In Eugene Scribe’s The Glass of Water, many of the play’s characters
are easy to identify with. All of the characters receive a significantly large
amount of stage time, and in some cases, they are striving for the same things.
However, I think the protagonist of this story is undoubtedly Abigail. Abigail
is the character with which we can relate to the most because she never can
quite get her way. In a sense, Abigail’s character is easy to sympathize with due
to her underdog status throughout the show’s entirety. The audience does not expect
her to achieve a reasonable position because of her rank in society, nor does
the audience expect her to gain Masham’s love on account of her competitors’
status. We all want to fight for Abigail in hope of seeing her triumph.
However, I think the
other characters play just as large of a role and are equally important to
identify with. The other characters assist
by expanding upon the protagonist’s characteristics. Without the rest of the
people in the court, Abigail would not be successful in her endeavors. One
instance of this is when Bolingbroke uses what he has around him to further his
needs in an attempt to attain peace, and in doing so he manages to help his
friends succeed. Bolingbroke proves to be a great tool and is used to enhance
the plot; he is the character that can be used as a helping hand.
Abigail’s struggle
plays a crucial, central component to the plot in many ways as well. If she
loses the battle for Masham, the fate of the English War would be altered
exceedingly. Because the duchess is Abigail’s direct advisory, if the duchess
succeeds and Abigail does not, the entire fate of the story changes. Also, Abigail
receives the majority amount of stage time because she is used to bridge the
gaps between the queen, the duchess, Bolingbroke, and Masham. Abigail directly
affects the outcome of each of the character’s personal endeavors. Thus, she is
the one who holds the play in place. The well-made play needs Abigail’s
character to enhance each of the other characters on all levels.
I can see how you'd say Abigail is the protagonist, but I don't agree with you saying that it's because we can relate with her. There are plays where the protagonist is more like a villain than the good guy, and we wouldn't be able to relate with a character like that. So I can see how Abigail could be the protagonist of this play, but not with that support for it.
ReplyDeleteFunny enough I was uncertain if Abigail was the protagonist as my main confusion revolved around Bolingbroke, Masham, and her. It is interesting to see how through different interpretations who we find is the most significant. That's the beauty of opinion and of interpretation. I feel like also thanks to a play's direction on deciding to declare who is the main character or not allows us to decide ourselves. I also felt a lot of times we were being lead by Abigail in her destiny... but if you read my blog I decided on Masham for the motif or the central motivation. I'm starting to wonder if maybe all three are the protagonists or if it is one... or if possibly the play is just about different character's stories. I also agree with Sam's interpretation that Bolingbroke is the protagonist. I suppose if just with the facts to back up your interpretation I feel you made your point.
ReplyDeleteIt is interesting to see you pick Abigail based on relatability. She would be my third choice. (Second is Bolingroke and first is No one) However, I agree with Sam that relatabilty isn't enough to make one a protagonist. After all, Jimmy Olsen isn't why we read superman. Abigail does present reason to be a protagonist though.
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