Leontes: I think so. Killed?
She I killed? I did so, but thou strikest me
Sorely to say I did. It is as bitter
Upon thy tongue as in my thought. Now, good now,
Say so but seldom.
Leontes is experiencing an emotional internal debate of whether to take personal responsibility for the death of Hermione. His repetition of "killed" followed by a question mark underscores the fact that he is reluctant to fully assume -- and admit -- responsibility, and that he questions whether or not he truly is to blame. Even though he follows the second question mark with "I did so," the words are immediately followed with "but" - which, again, reveals that he is possibly contesting his culpability.
Every line in this passage (excepting the last line, which is shorter) is divided by either a period or a question mark in the middle. This creates a choppy, divided effect that parallels Leontes' internal turmoil and division. He is an emotional wreck, and he does not know what to think about what he has done. His diction - using words such as "sorely" and "bitter" - produces a feeling of regret and personal disgust. Leontes is reluctant to fully accept responsibility for the results of his mistakes, but, deep down, he is aware of his guilt and he sorely regrets what he has done.
I agree that the punctuation in this passage magnifies Leontes' rejection of responsibility for Hermione's death. However, I also think this passage emphasizes the person Leontes is speaking to in an attempt to transfer blame. This is evident through direct accusations such as "thou strikest me" and "thy tongue."
ReplyDeleteI also think it is significant to note the presence of the words "think," "say," "tounge," and "thought." As the passage progresses, these words become closer to one another, further reinforcing their link. "Upon thy tongue as in my thought" places both words in one sentence and depicts an image of the tongue, a conductor of words, being directly connected to thoughts. These words are connected at numerous points in the play, and it is certainly significant that they are both used within Leontes' impassioned passage.
ReplyDeleteThe guilt, and his inability to come to terms with it, is reminiscent of Oedipus and his struggle with the truth. This passage, and portion of the play, invokes the convention of dramatic irony that is integral to tragedy. However, Leontes is alone in his confusion. Not only does the audience know the truth, but most of his fellow characters are aware of his faults. His failure to fully grasp the outcome of his terrible actions mark him as the symbol of tragedy in the play. Poor guy....
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