As per your request, I have set up six different blog entries for you to post your comments about your research and then your comments about others' research under your character's very own blog entry.
A. Answer these questions in the first posting:
1. How do the indirect and direct characterization differ?
2. How would you choose to perform your character after looking at both types of
his characterization?
BE SURE TO USE TEXTUAL SUPPORT (AT LEAST 4-5 EXAMPLES) AND PROPER CITATION.
B. Comment on other people's answers.
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1. The indirect and direct characterization differs with the actual relationship between Sebastian and Antonio. Sebastian feels like he is in control of his own life and fortunes. With this in mind, he openly criticizes Alonso. He blames Ferdinand's drowning on Alonso and mocks his brother for being old and believing comfort like “old porridge” (Shakespeare Act 2, Scene 1, Line 11). Sebastian assumes the character of the lazy, yet deserving man. (Shakespeare Act 2, Scene 1, Line 251). He also attacks Gonzalo in fear of him being a threat because he is so close to the king (Shakespeare Act 2, Scene 1, Line 72). Sebastian wants to kill Alonso and Gonzalo to become king of Naples. Antonio is supposed to carry out the plan to ensure Sebastian's kingdom (Shakespeare Act 2, Scene 1, Lines 332-336). The truth is, Antonio is actually the one in control of Sebastian’s life. Antonio is the one who proposed that Sebastian eliminate his brother and Gonzalo. Antonio convinced Gonzalo that he has the opportunity to gain his brothers kingdom, but he is letting the opportunity slip away with his laziness (Shakespeare Act 2, Scene 1, Lines 229-237). Antonio is controlling Sebastian to gain more power. As said by Prospero, Antonio took control of his finances and his dukedom by manipulating his work schedule (Shakespeare Act 1, Scene 2, Lines 110-125). Sebastian might seem like he plans out his evil deeds with his direct characterization, but Antonio's actions and the way he speaks to Sebastian shows he is in control.
ReplyDelete2. The best way to perform the character of Sebastian would be to play on his arrogance. Making Sebastian as loud and foolish as possible shows how ignorant he is when it comes to Antonio's influence on him. Sebastian is clueless and lazy. If Sebastian is a pompous jerk then it will really showcase his willingness to do whatever Antonio tells him.
Yeah, I bet you didn't expect me to post first.
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
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ReplyDeleteKassandra
ReplyDeleteQuestion # 2
I agree with you completely,Kassandra! Sebastian is many things, but is mostly negative. He seems to be very foolish and similar to a jester. I believe this because in most of Act 2 Scene 1, Sebastian and Antonio continually make fun of Gonzalo and laugh at him. Also, I agree with his ignorance. He is easily influenced by Antonio and it is as if Sebastian is truly Antonio's puppet. Sebastian is clueless to Antonio's plans and describes himself as lazy when talking to Antonio about his future possible desire. I agree about acting him out to be a jerk as well. Gonzalo is trying to bring optimism and hope to the king, but Sebastian decides to crush his optimism and be a realist. Lastly, I would preform Sebastian as being very direct and inconsiderate. He is being honest to his brother. He, however, approaches it in a unkind manner,being inconsiderate of his brothers feelings.
Mona:
ReplyDeleteI wouldn't say he was being much of a realist. Sebastian was just saying whatever to crush Alonso's hopes. What a jerk.
Kassandra:
ReplyDeleteWhy would Gonzalo say " 'My lord Sebastian , The truth you speak doth lack some gentleness And time to speak it in." (Act 2 Scene 1 Line 47-49)? I think that it's a combination of both. He is a realist and states the truth, but also is being a jerk about it because it's the king's fault for getting them onto that island. Do you disagree?
I don't think Gonzalo actually meant for it to be considered a truth. It could've been a synonym for fact, but you do have a point. The reason why Sebastian even brings it up is because he's bitter about his place and his brother's decisions.
ReplyDeleteKassandra:
ReplyDeleteI think we both could possibly be right. Ms.Karvunis did say that some of Shakespeare's words are straight forward and some are not. I think both are plausible. Interesting argument we're having! x]
Antonio convinced Gonzalo that he has the opportunity to gain his brothers kingdom, but he is letting the opportunity slip away with his laziness (Shakespeare Act 2, Scene 1, Lines 229-237).
