill Duncan. But when it comes to Claudius, he’s not the kind of guy who people are suspicious of. Even Hamlet, who clearly disliked him at the beginning, seemed surprised when he found out Claudius killed his father. To the other characters in the play, Claudius is just the previous king’s brother, who happens to be king now. And yes, there’s no suggestion that the previous king’s death was a murder. But regardless- when a king (or anyone with power or money) dies suddenly, it’s only natural for people to be suspicious.
Anyway thats that Idk where I’m going with this- in conclusion even though Macbeth killed more people he wasn’t sane while killing them, so Claudius is a worse person
Whenever I read Hamlet and I get up to the part where the gravedigger is throwing skulls out of the grave he’s digging, I cannot not imagine him accidentally-on purpose throwing the skulls at Hamlet and Hamlet trying to dodge the skulls being thrown at him
All characters in TCOMC And what I have to say about them
PART 1
Edmond Dantes (aka the Count of Monte Cristo/Abbe Bussoni/Lord Willmore/Sinbad the Sailor) - he’s cool, but he went a bit too far on the whole revenge thing. And when I say “a bit too far”, I’m referring to the fact that he has no problem with harming the children of the people who wronged him. Like it’s not Valentine or Albert’s fault that they have bad fathers.
Danglars- I don’t like him. He annoys me. His whole motive for framing Dantes was because he was jealous that Dantes got promoted over him, which is the worst reason out of the three. Also he’s a bad father to Eugenie. So yeah, he’s an overall bad person.
Fernand Mondego/ de Morcerf- He’s not as annoying as Danglars because his motives make more sense. Also the whole “frame Dantes” thing wasn’t his plan, and if Danglars wouldn’t have said anything he would have left Dantes alone. Also I think he’s kinda stupid, so you can’t blame an idiot for making bad decisions. He just doesn’t know any better. (But that whole betraying Haydee’s father and selling Haydee and her mother as slaves thing was pretty messed up)
Gaspard Caderousse- He’s the Most Annoying character in the book. Why is he even here? Just to tell Dantes the whole “Where Are They Now?” for all the characters we were introduced to in the first half of the book? (That’s literally the only plot relevant thing he did.) And then to die? Did anyone who has ever read TCOMC actually care when he died? Was anyone like “oh no Caderousse was murdered that’s so sad!”? NO. I guarantee you no one said that. Even people who like Caderousse didn’t say that.
Gerard de Villefort- I don’t like him but I get where he’s coming from regarding most of his crimes. He’s really bad at making on-the-spot decisions. The whole “toss Edmond in jail to protect the Villefort name/his job” thing is basically just a bad impulsive decision. And also the whole “kill yourself before I get home or I’ll have to do it” thing too. He has basically no excuse for the whole “pretend the baby is dead and then bury it alive” thing, because he had 9 whole months to figure out what to do with the child.
All characters in TCOMC And what I have to say about them
Part 2
Louis Dantes- he’s pretty pointless plot-wise, other then his death being a motivator for Edmond to get revenge on everyone. I have nothing against him as a character though.
Marquis and Marquise de Saint-Meran- Basically the same thing as I had to say about Dantes sr. They exist only so that their death can move the plot along.
Renee de Saint-Meran- She’s literally such a sweet person like I know she was only in one chapter but she’s just so sweet. BUT ON THE OTHER HAND. Dumas is clearly making an argument about nature vs nurture. Making Renee a really sweet person and then having her die while Valentine was young, and leaving Valentine to be raised by Villefort, a not so great parent, is just another way Dumas is trying to tell us that it doesn’t matter who you’re raised by, it matters who your parents are- you’ll turn out like your parents. Which isn’t something I agree with. (The other primary example of this is how Benedetto was raised by Assunta but still became a criminal/murderer)
Noirtier- I cannot elaborate enough how cool this guy is. First off- he literally destroys people by blinking. He’s literally like don’t worry Valentine I’ll get you out of this arranged marriage that seems literally impossible to get out of! And boom!- he blinks a few times and problem solved! Secondly it’s really rare to see disabled people represented in books from the 1800s. But then again, this is Dumas. He’s pretty good at representation most of the time.
The year is 3028. Schools no longer teach Shakespeare because it’s so old that it no longer resembles the current language to an understandable extent. However, there’s a different famous author they study- Mr. Itson Broadway.
Mr. Broadway is famous for his large variety of works, spanning from Comedies (such as Mean Girls), Tragedies (such as Heathers), and Histories (such as Hamilton). The works of Mr. Broadway are analyzed in every country, and enjoyed by people young and old.
However, some literary scholars have a theory.- they believe that Broadway might not be the works of one person, but rather the works of many.
