Sunday, March 23, 2014

212 Quiz Answer


The answer: King Claudius decides to send the obstreperous Prince Hamlet on a trip to England.  England owes tribute to Denmark so the King also sends a sealed letter ordering that the youth be put to death upon his arrival there.  But Hamlet manages to read the letter…

(Also for Three Word Wednesday and ABC Wednesday: "K" is for "Kevin")
Here’s this week’s Berownial quiz question.  I wrote the following scenelet, thinking it might remind you of a well-known play.  Which play?
“At times you can be so – so exasperating!”

“Now, calm down, Mom.  You said you wanted to talk so let’s talk in a reasonable way.”

“But you’ve been offered a marvelous gift, a trip to England, all expenses paid, that just about anyone would be delighted with, and you say you’d rather not go!”

“Well, I appreciate it, of course.  It’s just that I have so much to do here at home.”

“’So much to do?’  All you do is mope about in your emaciated way, carping and complaining and driving everyone a little crazy.  Look.  You’ve always been interested in history; well, this gives you a chance to learn first hand about other lands.”

“Mom, listen.  Of course I’d love a trip like that.  It just comes at a bad time, that’s all.  And there’s something else – something sort of hard to talk about.”

“It’s Kevin, isn’t it?  Because you don’t get along with him you’re going to turn down the chance of a lifetime.  Why, the poor man has done everything he could for you and you just keep that chip on your shoulder, barely even being polite with him.  And now he’s offering you this wonderful gift.”

“That’s sort of just it.  Why does he want to send me off?  I have the odd feeling he just wants me out of the way.”

“Oh, that’s nonsense.  Someone tries to do something for you and you immediately suspect an ulterior motive.  You should show your appreciation.  You are going to go on that trip, even if we have to force you.”

“Think about this.  Just suppose – just for a moment – that I’m right.  That he’s being so generous just because. in a cunning way, he wants me out of here.  Well, the two of you right now are getting along well, but that could change.  When it does, watch out, Mom.  One of these days that degenerate may be trying to get rid of you, too.”

“Oh, you’re so – so exasperating!”

32 comments:

Juliei Jordan Scott said...

I have no idea what the scenelet reflects, but I do know I enjoy it. I don't know why I thought of the Graduate. Perhaps the image from Magpie Tales screams "Blue Dustin Hoffman." Not sure. Enjoy your read and look forward to knowing what it is.

Helen said...

... would you share one more tiny clue?
Signed: stumped

Bekkie Sanchez said...

Is it a Midsummer Night’s Dream? I'm never correct but it's my answer this week.

Berowne said...

Helen: "Would you share one more tiny clue?"
H'mm. The question seems to be a bit of a tough one this week.
How about this? "Kevin" is his uncle.

Kathe W. said...

absolutely stumped!

21 Wits said...

I am completely stuck on Much Ado About Nothing..... knowing it can't be that but, Hark the feeling evermore, while trying to determine the answer!

Wayne said...

Too hard for this old poet

Helen said...

I enjoy plays, live theatre ... even with the clue I have not one idea! Is it an old play, pre-60s? I know, I am being a pain in your neck. But, I love your challenges and love providing you with the correct answer!

Berowne said...

Helen: "Is it an old play?"
I believe that, yes, a play from five hundred or more years ago can easily be described as old.
Bonne chance!

Altonian said...

This one's got to be Hamlet, surely. Soon find out no doubt. Really enjoy these Berowne!

Silent Otto said...

No idea , but i cant wait to dind out ,as i am enjoying it just the same , and getting an online english literature education to boot.......thanks Berowne

Other Mary said...

Is this Hamlet by any chance?

Berowne said...

Other Mary and Altonian have both stepped up with the right answer.

ds said...

Tristan and Iseult? (not what first came to mind, but gleaned from the comments; I'm afraid I stopped at the 20th century with my original guess)

Helen said...

Way out on a limb here ... Hamlet?

Berowne said...

Helen has stepped into the winners circle with the correct answer.

Helen said...

Well, don't give me too many kudos, it took a few more clues for me to figure it out!

Reader Wil said...

Well written Berowne! But all the same I don't know which play it is! I simply didn't read it.
Have a great week.
Wil, ABCW Team.

Roger Owen Green said...

It's all Greek to me. Which is to say, it feels a bit like some ancient Greek tale.

Shailaja V said...

Can't think of the play, but I love the train of thought and the way the conversation is headed :D

Kate said...

It's gotta be "Hamlet"!!!!!!!!

Berowne said...

Another with the right answer: Kate.

Kathe W. said...

waving the white flag- I give ...waiting for Thursdays answer!
Have a great week Berowne!

Sheilagh Lee said...

Hamlet

Berowne said...

Good for Sheilagh Lee - another correct answer.

hyperCRYPTICal said...

Can't get this Berowne - despite the clues.
Anna :o]

Andy Sewina said...

I think Kevin might be right!

Tess Kincaid said...

Clueless in Ohio...

Old Egg said...

I think your clues are pointing to "Hamlet".

Berowne said...

Another right answer, this one from old egg.

Kathe W. said...

argh! I thought of Hamlet- but thought "naaah" Cheers- I should've guessed!!

Wayne said...

Now I got it....it's Hamlet

 
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