Posted by meghan on May 16, 1998 at 14:34:35:
In Reply to: Is Antonio an old man? posted by Michael Johnson on May 06, 1998 at 13:57:59:
: I am curious as to opinions regarding Antonio's age. I have seen productions where he is presented as a peer of Banio's and ones where he is more like a father figure. I suppose the presentation would vary on the interpretation of his line;
: "I am a tainted wether of the flock, meetest for death."
: Please, I would love to hear opinion on it.
I think that he is Biano's peer. I take that line in a few different ways. There is the pun on "wether"; such as weathering a storm (like the ships) or getting through the experience he is about to go through. He is also so depressed in the beginning of the play. Ironically, he is "meetest" for death. Everyone else has love to live for, and all Antonio haas is his ships and the money that they represent. Besides, I don't think Biano would hit up a father figure for that much money. My dad would tell me to get out of town if I asked for that much money! , But a wealthy single friend..Do you think that Shakespeare tends to potray "adults" as unsympathetic when it comes to matters of love? Let me know.