15 March 2011

Shakespearean March Madness: Round of Sixteen, Part 1

Welcome back to another week of Shakespearean March Madness!

First off, the results of Round 1, Part 3. Titus slaughters Cymbeline's Queen, 64-11. He's used to dealing with her type, after all, so this shouldn't come as much of a surprise. Matches 10 and 11, however, fall into the "I can't believe this" category, as Joan of Arc triumphs over Owen Glendower (44-19) and Prospero's magic wins out over Regan's ruthlessness (46-17). I can account for Joan's success by attributing it to affection for her her historical counterpart, but Prospero? Really? Ah well. That's the way the throw-down rumbles. Finally, in a match that was quite close for a while, Hotspur managed to pull ahead of Othello, 39-29. So advancing to Round 2 will be: Titus Andronicus, Joan of Arc, Prospero, and Harry "Hotspur" Percy.

Today, we welcome the first eight competitors for the Round of Sixteen.

Match 17: Richard III vs Puck

Who wins the battle?

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Match 18: Lady Macbeth vs Antony

Who wins the battle?

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Match 19: Iago vs Edmund

Who wins the battle?

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Match 20: Queen Margaret vs Goneril

Who wins the battle?

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The competition's getting steep! I'm picking Richard III over Puck, easy. Lady M versus Antony's a bit harder, not least because of my deep and abiding affection for both characters. But I think Lady M has the edge -- we know Antony's easily swayed by a pretty face with an iron will behind it. Iago versus Edmund is also tough -- they're both ruthless, conniving, unapologetic villains. I think I'm going to be in the minority on this one, but I'm backing Edmund, for sheer scope. Iago brings down a family. Edmund's involved in the downfall of an entire kingdom. Finally, our first catfight of the competition, and I'm favoring Margaret here. She wreaks more havoc, has a more spectacular extramarital affair, and gets her hands far, far dirtier and bloodier than Goneril does.

These matches will be open till Tuesday, when we'll find out who advances to the Quarterfinals. Remember that you still have until Thursday to vote on Round 1, Part 4 -- Who from our last bracket will make to the Round of Sixteen? Find out Thursday!

4 comments:

  1. If Puck took out Aaron the Moor, then I think he can take Richard III too.

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  2. I see your point about Edmund bringing down a kingdom, but he also has the very un-badass moment of repenting at the last minute, which Iago would never do in a million years. So Iago's ability to stick it out to the end I think gives him the edge. (Although I do think in terms of character type, this is one of the best match ups we've seen.)

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  3. Sorry, Cass, while it may be close, Puck has the advantage! But only if he can keep his head in the game.

    Richard is pure evil, but that may also be his downfall -- his rapacious avarice can push him too far. We have seen it before. Witness his cockiness at Bosworth Field.

    Gloucester has two great weapons: connivery and tenaciousness. But is that enough to allow him to pull this win off? Puck does his skullduggery out of nothing more than a need to be mischievous, and so, connivery is right up his alley, too. But, human means cannot stop Puck and that is where his advantage lies. Only Oberon has true power over the imp. Puck will prevail, as long as he does not become bored and decide he has had enough.... If Puck can keep the distractions at bay, he will be the clear winner.

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  4. Listen, what is Lady Macbeth still doing in this tournament???? I guess Antony doesn't look like her father.

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