I don't know who is enough of a language or theater person to appreciate this. But it's something I found fascinating.
Most film versions of Henry the Fifth, keeps the French dialogue between the French Princess Kathrine and her waiting Gentlewoman. It is noted that 'it's in Shakespeare's dialogue but this is a problem'. The waiting woman, who I will call Margret changes the way she addresses Princess Katherine throughout the conversation. From 'the way an older woman would address a young girl if she wasn't royalty' to 'the proper address for a lady-in waiting to a princess'.
The explanation is in the dialogue itself and because of how French as a language is constructed. If two truths are recognized - that is understood - between yourself and the other person, how you address them is based entirely on which truth is prominent in that moment. She referred to Kate as her student as long as she was teaching her English. As long as she was being an instructor. When she changes to speak to her as her waiting gentlewoman, she addresses Kate as a Princess, because in that moment she was her princess, not her student.
It's the same as if your father is a military general. If you're addressing him as a general you give his rank or call him sir. If your addressing him as an individual, as your father, you call him by his name or call him 'dad'. It's just in French this is universal.
No comments:
Post a Comment