Blackadder Deception
The subtle powers of deception and charm possess the potential to assert an individual's wishes into other minds, as well as influencing behaviour in order to benefit the deceptive. Elton and Curtis' Blackadder II illustrate this idealism of power through the characters within the satirical comedy who mould the minds of others through their charismatic and cunning attributes. The episode, 'Bells' begins with an old man encouraging his daughter, Kate, to become a prostitute in order to gain money they desperately need. Kate defies her father proclaiming that she would "go to London, disguise myself as a boy and seek my fortune." While announcing her plan to her father, Kate stands up, illustrating the shift of power between the father and daughter.
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Furthermore, Kate mentioned that she would dress up as a boy in order to acquire a job, illustrating the patriarchal society that Blackadder II was set in as well as depicting the subtle power of deception in order to gain power.
Kate's utilisation of deception is especially visible when she meets Blackadder as a disguised young boy named 'Bob' and asks to be his servant. A montage consisting of only music illustrates Blackadder and 'Bob' in a romantic tone, displaying the deception that Kate utilises, unknowingly confusing Blackadder to why he is attracted to his 'male' servant. Due to her trickery, Blackadder confronts a doctor who would "rather be a quack, than a duckie." This derogatory language further exhibits how Kate's deception has asserted a sceptical behaviour into Blackadder as the doctor declares that Blackadder is a homosexual which were heavily discriminated against in the 16th century. The character, Lord Flashheart is a perfect example of an individual who utilises their charm in order to influence the behaviour of others. He behaves in an absolutely disrespectful manner, however is able to get away with it due to charisma and confidence. The man with "the best sword, the best shot, the best sailor and the best kisser" is the embodiment of the 'ultimate man,' allowing him to wield his power in what ever way he
pleases. The anaphora of 'best' emphasises his power, implying that Flashheart is the best at everything that is important to a man, violence, sailing and women. His proficiency with women is exemplified when Queenie breaks the fourth wall a states "I've got a crush on him," displaying how his charm has influenced the behaviour of others. Furthermore, Elton and Curtis' Blackadder II depict the subtle powers of deception and charm and how these traits can influence the behaviour of others.
The powers that individuals employ may be obvious or subtle, however either influence the world around them and the communities they engage with. Shakespeare's tragedy Othello explores the obvious and blatant power of the military and how they use their power to influence others while Elton and Curtis' satire, Blackadder II illustrates how the subtle powers of deception and charm can be utilised in order to gain their desires and influence the behaviour of others.
Furthermore, Kate mentioned that she would dress up as a boy in order to acquire a job, illustrating the patriarchal society that Blackadder II was set in as well as depicting the subtle power of deception in order to gain power.
Kate's utilisation of deception is especially visible when she meets Blackadder as a disguised young boy named 'Bob' and asks to be his servant. A montage consisting of only music illustrates Blackadder and 'Bob' in a romantic tone, displaying the deception that Kate utilises, unknowingly confusing Blackadder to why he is attracted to his 'male' servant. Due to her trickery, Blackadder confronts a doctor who would "rather be a quack, than a duckie." This derogatory language further exhibits how Kate's deception has asserted a sceptical behaviour into Blackadder as the doctor declares that Blackadder is a homosexual which were heavily discriminated against in the 16th century. The character, Lord Flashheart is a perfect example of an individual who utilises their charm in order to influence the behaviour of others. He behaves in an absolutely disrespectful manner, however is able to get away with it due to charisma and confidence. The man with "the best sword, the best shot, the best sailor and the best kisser" is the embodiment of the 'ultimate man,' allowing him to wield his power in what ever way he
pleases. The anaphora of 'best' emphasises his power, implying that Flashheart is the best at everything that is important to a man, violence, sailing and women. His proficiency with women is exemplified when Queenie breaks the fourth wall a states "I've got a crush on him," displaying how his charm has influenced the behaviour of others. Furthermore, Elton and Curtis' Blackadder II depict the subtle powers of deception and charm and how these traits can influence the behaviour of others.
The powers that individuals employ may be obvious or subtle, however either influence the world around them and the communities they engage with. Shakespeare's tragedy Othello explores the obvious and blatant power of the military and how they use their power to influence others while Elton and Curtis' satire, Blackadder II illustrates how the subtle powers of deception and charm can be utilised in order to gain their desires and influence the behaviour of others.