2. How do you explain Areusa and Elicia's comments about Melibea in Act IX? Is this mere jealousy or is something more going on here? (Or, you can comment about this entire scene within Celestina's house -- what does this scene reveal about this house and what occurs here?)

Elicia and Areusa's comments regaurding Melibea are purely out of jealousy. Considering her social status and the fact that THIER LOVERS are commenting upon her beauty, that could be the steam. Following, I think they are picking her apart because they themselves are insecure. Like Celstina must talk herself up to build a reputation, these two feel they must break Melibea down for comfort. The conversation takes place in Celestina's house. It is a whore house, where woman are degraded and taken advantage of. The fact that it takes place here says more about what they are talking about- Melibea herself is worthless to Elicia and Areusa as women. She must be broken down in order to be of any use.

In the beginning of act 7, Celestina feels she must illustrate her love for Pameno. She says to him "You must love if you would be loved." I think this is one statement that can be taken as genuine from Celestina. Considering her profession and her role in the community, none of it is true love. It is all an act that just build off the other. The fact that she confesses this in a way to her "almost son" does indeed show her love for him. She know that her life is not filled with love- though she is content with this, she also knows it will not come to her if she doesn't change. She wants Pameno to realize she chose her ways, but if there was love to be had, and he wanted it, he could have it. In essence, she is also saying things are what they are. Celestina is a prostitute, and that is also her lifestyle. She gets what she puts in.