Question: What is the maid doing to Viola? She has the small brush poking in her ears, and then Viola puts it in her mouth, I don't get this.
raywest
2nd Apr 2018
Shakespeare in Love (1998)
14th Oct 2010
Shakespeare in Love (1998)
Question: How did Will not recognise Viloa in her boy disguise? Even in disguise, you can clearly see it's her, and she didn't sound like a boy.
Answer: In real life, Viola, of course, would be recognized as a female in disguise. However, in literature, film, opera, etc, it often is necessary to employ what is known as a "suspension of disbelief." That is, the author expects the reader or audience to know something is impossible, unlikely, or completely unreal, but they have to accept a certain premise in order to allow the plot to unfold. We go along with the idea that no one realizes Viola is actually a woman, so that we can enjoy the overall story.
26th Jun 2009
Shakespeare in Love (1998)
Question: At what point does Will actually realise that Thomas Kent is really Viola?
Chosen answer: When they are in the boat, just after "Thomas Kent" delivered Viola's farewell letter to Shakespeare. After a brief discussion about Will's feeling's for Viola, Thomas (Viola) kisses a surprised Will Shakespeare, then rushes away when the boat docks. The ferryman comments to Will that it was actually Lady Viola.
Answer: Her maid is getting her ready for bed, grooming her, combing her hair, cleaning her outer ear, etc. She then gives Viola a different implement for brushing her teeth.
raywest ★