Unfair play is the primary motivation that started the events of this play. The chase for power can corrupt the minds of those who are in the rule, making their actions irredeemably evil. While the public acts of all the characters of the play were perceived as noble, the true motivations were not so clear. This essay will discuss the behavior and meaning of the characters of the play for modern-day society.
Characters within this play possess agendas, which might appear to be less or more noble than they appear. Jane Shore is caught between these agendas and suffers due to the circumstances. Dumont keeps his good spirit throughout the play, although his initial action is what brought Jane into the grieving state. Lord Hastings, whose intentions can be deemed as good and who appears to possess integrity and keeps his allegiance, tries to force Jane Shore to lay with him as a sign of gratitude (Rowe 2.1.82). Alicia turns on Hastings and Jane Shore for the one-sided love, in which Jane has no part. While Alicia has been described as fair before the spread of a vicious rumor, her character turns more hostile by the scene (Rowe 1.1.11). In the end, her moral guidance is broken by the tragedy in which her friend is involuntarily involved, and she refuses to acknowledge their hardships of Jane.
In conclusion, Rowe revealed how a person with flawed motivations could use others and drag them into chaos and despair. I believe that the play presents a crucial lesson to modern society. False statements can be spread to one’s benefit, whereas numerous other people can suffer from this misinformation. Moreover, one’s public appearance alone can not prove their righteous intent, as their private actions can be utterly irredeemable.
Work Cited
Rowe, Nicholas. The Tragedy of Jane Shore. 1714.