Celestina Acts 1&2

1. Analyze the opening scene in Melibea’s garden. Why a garden? What might a garden signify? How do you interpret the words of Calisto and Melibea? Why does Melibea react in this manner? Can we read these words as genuine?

The opening scene takes place in a garden. Perhaps this is because Calisto is confessing his feelings for Melibea, and like the plants and flowers, their relationship may begin to bloom, or die, through the play. Calisto is willing to led a fufiling life if it means later suffering through eturnal damnation (hell). He lives completely in the resent, and though his words are very straight forward, it reflects his lifestyle. he does not want to waste another minute without Melibea. I do believe Melibea has a genuine reaction. Unlike "beating around the bush," leading him on or tricking him, Melibea is not trying to get something out of him because of his emmotions.

3. What are our initial impressions of Celestina? What type of character is this? What does she say which influences your analysis? What about her later exchanges with Parmeno? (And this back history with Parmeno’s mother – what do you think happens here?)

Celestina is very complex. I do not think that she fits into any one category. On one hand, she is very caring for her son Sempronio and takes in Pamero as her own, on the other she is covering up her daughter's "client" so that she can have a nice visit with Sempronio. Today, I dont think it would be acceptable fo a mother to let her daughter do this, yet she is a respected person in society for her many "talents." She is used as a go between, which makes her trusted. She is upset when Parmno judges her, yet she is quick to forgive him. She is very paradoxal, at least that is how I view her. She runs a prositution house with her daughter, yet still goes to church, and although it is very obvious to everyone in town, she has many alias to cover everything up. Overall, I think with the situation between Melibea and Calisto in her hands, it should be a very interesting play!