ReplyDeleteI meant Antonio convinced Sebastian. Thanks for pointing out my typo, Mona.
Kassandra
ReplyDeleteYour welcome! x]
1.Similar to Kassandra’s notes on Sebastian I also found that the direct and indirect characterization show Sebastian in two complete different ways. Direct characterization shows Sebastian as an ignorant jerk who thinks he is better than others. He proves this when he says to Alonso that he is to blame for the reason his daughter is no longer in Europe but instead is married to an African (Act 2, Scene 1, Lines 130-132). Sebastian is also very rude to Gonzalo when he continues to interrupt him as he speaks (Act 2, Scene 1, Lines 63-65). The truth is Sebastian is nothing but a follower and is influenced by Antonio to attempt to kill Alonso and Gonzalo (Act 2, Scene 1, Lines 337-339). Antonio wants power and can only gain that power with the help of Sebastian, which is why Sebastian follows Antonio because he desires power as well. Their first attempt failed and when they gained the opportunity to try and kill Gonzalo and Alonso, Sebastian was hesitant at first, but decided he’ll try again due to Antonio’s persuading (Act 3, Scene 3, Line 22). This indirect characterization shows that Sebastian is nothing but a mere coward and is easily influenced by others.
ReplyDelete2.To perform Sebastian in indirect characterization I would choose to display him as a coward who is scared and is the type to go along with what anyone tells him too. To perform Sebastian in direct characterization I would perform is as a pompous, arrogant man who thinks he knows best when in actuality he doesn’t. I would also show his rudeness and laziness that he shows to others like Gonzalo.
Kristal
ReplyDeleteI agree with you, Kristal. It is true that Sebastian is a coward. He made up a fake story to his brother and is scared, even though, in the beginning of the scene he showed no fear.
Question # 1
They differ because they contradict each other. The direct is that Sebastian is strong and better than everyone else. The indirect, however, is the opposite. The indirect is that Sebastian is less than everyone else. Sebastian believes that he is strong and better than everyone else, which is direct. Firstly, he states, “But one fiend at a time, I’ll fight their legions o’er” (Act 3 Scene 3 Line 124-125). He tries to display his strength by stating that he is going to fight the devils one by one. Also, he states, “ And I the king shall love thee” (Act 2 Scene 1 Line 336). His opinion would not matter unless he was above Antonio, which he is implying in his statement. Gonzalo and Antonio, however, believe that Sebastian is lower than they are, which is indirect. Antonio states, “O, that you bore the mind That I do, what asleep where this for your advancement” (Act 2 Scene 1 Lines 304-306). Antonio is basically saying that he is better and smarter than Sebastian because Sebastian does not “bore the mind that I (Antonio) do”. Gonzalo also believes that Sebastian is of lower class than him. Gonzalo states, “I will not adventure my discretion so weakly” (Act 2Scee 1 Line 204-205). Gonzalo is saying that Sebastian is nothing compared to him.
Question # 2
For question # 2, I commented on Kassandra's post, as well as answered number two.
1). Indirect and direct characterization is different because of the point of views. Sebastian, from his own perspective, thinks he is better than others. The effect of this perspective causes him to be arrogant. He says whatever he wants without any guilt. When Alonso was depressed because his son was missing, he still had hope that Ferdinand might still be alive. Sebastian on the other hand thinks otherwise. “I have no hope that he’s undrowned” (Act 2 line 270 – 271). He tells this to Antonio truthfully even though he knows it will hurt Alonso. Not only this, Sebastian was still hurting Alonso when they were resting from searching for Ferdinand. He was aware of this and continued until Gonzalo informed him that his words were hurting Alonso (Act 2 line 146 – 149). Sebastian, through his actions, thinks that he is in control over himself, but he is wrong. He is a puppet to Antonio. Antonio knows that he is able to control Sebastian’s actions through his desire for power. He convinced Sebastian to kill Alonso so he can be the next heir to Naples (Act 2 line 337-339). Although the first attempt to kill Alonso failed, Antonio encouraged Sebastian to try to kill Alonso again (Act 3 line 12 – 15). From this, Antonio knows that Sebastian will trust him and do everything he says that concerns anything about power. In Antonio’s eyes, Sebastian is in his control and will fulfill the desire he longs for. Direct characterization shows that Sebastian thinks highly of himself and thinks he is in control but indirect characterization shows that Sebastian is a pawn to Antonio.
