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The character I chose who was introduced in Act 1, Scene 1 was Hippolyta. She is the soon to be wife of the Duke of Athens, Theseus. When first encountering the character in the written version I viewed her as a woman who was content with her love life and ready to marry to Theseus. She however did not seem as high in power as her soon to be husband was, however Roman woman back then did not hold as much rights as men did.
When watching the Bennet version Hippolyta was portrayed in a very different manner. She seemed more mysterious and was given “woman in the dark/shadows” type of appearance. When Theseus spoke to her at first she did not reply back to him but later on when they shared a scene together her body language showed that she that she is affectionate toward Theseus and he showed affection back to her.
Lastly, when watching the Dromoogle version of the play I understood her character in a different perspective. The beginning was a battle scene between the army of Theseus and Hipplotya, ending with Theseus of course winning. After understanding he won against her the line said by Theseus “Hippolyta , I wooed thee with my sword And won thy love doing thee injuries” (1.1.17-19) meant he conquered her literally. She was portrayed as more of a trophy wife which she did not seem to be very found of which I understood through her body language right before she was going to exit for the rest of the scene. Theseus held his hand out for her and she walked pasted it, ignoring him.
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Interesting that you move to gender roles to explain Hippolyta and Theseus. As Queens as the Amazons, she has as many rights as Theseus (a mere Duke!). While he controls a city, she controls an entire nation! Of course she gives it up to be with Theseus.
As you observe, the Dromgoole version really plays up the violence of the relationship while the Bennett version plays up Hippolyta’s exoticism (she’s an Amazon, afterall, a <i>realy</i> trophy wife!
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After reading Act 1, scene 1, the character I chose was Hippolyta. She is the queen of the Amazons, who probably met Theseus in a combat. While reading, I thought of her as a skilled and powerful woman who fell in love with Theseus after being impressed by his skills. She seemed as excited and happy as Theseus, because they both were looking forward to the wedding after 4 days.
In the Dromoogle version, Hippolyta’s character is interpreted completely opposite of what I thought her character to be. She seems completely unpleased with Theseus and as if she is being forced to marry Theseus. Her expressions don’t reflect any kind of affection towards Theseus or excitement about the marriage. Perhaps, this interpretation is based on the idea that, after losing at the combat by Theseus, Hippolyta lost everything and now in order to survive, she has to wed Theseus. Also, while Hermia was refusing to wed Demetrius, Hippolyta comforts her by drawing a cross on her forehead and leaves without listening or saying anything to Theseus. Which may indicate that Hippolyta believes, even if she says something about the matter, her words don’t have any value to Theseus.
On the other hand, in the Bennet version, Hippolyta’s character is hardly interpreted in any detail, which gives her character a mysterious touch. Hippolyta is represented in a black dress in the dark. Her face is barely clear, thus, her expressions are hard to understand. However, she doesn’t respond to Theseus and walks away in the dark when he tried to talk to her. It seems as if she is more into herself than Theseus and doesn’t care much about him. This modern interpretation of her character is completely different from the book and the other version. That is why I am more curious about this version of Hippolyta’s character.
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I wonder how you came to the assumption that Hippolyta is impressed with Theseus’ skills. I can’t think of anything they say to each other beyond the first exchange and that doesn’t discuss why they like each other at all (that I can tell). Certainly from Hip’s arrow metaphor we can tell she’s strong (also…she’s an AMAZON!… maybe that’s what you’re basing your impression on?).
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The character I chose to analyze is Hippolyta because I had an affectionate sort of research interest in Greek mythology for many years, and so I think the revival of her character in one of Shakespeare’s gives me the opportunity to return to my roots. For background, in Greek mythology Hippolyta was the queen of the Amazons, a tribe of warrior women.
In the original text, Hippolyta speaks only once in Act One, from lines six to eleven in the first scene. She speaks regarding her marriage, and how quickly the time will pass. What differentiates the varied iterations of Hippolyta from one another in the versions of the text is her attitude towards the marriage. The text itself sets a neutral tone that can be interpreted based on the director’s discretion. However, it is worth noting that given the fact that Hippolyta stresses the pace at which time will pass, it seems as though she is dreading it. (Also, rationally, a marriage won in conquest is typically not enjoyable for the party that has been defeated.)
In the Dromgoole version, a forlorn Hippolyta notably embraces Hermia upon learning that she is to be put to death or forced into virgin hood (in service to the maiden goddess Diana) if she refuses to marry Demetrius. The moment in which she does so is indicative of her solemn attitude. It is a moment of bonding between women who lack control of their own destiny due to the patriarchy. Further, Hippolyta marks Hermia with a cross (which she also bears on her forehead) during their embrace, which can be interpreted in a few different ways. For one thing, it could represent how they are both united in the same fate (of being forced to marry someone whom they do not desire). It could also be interpreted as a mark of protection against evil, like an evil eye (nazar) or a hamsa.
In the Bennett version, Hippolyta, notably played by Paz de la Huerta, is passionate about her marriage to Theseus. She says her few lines sensually, and actually kisses Theseus, something she does not do in any other version.
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I could tell from class you’re knowledgeable about Greek mythology! Chime in whenever you have something good!
Shakespeare would have based most of his knowledge of Hippolyta in Plutarch’s Lives of the Noble Greeks and Romans. It’s a series of biographies of “great men” that attempts to determine the myth from fact. Theseus is mentioned in it, Lysander and Demetrius are also.
Plutarch decides that the most probable story, give it’s support by key historians, is that when Theseus first met the Amazons they were incredibly friendly. Incredible gifts were showered on Theseus and his men. When he asked to meet the leader responsible for the gifts, she comes on board and Theseus makes off on the boat, kidnapping her. In those versions, the woman is named Aniope. But Plutarch mentions one author thinks it’s actually Hippolyta. The kidnapping leads to the Amazons attacking Athens, which proves a failure. Plutarch says some folks say Hippolyta brokers the truce, some say Hippolyta dies fighting on her husband’s side. It all certainly makes for a complicated relationship.
The cross <i>is</i> interesting. I wonder if it also might be, too, a reference to the line that Hermia can be a nun. Amazons don’t marry, so maybe it’s a play on that?
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