As I went to see Emilia at the Vaudeville theatre in London as artefact for my literary review I realised that I haven't defined 'flaws' as clearly for myself and I need to have a serious look at it. I want to write and portray female flawed characters, but what is a flaw? It is so subjective to the social, cultural, political and historical context of the piece.
Because, as I saw it, I found Emilia a heroine, she did everything right and to the best of her ability. The people around her were highly flawed and some even thus far that they became caricatures. However, in the time period that it was written (around 1600) Emilia was highly flawed, she was a women who cheated, wrote, taught, and shared poems that were seen as highly rebellious.
So would I classify her as a flawed character? She has good intentions and is generally good to others around her. But is generally good enough? In the play she hurts William Shakespeare, the same as Lord Henry Carey, but not in a vicious way or intentional. It's the kind of hurt that you can't avoid in romance and love (or not love). Would Emilia be staged not in 1609 but 400 year later in 2019 she would probably not be seen generally as flawed, but merely as a women surviving by the means she has. Especially in the way she has been created in this production. She is strong and in inspiration for those around her (and for me)..
I would love to hear your thoughts, what roles of (flawed) women come to mind? And what do you think are character flaws within film and theatre? Have you seen Emilia?
sources:
https://www.whatsonstage.com/london-theatre/news/emilia-west-end-cast-drama_48304.html
https://www.londontheatredirect.com/news/full-casting-announced-for-west-end-transfer-of-emilia-at-the-vaudeville
https://www.shakespearesglobe.com/discovery-space/previous-productions/emilia
