Promptbook Argument: Venice Preserved or A Plot Discovered In “Venice Preserved: or A Plot Discovered” Thomas Otway introduces the audience to the hopeless protagonist Jaffeir. Throughout the play Jaffeir struggles to balance his marital love and commitment to Belvidira (his wife) and his honor and dedication to Pierre (his friend). Otway employs the marital bond of Jaffeir and Belvidera to suggest that society does not provide a space for man to be honorable, true, and constant in both friendship and marital love. “Venice Preserved” can without question be approached from a political lens focusing on the conspiracy against the senate as a representation of the political turmoil existing in England during the time. However, it is necessary to note the changing political climate played a role in the citizens’ ability to navigate the melding of spaces and the coping skills necessary to function in a society where friendship and marital relationships hold similar importance. In Divided Nation, Divided Self: The Language of Capitalism and Madness in Otway’s Venice
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By repeating the line “Hast thou a friend more dear than Belvidera?” and creating an awkward moment where Jaffeir does not promptly answer, the audience is better able to recognize that while Jaffeir is physically in Belvidera’s presence his mind and possibly his heart are with Pierre (5. 1. 83). This gap in the dialogue is then quickly followed by Jaffeir’s stuttering and fast speech. This change in speed indicates his attempt to snap back to the present conversation with Belvidera to assure her and himself their love is above all else. Through these small changes in the performance of the dialogue and the addition of an intentional pause before Jaffeir answers Belvidera the audience is able to both hear and better visualize the conflict as it continues to plague
By repeating the line “Hast thou a friend more dear than Belvidera?” and creating an awkward moment where Jaffeir does not promptly answer, the audience is better able to recognize that while Jaffeir is physically in Belvidera’s presence his mind and possibly his heart are with Pierre (5. 1. 83). This gap in the dialogue is then quickly followed by Jaffeir’s stuttering and fast speech. This change in speed indicates his attempt to snap back to the present conversation with Belvidera to assure her and himself their love is above all else. Through these small changes in the performance of the dialogue and the addition of an intentional pause before Jaffeir answers Belvidera the audience is able to both hear and better visualize the conflict as it continues to plague