Role Does Trust Play In Shakespeare example essay topic

What Role Does Trust Play In Shakespeare? Throughout the quarter we have read many of Shakespeare's works closely and carefully. From each work we learned valuable lessons that can be applied to everyday life today. Shakespeare is able to capture humanity at its low points and high ones to create the "average" society. In a sense Shakespeare is an advice columnist, giving counsel to people in all walks of life.

Throughout this paper I plan to focus on Shakespeare's guidance concerning trust in relationships. The most important facet of a relationship is trust. In many of the plays the issue of trust is discussed. The first play I would like to discuss is "Twelfth Night". During this play it seems as if everyone is in search of meaningful relationships. Orsino is attempting to court Olivia, yet Olivia wants Cesario.

This causes some friction because Orsino trust Cesario deeply. Orsino says "Thou knowest no less but all; I have unclasp'd / to thee the book even of my secret soul" (1.4. 13-14). This shows us the blossoming of a relationship between Orsino and Cesario after only three days. Though this trust is premature, it is earned throughout the play.

When trust is broken there is a high price to pay, lost friendship or death in extreme cases. Later on in the play when Orsino believes Cesario has betrayed him he states "I'll sacrifice the lamb that I do love / to spite a raven's heart within a dove" (4.1. 126-127). Another relationship that we watch grow from minor to major is that of Antonio and Sebastian. Antonio does not know Sebastian yet he takes care of him after the shipwreck. Sebastian begins the relationship deceitfully by giving him a false identity.

When Sebastian begins to realize Antonio's benevolence he tells the truth. Even though Antonio has been lied to he trust Sebastian so much that he gives him money, and risk his life to ensure Sebastian's well being. But when Antonio mistakes Cesario for Sebastian, and Cesario denies Antonio conflict arises. Antonio rebukes Cesario by saying But O how vile an idol proves this god Thou hast, Sebastian, done good feature shame. In nature there's no blemish but the mind; None can be call'd deform'd but the mind; Virtue is beauty, but the beauteous evil Are empty trunks o'erflourish'd by the devil. (3.4.

328-332) Once again we see that trust is essential, and the abuse of trust is grounds for dismissal. In "The Merry Wives of Windsor" mistrust and jealousy fuel Ford's and Page's "infidelity hunt". Ford is the jealous husband, while Page is the more confident. However, these two positions grow increasingly closer as the play goes on. Falstaff trust his men Nim and Pistol with his plan to seduce both Mistress Page and Mistress Ford. And in return Nim and Pistol inform Mr. Page and Mr. Ford of Falstaff's plot.

From almost the beginning of the play we are aware of Ford's jealousy toward his wife. This is all unprovoked up until he is made aware of Falstaff's courting. Ford's mistrust is deepened when he finds out that his wife has invited Falstaff into their home. After many failed attempts to catch their wives cheating the husbands are made aware of the wives scheme to trick Falstaff.

Ford feels so dumb that he declares Pardon me, wife. Henceforth, do what thou wilt; I rather will suspect the sun with cold Than thee with wantonness: now doth thy honour stand, In him that was of late an heretic, As firm as faith. (4.4. 5-9) In the end Page's faith in his wife is reaffirmed, while Ford's jealous spirit is trampled. Shakespeare has shown once again how important reliance is regarding relationships, especially concerning marriage. The Duke of Gloucester in "Richard " is seen to be one of the most villainous characters in all of Shakespeare's works. Though everyone in the play knows of Richard's character, his oratory abilities allow him to gain peoples trust.

Richard's brother Clarence believes that Richard will come to his rescue, thus trusting him with his life. Clarence is oblivious to the fact that he is being held captive because of Richard. Clarence is so faithful in his brother that he refuses to believe his murderers when they tell him Richard has sent them. Clarence states "O, no, he loves me, and he holds me dear: / Go you to him from me" (1.4. 218-219).

After they speak badly about Richard Clarence replies "O, do not slander him, for he is kind" (1.4. 227). Clarence meets his death while still taking up for his devilish brother. Here we see that unwavering trust is dangerous when it is not justified. In "Measure for Measure" we are told the story of Claudio's imprisonment, his sister's attempt to have him pardoned, and Angelo's requirements for granting a pardon. Though we know The Duke and Isabella plan to trick Angelo, they trust Angelo to be true to his word.

Angelo receives his payment and does not set Claudio free. Angelo abuses the trust of The Duke by compromising his authority and that of Isabella by not pardoning Claudio. In the end he is chastised, almost executed and forced to marry Mariana. In "Macbeth" trust in the witches prophesies is the cause of Macbeth's rise and fall. Macbeth believes he will be king so much that he murders his king in his own house. He has his friend Banque killed based on his belief in prophesy.

In his second trip to see the witches they update him telling him that he should beware of Macduff; he can't be killed by anyone born of woman; and he will be safe until Bir nam Woods comes to Dunsinane Castle. All of these prophesies are true again, but Macbeth's faith leads to his demise. Finally we have King Leontes in "The Winter's Tale". This play tells the tale of a King who plainly "turns something into nothing". Leontes suspects his good friend Polixenes of having an affair with his wife. When he approaches Camillo regarding the situation Camillo denies any knowledge of cuckoldry.

Leontes deems Camillo negligent due to his disagreement. The "green-eyed monster" causes Leontes to distrust his wife so much that he has her imprisoned without proof. He is so overcome by jealousy that he has his own child abandoned in the woods. After he receives word from the Oracle that Hermione's is chaste he refuses to believe it saying "There is no truth at all i'th the oracle: / The sessions shall proceed: this is mere falsehood!" (3.2. 148-149). It takes the death of his son and wife for Leontes to recognize his folly.

In conclusion it is clear that a relationship built without trust is sure to fall. Weather the relationship is a friendship or a marriage jealousy is capable of destroying the strongest bonds. Shakespeare implemented this in various situations, yet this obstacle remains, plundering all that it may..