ReplyDelete2). I would perform Sebastian as an arrogant character while listening to every order Antonio gives. Being arrogant shows that he thinks of himself as in control but listening to Antonio’s every orders shows that Sebastian is not even in control.
Kassandra-
ReplyDeleteI agree with you. Sebastian is under Antonio's control. Sebastian would not of done anything unless given an order from Antonio. The only reason Sebastian started to think about taking the throne was because of Antonio. From this, you can already see that Sebastian is not even in control. He didn't even come up with the plan.
Sebastian is a coward. He needed help to be convinced to kill Alonso. This shows that he waited for someone else that can help him gain power. He didn't have the courage to kill Alonso himself.
Winnie -
ReplyDeleteI agree with you completely that Sebastian in his own perspective is very arrogant. I also think that Antonio treats Sebastian as a puppet. I would say that Sebastian is an imposter of what he truely wants which is power. He is completely full of himself.
I have a question, does anyone think that Sebastian and Antonio will fulfill their plan and kill Alonso and Gonzalo?
Kristal-
ReplyDeleteI don't think so. With Prospero carrying out his own plans, I don't think Sebastian and Antonio will have another opportunity. Unless that this is part of Prospero's ultimate plan. I still have a feeling nothing will be resolved though. I don't think anyone wins in Shakespeare.
I agree and disagree with you, Kassandra. I agree that Sebastian and Antonio's plan to kill ALonso will not happen unless it is apart of Prospero's plan, since he planned everything out. I think, however, everything will be resolved in this book. I believe Prospero's goal is to teach the men a lesson and the men are going to return home with that lesson in mind.
ReplyDeleteMona -
ReplyDeleteI think that at least someone in the story is going to die (well that's the impression I get in Shakespeares' stories).
Also when you said, "I think, however, everything will be resolved in this book," I agree. Ms. Karvunis said that Shakespeare usually resolves everything nicely without much loop holes.
A. Answer these questions in the first posting:
ReplyDelete1. How do the indirect and direct characterization differ?
The indirect and direct differ from perspectives and opinions. Direct, Sebastian thinks of him self as a very cocky person. He tries to fit with the rest, or at least try to make himself look higher then the rest of the kings men at some point. " A pox'o your throat..." ( the tempest act 1 sc 1 line 40) Here he tries to curse the boatswin as he tries to look high and cocky at the same time. Every one agrees with him giving him the satisfaction of being a high kings men. " I am out of patience" (The Tempest – Act 1, Scene 1. Lines: 53) He also makes these situations where he tries to look as if he were king instead of a prince. " The old clock" (The Tempest – Act 2, Scene 1. Lines: 30) His brother, Alonso, is the king of Naples. He makes fun of him to make him self look superior to him in front of others. Although, when no one is on his side he tends to somewhat seek forgiveness "You have taken it wiselier than I meant you should."( The Tempest – Act 2, Scene 1. Lines: 22 ). Indirect, Others seem him as annoying and ignorant. Golanzo thinks of him as annoying " you have spoken truer than you purposed." (The Tempest – Act 2, Scene 1. Lines: 20). Antonio seeks to take advantage of his ignorance when he tries to convince him to overthrow his brother "Draw thy sword: one stroke..." ( Act 2 sc 1 Lines: 321) They differ completely one thinking they are superior and strong the other seeing him as annoying and ignorant.
2. How would you choose to perform your character after looking at both types of
his characterization
I would preform my character as a bit of a child. I would try to make my voice sound a but annoying and try to seem dull. Sebastian doesn't seem strong and ill also try to preform him as a dependent character. I believe he relies heavily on Antonio. So an immature personality would fit him best.