I wanna say Happy Mother’s Day to the mothers in TCOMC, but that really just doesn’t work for most of them.
-Renee died before she could really raise Valentine
-Heloise tried to murder her stepdaughter and actually murdered her son
-Hermine isn’t so bad but it would be nice if she could try to get along better with Eugenie
-Mercedes is the best. I have nothing bad to say about her. She’s the best mother in the book. Happy Mother’s Day Mercedes.
-I gotta include Assunta in here. She really tried her best with Benedetto. I don’t think she could have done anything to make him into a chill guy instead of the murderer he is.
Can I just say. I feel like no one’s really satisfied with the ending of TCOMC, but everyone has different things they’d want to change/fix. So I figured I’d post the thing I’d change about the ending and see if anyone agrees/other people’s opinions of it. So here it goes-
I really wish there was something at the end alluding to someone else- some side character or someone we weren’t really paying attention to- who was hurt by Edmond’s actions rising up and planning on taking revenge on him.
Since the whole ending of the book is like “hey kids, revenge isn’t always as great as it may seem! Don’t do revenge!”, wouldn’t an excellent way to prove that point be to show that revenge is a cycle that can repeat with no end?
Let’s say there was another chapter at the end of the book that was only a few paragraphs long, but in that chapter it was revealed that Edouard actually survived the poison and was conscious when Edmond came and revealed himself to his father? What if Edouard vowed to take revenge on the man who destroyed his family- the man who drove his father to insanity and his mother to suicide. The man who was responsible for the (supposed) death of his step-sister. What if, while Edmond is happily living with Haydee and visiting Maximillian and Valentine on the weekends, Edouard is preparing his revenge?
I don’t know about you, but I think that would be a pretty cool ending.
Nope- I’ve never played Minecraft, and I don’t watch Minecraft youtubers. However, one of my friends is super into Minecraft, and she’s been asking me to get Minecraft for years now, so I told her I’ll get it this summer. So yeah I’ll probably start playing it next month
You want questions? I'll give you questions. Where do you live? How old are you? Hiw many sibling do you have? Whats your favorite color? Do you have any hobbies? Whats your biggest fear? How many languages do you know? What color hair do you have? What color eyes do you have? How tall are you? What color shirt are you wearing right now? Whats your social security number? And do you like cats or dogs better?
Ok lemme try to answer as many as I could-
1- somewhere in the USA
2- 17
3- 0
4- royal blue
5- hmmm I don’t think so- I like writing and drawing but I’m not exactly the best at either one
6- I have no idea. But I don’t like bees or spiders. I wouldn’t say that’s my biggest fear, but it is a fear
7- 2.5
6- dark dark brown. Super dark brown
7- green-ish
8- short. Maybe 4″11 or maybe 5″0.
9- light grey with a navy vest
10- 1234567890 (this is very legit and definitely not fake in the least bit)
11- I like both but I’m allergic to cats, so I like dogs better
I do think that the death of Titinius and Cassius is a parallel of Romeo and Juliet, just like Horatio trying to kill himself upon Hamlet's death. Opinions?
Titinius and Cassius are a bit more of a parallel than Horatio and Hamlet, because one of them killed himself after thinking the other one is dead, and when the other one found out he killed himself too.
With Horatio and Hamlet, Hamlet was actually dying and Horatio wanted to join him. Hamlet told him that he has to live on, and so he did. So it’s not really a great parallel, but I can see why people would compare the two scenes.
At this point, I have a feeling that I am just spamming you with Julius Caesar asks but— What is your opinion of the character of Casca?
There are some characters in every book/play that exist only for the purpose of telling over plot relevant information to other characters. Casca is one of those.
He’s so forgettable that I had to google if he did anything plot relevant other than telling Brutus and Cassius that Caesar turned down the crown and stabbing Caesar. And the answer is no, he didn’t.
(Also I don’t mind all the asks- class is really boring and I need something to do)
So, anyways, here I am with another ask. What is your opinion of the character of Portia from Julius Caesar? And have you read the Comedy of Errors?
Portia from Julius Caesar is ok, but she wasn’t really in enough scenes for me to have a strong opinion on here. It’s kinda similar to my opinion of Ophelia- she’s there for a scene and then she dies.
Portia from The Merchant of Venice, on the other hand, is a great character and I love her.
Also no I have not read The Comedy of Errors yet, but I plan on reading it
Alright recently I’ve met/followed a lot of really superb peeps that I would love to get to know better so i’m starting this new tag chain. Instead of being weird and asking super personal questions I’m gonna be weird and ask super vague and specific questions, and maybe some normalish ones too if I feel like it.
