Using Professor Rodes’ midpoint theory, let’s take a look at The Tempest.
The Winter’s Tale: midpoint?
Using Professor Rodes’ midpoint theory, let’s take a look at The Winter’s Tale.
There are 2977 lines in in the play, which means the midpoint is at line 1489, or at Act Four, Scene Three, line 39. According to Dr. Rodes’ theory, you could find at this midpoint–or within twenty lines either way–a speech that perfectly sums up a major theme of the play (the 20-line leeway was to help remove the differences in prose line lengths between individual editions).
Midpoint: dramatic, not thematic?
Using Professor Rodes’ midpoint theory, let’s take a look at Cymbeline.
There are 3288 lines in in the play, which means the midpoint is at line 1644, or at Act Three, Scene Four, line 185. According to Dr. Rodes’ theory, you could find at this midpoint–or within twenty lines either way–a speech that perfectly sums up a major theme of the play (the 20-line leeway was to help remove the differences in prose line lengths between individual editions).
Coriolanus: a sword-pull at the point of no return
Using Professor Rodes’ midpoint theory, let’s take a look at Coriolanus.
There are 3323 lines in in the play, which means the midpoint is at line 1662, or at Act Three, Scene One, line 224. According to Dr. Rodes’ theory, you could find at this midpoint–or within twenty lines either way–a speech that perfectly sums up a major theme of the play (the 20-line leeway was to help remove the differences in prose line lengths between individual editions).
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Pericles – midpoint: huh?
Using Professor Rodes’ midpoint theory, let’s take a look at Pericles.
There are 2329 lines in in the play, which means the midpoint is at line 1165, or at Act Three, Scene Two, line 5. According to Dr. Rodes’ theory, you could find at this midpoint–or within twenty lines either way–a speech that perfectly sums up a major theme of the play (the 20-line leeway was to help remove the differences in prose line lengths between individual editions).
Midpoint: A midpoint without Timon
Using Professor Rodes’ midpoint theory, let’s take a look at Timon of Athens.
There are 2308 lines in in the play, which means the midpoint is at line 1154, or at Act Three, Scene Five, line 45. According to Dr. Rodes’ theory, you could find at this midpoint–or within twenty lines either way–a speech that perfectly sums up a major theme of the play (the 20-line leeway was to help remove the differences in prose line lengths between individual editions).
Midpoint–enter Octavia then pivot
Using Professor Rodes’ midpoint theory, let’s take a look at Antony and Cleopatra.
There are 3039 lines in in the play, which means the midpoint is at line 1520, or at Act Three, Scene Six, line 37. According to Dr. Rodes’ theory, you could find at this midpoint–or within twenty lines either way–a speech that perfectly sums up a major theme of the play (the 20-line leeway was to help remove the differences in prose line lengths between individual editions).
Macbeth: midpoint(s) to the confined heart of the matter
Using Professor Rodes’ midpoint theory, let’s take a look at Macbeth.
There are 2162 lines in in the play, which means the midpoint is at line 1081, or at Act Three, Scene Four, line 46. According to Dr. Rodes’ theory, you could find at this midpoint (or within twenty lines either way) a speech that perfectly sums up a major theme of the play. The 20-line leeway was to help remove the differences in prose line lengths between individual editions.
Only there’s another issue at play here…
Continue reading “Macbeth: midpoint(s) to the confined heart of the matter”
King Lear: mind-blowing midpoint
Using Professor Rodes’ midpoint theory, let’s take a look at King Lear.
There are 2960 lines in in the play, which means the midpoint is at line 1480, or at Act Two, Scene Four, line 285. According to Dr. Rodes’ theory, you could find at this midpoint (or within twenty lines either way) a speech that perfectly sums up a major theme of the play. The 20-line leeway was to help remove the differences in prose line lengths between individual editions.
This midpoint takes place toward the end of the scene at Gloucester’s estate when Lear has arrived, attempts to complain about Goneril to the visiting Regan, only to have the sisters team up against him.
Othello: midpoint microcosm
Using Professor Rodes’ midpoint theory, let’s take a look at Othello.
There are 3237 lines in in the play, which means the midpoint is at line 1619, or at Act Three, Scene Three, line 188. According to Dr. Rodes’ theory, you could find at this midpoint (or within twenty lines either way) a speech that perfectly sums up a major theme of the play. The 20-line leeway was to help remove the differences in prose line lengths between individual editions. Of course, with only 19% of this play in prose, wiggle room may not be needed.