B.
I agree with Winnie Chen because the way things are going it seems that death will be one of those elements in the book to make a balance in the book with revenge. It would be interesting if the book went with out death.
1. Sebastian shows many direct and indirect characterizations in many ways. Sebastian’s direct characterization is selfish and stuck up; he shows this a lot. This makes Sebastian stand out because his attitude shows that; he is not really a person you want to rely on. He shows this when he says, “The next advantage will we take thoroughly.” “I say tonight. No more.” (Act 3. Sc. 3). This shows that Sebastian has a lot of pride in himself when; he plans to kill the king and Gonzalo. This is saying that Sebastian is stuck up and wants things done his way and his way only. Another way Sebastian shows selfishness; is when he talks about taking Alonso throne from him. He proves selfishness when; he tells Antonio, “Draw thy sword. One stroke, shall free thee from the tribute which thou payest, and I the king shall love thee.” (Act 3. Sc. 3). This shows that Sebastian is being selfish by caring about the throne and him obtaining it because it is what he wants. Therefore by taking the throne it will make Sebastian happy that he now has power. Sebastian shows his determination when he draws his sword and says, “O, but one word.” This means that they should get strait to the point and attack, so that Sebastian can surly inherit the thrown that his brother Alonso has. Sebastian is ready to do whatever it takes to get the thrown which is how; he shows his selfishness.
ReplyDelete2. I would perform Sebastian as his direct characterization which is rude and not caring, but yet make him loyal to seem sneaky. I would do this because of the way he treats his fellow kings men and because of the way; he wants to inherit the thrown from his brother. This will show his true personality, in a cruel way because of his cruel intentions.
John Cruz
ReplyDeleteI agree with you on how the direct and indirect differ. Also, I liked your use of examples. Your post has changed my perspective on some of your quotes, due to the fact that I never viewed them that way. I also agree with your ideas on how to preform Sebastian. Thanks for posting your ideas because I never really viewed him as a child and that's a cool way to look at it!
1) The direct and indirect characterizations differ because in the direct characterization he thinks of himself as better to everyone else and ambitious. In the indirect characterization he is showed as a snooty person. He proves himself as some one mean, rude, and indolent becuase he tends to insult others. In act 1 scene 1 lines 41-42 he says to the boatswain "a pox o'your throat, you bawling blasphenous incharitable dog!" demanding him to work calling him unuseful in other words. This shows how mean and uncaring he is to others and how he tries to make himself seem as if he was in power. Another instance where he shows his ungratefulness is when he mocks his brother King Alonso for the loss of his daughter to an African (act 2, scene 1, lines 130-135). This shows how he is uncaring to anyone but himself. Sebastian doesnt have many actions becuase he is lazy. He never does much, he pretends to, but in reality hes a sluggish person. He says he will look for his nephew prince Ferdinand mean while, he has convinced himself that Ferdinand has drowned and is dead( act 2 scene 1, lines 270-271). Since Sebastian is lazy and ignorant at times he failed to realize that with the prince gone he could be next in the throne. Sebastian looks out for himself or so he believes that, but in the book we read how it is antonio who opens up his eyes. Sebastian describes himself as " standing water" ( act 2 scene 1 line 248) meaning he is lazy and doesnt do much, but Anotnio says he will "teach him how to flow" ( act 2 scene 1 line 249). In this conversation we can right away see that Antonio is the one who is teaching Sebastian to become ambitious! Therefore even though Sebastian can be lazy and full of himself he in reality is nothing. He never does antything and doesnt think much for himself he takes everything in an uncareful manner. When Antonio tells Sebastian all these nice things such as him being "noble"( act 2 scene 1 line 240) and tells him the plot to kill King Alonso and Gonzalo so, he can become king we see how Sebastain begins to care for the throne. He ends by saying " and I shall be king shall love thee" ( act 2 scene 1 line 336)with these words he is showing his ambition for the throne.
