Comparitive Study - A Shakespeare Film& 'Chocolat'

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Through Shakespeare’s play ‘A Mid-Summer Nights Dream’ and the film ‘Chocolat’ the composers have presented similar reflections on the values and attitudes of their times. It is unknown exactly when Shakespeare’s play was written or first performed but it usually dated between 1594 or 1596, probably written for an aristocratic wedding. The film ‘Chocolat’ directed by Lassie Hollstrom was produced in 2001 originated from the 1999 novel written by Joanne Harris. The film is set in France 1959, same time as Shakespeare’s play was performed which is evident by the patriarchal values and attitudes reflected, it was also the error of great change. Both composers have represented beliefs, attitudes and values through the characters that have been constructed. The values of the two texts express patriarchal societies, where all power is given to men. The social hierarchy was determined by a “chain of being”, fathers would chose whom their daughter would marry and selection of husband would be based on importance in the hierarchy where their family name would gain greater importance and power. No marriage was an act of love. In ‘A Midsummer Night’s Dream’ this is represented by Egeus, Hermias father who has total control over Hermia, including who she is to marry. Egeus quotes an ancient Athenian law where by a daughter must marry the suitor chosen by her father, or else face death. This presents Egeus to the audience as a resonant voice as he reflects dominant ideologies and values the patriarchal society by demanding his daughter to marry the man of his choice whom she does not love or be killed. This same strong stance of rigid patriarchy is reflected in ‘Chocolat’ through the resonant character of Count Reynaud. He values old traditions of religion and power through a patriarchal society. This is reflected through his ritual routines through every day life of strict
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