The role of children in Shakespeare, especially father-son relationships, makes me wonder how much we can connect that part of Shakespeare's work with his son's death. I imagine that Hamnet's loss must have stuck with him, and I think of the other young boys who meet untimely deaths in his works, like Macduff Junior or Mamillius in The Winter's Tale. The number of loving and loyal sons in the plays makes me wonder if they are all some form of tribute to Hamnet's memory.
Your articles are for me like a candle that illuminates the darkness. This one is a case in point. I studied MacBeth in high school, and never “saw” the images, connections and premonitions as you reveal them in this teaching vignette. So much to ponder about how, in a spirit of wondrous creativity, within a work of art “each moment reflects upon the others in a constellation of ways.”
Your prelude to the excerpt prepares us to read MacBeth’s response, “a friend” as a gong of doom. You reveal how it is a key to the entire play.
Then the comparison with other great works such as Bach, Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel, and finally the masterpiece of Chartres, has caused me to reflect upon the unity in great works.
That unity, and beauty that reaches to infinity, gives us tangible notice of the Great Creator behind all masterpieces. This is especially true of Chartres — built over decades, with many designers, builders and artisans. Gazing at and studying such material magnificence brings the mind and heart into infinity. That is where “A father and son look at the night sky” has brought me today. Thank you for the gift of your writing.
The role of children in Shakespeare, especially father-son relationships, makes me wonder how much we can connect that part of Shakespeare's work with his son's death. I imagine that Hamnet's loss must have stuck with him, and I think of the other young boys who meet untimely deaths in his works, like Macduff Junior or Mamillius in The Winter's Tale. The number of loving and loyal sons in the plays makes me wonder if they are all some form of tribute to Hamnet's memory.
Your articles are for me like a candle that illuminates the darkness. This one is a case in point. I studied MacBeth in high school, and never “saw” the images, connections and premonitions as you reveal them in this teaching vignette. So much to ponder about how, in a spirit of wondrous creativity, within a work of art “each moment reflects upon the others in a constellation of ways.”
Your prelude to the excerpt prepares us to read MacBeth’s response, “a friend” as a gong of doom. You reveal how it is a key to the entire play.
Then the comparison with other great works such as Bach, Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel, and finally the masterpiece of Chartres, has caused me to reflect upon the unity in great works.
That unity, and beauty that reaches to infinity, gives us tangible notice of the Great Creator behind all masterpieces. This is especially true of Chartres — built over decades, with many designers, builders and artisans. Gazing at and studying such material magnificence brings the mind and heart into infinity. That is where “A father and son look at the night sky” has brought me today. Thank you for the gift of your writing.