If We Were Villains

“We were always surrounded by books and words and poetry, all the fierce passion of the world bound in leather and vellum. (I blame this in part for what happened.)”

Oliver’s reflection shows the dangers of forgetting the boundary between art and life. The atmosphere at Dellecher, where books and poetry are the very fabric of everyday life facilitates this danger. Oliver’s observation may be true in part; it can also be viewed as an attempt to avoid responsibility for his own actions. Later, Oliver similarly blames Shakespeare for the tragedy that strikes him and his friends.

“Richard: ‘Hatred is the sincerest form of flattery.’

Alexander: ‘That’s imitation, dickhead.’”

This quick-witted exchange between Richard and Alexander shows the camaraderie the fourth-years shared before the Macbeth castings changed their world. Richard’s perspective also shows that he loves inspiring extreme emotions. Richard’s playful statement foreshadows his tragic fate.

“Actors were like oysters, she explained when anyone wanted justification for this emotional brutality. You had to crack their shells open to find the precious pearls inside.”

Gwendolyn’s teaching methods help actors bare their innermost feelings and infuse life into their performances. They can also be emotionally damaging. The methods show the education model at Dellecher exerts unique pressures on the psyche of the students.