ReplyDelete2)If I had to perform Sebastian I would be someone who is lazy and uncaring. At first I really wouldn't care about what's going on and I would just have fun by makin fun of others. I would be mean rude and selfish. Towards the end I would have to show some ambition becuase by then I would want the throne. I would be willing to do anything to recieve it and wouldn't care who I have to muerder. I would have to be unhearted and slick to persue such an evil sceam! Most of all I would follow Antonios orders without even relizing it becuase it is Antonio who has come up with the idea of murdering King Alonso. Therefore Sebastian is a character who would have to be performed as lazy, rude, ignorant, but he is ambitious and gullible.
i agree with Mona. John made a cool way to look at Sebastian. i see why he says hes a child because children usually tend to be lazy and not caring of things. Sebastian is just like that but towards the end he only cares of gaining the throne.
ReplyDeletei also agree with michael, sebastian is a greedy and selfish person but most of all he has become ambitious/cruel.
B.I think everyone's answers are right.It seems like we all have get the idea that Sebastian cant really think/do for himself cause he's just not so liberated in that sense.
ReplyDeleteA. Directly speaking Sebastian is Antonio's pet. Whenever Antonio wants Sebastian says or does for him. Sebastian is arrogant and naive. As seen in Act 3 scene 3 page 109, where Alonso is depressed because he cant find his son.While Antonio is talking to Sebastian about his next plan, Sebastian just agrees. Antonio :" Do not,for one repulse,forgo the purpose that you resolved t' effect." Antonio :" The next advantage we will take throughly." This showes that he is easily minipulated and easily controlled.Indirectly speaking other people view Sebastian as an ignorant coward who can't tend for himself. In act 2, section 1, lines 321, Antonio is witnessing Sebastians ignorance when the idea comes up of overthrowing his own brother.Sebastian is reall sarcastic. In the beginning of the book he was making fun of Alonso & Gonzalo, but being really sarcastic at the same time.In act 3, scene 3, page 111, Sebastian is being sarcastic about Alonso's comment. " Now I will believe that there are unicorns, that in Arabia there is one tree,the phoenix; throne,one phoenix at this hour reigning there."
2. How would you choose to perform your character after looking at both types of
ReplyDeletehis characterization?
After looking at both types of his characterization I would perform him as a jealous and loud voice character. Sebastian would be sarcastic so i would probably use the obnoxious voice as like the girls from the silent old movies used to have. I would also make him seem angry because i believe that Sebastian is jealous that his brother is closer to Gonzalo than him and so he talk to Antonio who seems to consult him.
1).Direct and indirect characterization bring out two different people in Sebastain. Direct characterization shows Sebastian as a rude, evil, sneaky person who only cares about gaining more power. As they are on the ship Sebastian insults the boatswain, who is trying his hardest to fight off the storm, a blasphemous incharitable dog (Shakespeare Act 1, Sc 1, Lines 41-42). Since he is the king's brother he feels he has the right to insult whoever he wishes. When they are on the island Gonzalo tries his hardest to soothe Alonso for his the pain of son's disappearance. Sebastian insults Gonzalo and says Alonso recieves comfort like cold porridge, calling his efforts useless (Shakespeare Act 2,Sc 1, Lines 11-12). Later on Gonzalo tells Antonio and Sebastian how he would rule the island if he was a king. Gonzalo says he would do things that were unheard of as a king ,so Antonio and Sebastian only mock and laugh at him. While indirect characterization shows Sebastian to a controlled, persuaded man of nobility. Antonio is an even greedier, evil man who wants more power. He makes Sebastian feel great and gives him the upmost respect by saying he is a worthy man and sees him wearing a crown on his head (Shakespeare Act 2,Sc 1, LInes 227-231). Antonio then tells Sebastian that he is more than capable of ruling Naples (Shakespeare Act 2 Sc 1 300-302). The indirect characterization shows Sebastian as a foolish man controlled by whatever Antonio suggests him to do.
ReplyDelete2). By seeing and reading both types of characterization I'd like to perform Sebastian as an rude, greedy person with Antonio. I would have him be rude and make his brother, Alonso, feel worse. I'd make him a negative person and then have Antonio persuade him to do something evil. I would want people to see how evil he is but is also controlled by Antonio.