1. Bazam! You just invented a new language! What is this language called and what is one unique aspect of this language?
2. What is something you like to snack on in the middle of the night when you can’t sleep and you’re five chapters away from the end of that damned story?
3. What show did you project on as an insecure youth and now fills you with shame and anxiety every time you hear it now?
4. Wowza! You’re such a cool person you’ve become a new deity! What are you the supreme being of?
5. What are some books/shows/music that you’re currently hyperfixating on so I can join you in your strange source of serotonin?
6. Football’s out, golf is out, every single sport is out. What new pastime takes over mundane society?
7. If you have any fic outlets (ao3, ff.net, etc) feel free to drop them bc i’m going to support the shit out of you. This is not a question. (but really only drop this if you’re comfortable ajsksk i’m not gonna twist your arm lmao)
8. You dream of silver and gold. The silver and gold love you. You love the silver and gold. But the silver and gold are liars and they want to take everything away from you, the dirty bastards. Now, what does the silver and gold represent?
9. You are a strong, independent bad ass individual who loves no man! Then that stupid fairy godperson whacks you with their magical pool noodle. Now you love ONE man. Who is this man?
10. In a show of great prowess, you stole the magic pool noodle and have cured yourself of the plague of love! Mystery man is no longer a threat! What is your first use of the magic pool noodle (world peace and world domination are not! options!)
11. Some would argue memories are all that we are. These people are full of shit :) If you lost all your memories, no strings attached to anything, what do you think your instincts would have you do with your life?
12. But memories are still pretty cool so thank goddess we still have ours! Read the following words: honey, dusk, cosmos. What memory does each provoke in you?
13. The last photo of a physical object (people are not objects! heh) in your camera roll is what you have to eat for the rest of your life. What is your eternal dish?
14. Aha! You have discovered a rare breed of snails! You have two options: become one with the snails, or destroy their evil kind forever! What do you do? And why?
15. Thanks to your disgustingly superb actions, you are now a famous celebrity that everyone loves! What are some things you would like your following to know about you? (make it real, lads)
Ok thanks for playing! I’m gonna tag a bunch of mutuals + anyone who I didn’t tag but wants to. Please tag whoever you want :)
1. Bazam! You just invented a new language! What is this language called and what is one unique aspect of this language?
ok so I actually did this as a child! it didnt have a name but basically I flipped all the consonants and all the vowels. so like
BCDFGHJKLM AEI
ZXWVTSRQPN YUO
so “major” would be “nyrij” idk it looked cool (this is long im sorry)
2. What is something you like to snack on in the middle of the night when you can’t sleep and you’re five chapters away from the end of that damned story?
those kettle corn triangle chips
3. What show did you project on as an insecure youth and now fills you with shame and anxiety every time you hear it now?
Idk if have one of these?? what did y’all do?? I was jut over here peacefully watching phineas and ferb???
4. Wowza! You’re such a cool person you’ve become a new deity! What are you the supreme being of?
those hidden places where it seems like magic is probably real
or just like. cool weapons. can I be the god of artistic combat? like fighting but when it’s so efficient and skilled that it’s art?
5. What are some books/shows/music that you’re currently hyperfixating on so I can join you in your strange source of serotonin?
Music: Delta Rae (I will never die? fucking insane. this is like fantasy battle shit. also Bottom of the river? outstanding. also fantasy shit but like this is what I imagine the captured Grisha singing on fjerdan ships to feel stronger?)
Shows: SHEEE RAAAA also the Hollow. Netflix really went in with the gay cartoon mcs this year didnt they.
Books: everyone go read Name of the Wind right now. like this book is straight-up incredible. a modern fantasy classic. a masterpiece.
6. Football’s out, golf is out, every single sport is out. What new pastime takes over mundane society?
scandalous embroidery. maybe then I’d finally make the fuck you fuck me fuck off sampler I’ve been meaning to do.
7. If you have any fic outlets (ao3, ff.net, etc) feel free to drop them bc i’m going to support the shit out of you. This is not a question. (but really only drop this if you’re comfortable ajsksk i’m not gonna twist your arm lmao)
alas no I am but a humble tumbler
8. You dream of silver and gold. The silver and gold love you. You love the silver and gold. But the silver and gold are liars and they want to take everything away from you, the dirty bastards. Now, what does the silver and gold represent?
fam. that is all.
9. You are a strong, independent bad ass individual who loves no man! Then that stupid fairy godperson whacks you with their magical pool noodle. Now you love ONE man. Who is this man?
Pete Wyatt from All the Crooked Saints by Maggie Stiefvater. the most wholesome good boy to ever boy good. read this book NOW
10. In a show of great prowess, you stole the magic pool noodle and have cured yourself of the plague of love! Mystery man is no longer a threat! What is your first use of the magic pool noodle (world peace and world domination are not! options!)
