Introducing Constance Essay

In Ann-Marie MacDonalds Goodnight Desdemona (Good Morning Juliet), the audience is swept into the playful subconscious of the protagonist, Constance Ledbelly. Before she speaks, her imaginative nature is introduced by way of deed I, The Prologue. The chorus enters giving an intriguing monologue in which the number 1 stages of an exciting vicissitude begin to unfold. The Prologue is so utilizationful in that it gives indications of plot, theme, conflict and so on. alone of which carry a heavy dramatic significance. However, Ann-Marie Macdonald suggests that the biggest use of The Prologue is in developing the character of Constance.The chorus begins by asking Whats alchemy? The hoax of charlatans? (5) In other words, is alchemy a transformation of base metals into gold, or just the trick of a fraud or phony? Can such transformation exist, not just in the mind, but also in reality? Such a statement indicates that there shall be a changing of sorts. This channel is absorbn litera lly as Constances fountain pen is later(prenominal) transformed to solid gold. But this change is also seen as a transformation of character. From something plain, to something miraculous. Constance begins as a flighty, insecure, and somewhat foolish daydreamer. Some might call her a push-over. She is full of eccentricities and is not taken too seriously, dressed in her frumpy clothes. However, later after her encounters with Desdemona and Juliet, she becomes strong and opinionated. She opens herself to the possibility of embarrassment and mochary by speaking her mind, and interfering where she deems fit. The Prologue gives the audience a clue of the changes Constance leave endure. Thus setting up her character.In The Prologue the chorus speaks of opposites coming together. He mentions the merging of unconscious selves and the marriage of true minds.(6) These unconscious selves perhaps argon actually Desdemona and Juliet living within Constances unconscious. They are parts of her . Desdemona represents the driven and somewhat violent side, and Juliet is the hopeless romantic side of Constance. These devil selves are about to be brought together and made aware to Constance for the first time. Unite these lurking shards ofbroken glass into a mirror that reflects one soul. (6) The chorus says to bring together these two sides of Constance in a way that she will see they are her own within herself.Two references are made to the Philosophers Stone in The Prologue. This is yet another indication of change. The Philosophers Stone was at one time believed to turn other metals into gold. The chorus announces the Gustav Manuscript as the key to Constances Philosophers Stone. Here is the key to her Philosophers Stone the psychic altar that will alter fate. (6) Constance uses the manuscript, and her forced exploration of two of Shakespeares plays, (Othello, Romeo and Juliet), to discover herself. The manuscript and the events in it lead to Constances journey of self discovery. She accepts her likeness to the characters of Desdemona and Juliet. She realizes that the three of them are all one in the same.Gemini is the sign of twins and is often associated with split personalities. Also having two different sides to one. After removing the discard items from the wastebasket and regenerate them on Constances desk, the chorus says, Swift Mercury, that changing element, portrayed as Gemini, hermaphrodite and twin, now steers the stars of Constance Ledbelly, and offers her a double-edged re-birthday. (6) Another tease that Constances two sides that will soon come together, and be revealed to her.Act I, The Prologue is full of dramatic significance. However it seems to be directly related to the characterization of Constance Ledbelly. By toying with the use of metaphors and clever wit, Ann-Marie MacDonald fully succeeds in her use of The Prologue to set up the main character of her play.