All of us seem to capture the idea of how Sebastian is. That Sebastian is an ignorant, cruel person who only desires more power but is also controlled by Antonio who is an even more ambitious person who also desires power.
ReplyDeleteEveryone seems to agree that Sebatstian really can't go on being the same person without Antonio. He relates to Candide in a way because Candide needed Cacambo to follow and listen too. Sebastian is arrogant and only listens to Antonio. Sebastian has more power, but doesn't really know what to do without having Antonio, a man who wants even more power than he already has. I agree a lot with Kassandra and Mona in dealing with Antonio sort of controling Sebastian throughout the play. Antonio kind of acts like a puppet master while Sebastian listens and goes along with everything.
ReplyDelete1) Direct and indirect characterizations show two different sides of Sebastian. Direct characterizations would show him as a selfish man and a rude character. He shows these characterization traits throughout the scenes of the play. Sebastian was rude while on the ship when he yells at the Boatswain by cursing at him for not "doing" his job (Shakespeare Act 1 Scene 1 Lines 41-42). Then Sebastian can be shown directly as a selfish character when he's talking to Antonio about becoming king. Sebastian would kill the next heir to the throne to have all the power by becoming king, that can be shown as being selfish (Shakespeare Act 2 Scene 1 Lines 332-335). Sebastian also has another side to his characterization by being described indirectly. Some indirect characterizations can be that Sebastian is a follower and a coward. Completely different from the direct traits. They're basically opposites based on who Sebastian truely is. Sebastian needs Antonio without really knowing it. He doesn't make his decistions, Antonio leads him on to make a decision, leaving him with only one choice. Sebastian was clueless with being the next king of Naples. Antonio was the one who brought up the idea and made Sebastian show that he is a follower (Shakespeare Act 2 Scene 1 Lines 303-311). Sebastian also has a cowardly side that he doesn't show that often. With Antonio he proves to be a rather loud and arrogant man who thinks he's the best of the best. Truely, he is a mere coward. He shows his cowardly ways earlier in the book while with Antonio and Gonzalo on the ship. He tries to act tough and curse the Boatswian but later on, instead of staying and dying with the king as a true nobleman would do, he leaves with Antonio and not speak a word with anyone else. (Shakespeare Act 1 Scene 1 Lines 67-68). The indirect relationship to the direct relatioship of his character traits are complete opposites.
ReplyDelete2) After looking at all the relations and everyone else's comments, the best way to perform sebastion would be to show him as an arrogant and sarcastic character. He also has to be shown boasting about everything because that's who he is. The best way is to use the direct characterization because that's who he really his on the outside. People have to see how Sebastian is shown as a loud, arrogant character to listens to his mate Antonio
ReplyDeleteI agree most with John because the direct and indirect characterization could differ depending on the point of view. For example, Sebastian sees himself as almost the mastermind behind the whole plan to assassinate the king even though Antonio is the one who actually came up with it(Shakespeare Act 2, Scene 1, Line 230). When he lies to the king's face after he is caught with his sword drawn, he thinks of himself as cunning though others could see him as a coward for not owning up to his mistake or plan(Shakespeare Act 2, Scene 1, Line 356). When Sebastian goes to eat the misterious food when the others are scared, he views himself as brave and fearless while from another point of view, someone could view him as foolish(Shakespeare Act 3, Scene 3, Line 55). Sebastian could view himself as slick or smooth, when he draws his sword to kill the king, but others could see him as a coward that is back-stabbing their friend(Shakespeare Act 2, Scene 1, Line 339).
ReplyDelete2. I would perform Sebastian as a person who feels they have power over others even though he doesn't. I would walk with my head held up and my back straight. I must walk with purpose and take long strides with meaning. When I am talked to by the king I will kind of cowar and slouch as to kind of hide all of the lies that I have held up inside.
ReplyDeleteI disagree wiuth you Michael when you say Sebastian's direct characterization is selfish and stuck-up because I'm sure Sebastian doesn't view himself as selfish and stuck-up. Maybe indirectly people like Gonzalo could view him as that, but it's very unlikely that he thinks that of himself.
ReplyDeleteI am a viewer😁
ReplyDelete