11. Some would argue memories are all that we are. These people are full of shit :) If you lost all your memories, no strings attached to anything, what do you think your instincts would have you do with your life?
I think I’d go give lots of children hugs and support. I really like being a mentor and a funky mom friend and I just want to protect everyone all the time. when I watch my younger friends succeed I literally get weepy and have cried with pride multiple times.
12. But memories are still pretty cool so thank goddess we still have ours! Read the following words: honey, dusk, cosmos. What memory does each provoke in you?
honey: my friend getting sunburned and smearing honey all over her face thinking it would help and yelling (about herself) “CALL THE AMBULANCE SHE’S COVERED IN HONEY”
dusk: walking up the hill to my house when the knots start coming out
cosmos: lying on the roof of my friend’s car parked in a field with Island in the Sun blasting from the stereo
13. The last photo of a physical object (people are not objects! heh) in your camera roll is what you have to eat for the rest of your life. What is your eternal dish?
14. Aha! You have discovered a rare breed of snails! You have two options: become one with the snails, or destroy their evil kind forever! What do you do? And why?
destruction. I love salt too much to be a snail.
15. Thanks to your disgustingly superb actions, you are now a famous celebrity that everyone loves! What are some things you would like your following to know about you? (make it real, lads)
I’m bladesexual because swords are fucken cool and I like Shakespeare in an Intellectual™️ way but also in a “lol dick jokes” and “ooo battles” way
I never intend to be mean I’m just an idiot who is trying to be cool and nice at the same time and messing up
I’m not trying to ignore you I just don’t want to be annoying and bother you (you are never bothering me)
I like being nice to children. if a child smiles at me I lose my mind
OK I’M SORRY I’M SO LATE TO THIS BUT I’M GONNA ANSWER SOME QUESTIONS!
1- This language is gonna be called… Motuwe
(mainly because I have a calendar in front of me so I just took the beginning of Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday)
It’s basically the same as English, except when you’re writing it and you’re saying something sarcastic/jokingly and it’s not obvious that it’s not serious, you put dots above the word so that other people can tell.
2- Strawberries. Definitely strawberries.
3- not really a show but Hamilton— that one broadway musical about the first US secretary of treasury.
4- I’ll be the Supreme Being of Coincidences. Good or bad, it doesn’t matter.
5- SHAKESPEARE!
Also geography, if that counts? Hey I’m an American, we don’t learn geography. Until this year I didn’t know where Ireland is. So I’ve been trying to learn geography on my own.
Also the youtube channel Overly Sarcastic Productions.
6- I was gonna say needlepoint as a joke, but half of society would burn down their houses out of sheer frustration. So I’m gonna say writing. Everyone’s gonna start writing.
7- ha I’m not confident enough to publicly post anything that I’ve written and spend time and effort on
8- ah yes reminds me of my friends.
9- Alcibiades- how serious am I? That’s for me to know and you to not know I guess- I’m not really sure where I was going with that sentence.
10- I’d probably use my awesome brand new magic powers to cause some level of chaos, then instantly regret it and fix everything.
11- I’d PANIC. SO MUCH. You think if I’d suddenly lose my memories I’d be chill with it and just find my way in life? NAH. I’d go on an epic quest to figure out who one earth I am and what am I doing here.
12- I went to sleepaway camp once. It was a camping camp- we slept in tents for a month (and sometimes not even in tents!). Once on a hike we found an abandoned shed and decided to camp around it for the night. The sun was setting and I, along with two of my friends, decided to climb the shed and eat dinner on the roof. So we did.
(I know I was supposed to do each one individually, but that one thing fits all of them in a way)
13- ok so the most recent picture I have is- ok here’s some background to it- I have a friend who’s last name is Rose. Let’s call her Nora. On Zoom class, instead of it saying Nora Rose, there was a typo and it said Nora’s Rose. So now she apparently has a rose. In the moment I thought it was hilarious and took a picture. So yeah that’s that.
14- DESTROY THEM! My only reason being that I don’t wanna become one with the snails.
15- I’d like them to know that I don’t wanna be famous and they should all please go away. But if they refuse to I guess I’ll let them know that I love mangos and hate tomatoes.
And now who should I tag? I really don’t follow that many people on here, and the few that I follow I don’t really talk to, so idk if they want to be tagged. I guess I’ll tag @gayvillefort and @justpassingby007, but if you guys don’t wanna do it, no pressure
Shout out to @melphelia for being my inspiration to make the Shakespeare but told in “it’s more likely than you think” memes a series, because tbh I wasn’t planning on making more after the King Lear one, but thanks to that one comment I made a Macbeth on and a Julius Caesar one, and will hopefully make more!
