While reading The Glass Of Water, it seemed difficult to discern who took on the protagonist roll. Throughout much of the play, I seemed led to believe that the Duchess was the antagonist, providing obstacles in nearly every aspect of the goings-on of the play. However, I do find myself leaning more towards Bolingbroke as the protagonist.
When we're first really introduced to Bolingbroke, we learn that he uses much of the events around him to further his desires throughout the play. Abigail is called by the queen to work for her? Bolingbroke will help fully get Abigail the job to give himself someone inside the palace to connect with the queen to further his political party, the Tories. Marsham kills Bolingbroke's cousin who is the current heir of his family's estate? No problem, he just became that much richer and had a higher influence with the queen. Bolingbroke needs to get the Duchess out of the power of position next to the queen? Using the knowledge he's collected from each of the characters, he informs the Duchess that she has a rival in loving Masham who is a higher lady of court, which gives him a chance to get a meeting with the queen for de Torcy.
Everything that happens in the play is furthered by the cunningness of Bolingbroke and his desires to further his party.
One could argue that this play wouldn't be possible without Masham since he is the cause of all the relationship squabble; however, he doesn't have much stage time with significant, plot advancing moments. He doesn't seem to be a strong enough, fully defined character to be the protagonist.
Another argument could be for Abigail as the protagonist, but much of what Abigail does in the play is a result of either her love for Masham, or instructions she received from Bolingbroke.
Therefore, I feel that Bolingbroke has the strongest chance of being the protagonist of this play.
It is interesting that you think Bolingbroke is the protagonist seeing as you've read my interpretation and I was leaning towards Masham. It makes sense in ways since thanks to Bolingbroke from start to finish we see things accomplished or a goal met. I at first felt Bolingbroke was a protagonist but my end result was I can't just chose everyone to be it. I suppose in the ways that you chose to argue why out of those three that Bolingbroke is the most certain.
ReplyDeleteI also considered Bolingbroke as the protagonist but I chose Abigail. I do like how you express how powerful Bolingbroke is in determining where the play goes. He definitely is a leader and possesses many traits which enhance his status and leadership. I hadn't thought of how important his decisions were to the play.
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ReplyDeleteI like your point that “…the thing that catches our attention and shows us that the plot of this play is not so normal is Vince's girlfriend, Shelly. She acts as the audience on stage.” You have made a valid observation and it was one that caught my attention. Shelly is the person that is different and appears to be the most normal. This play reminded me of a Greek play with its themes of incest, murder, deceit, and rebirth.
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