Originally Posted by Karen 10th November 2005


Alcock pretty much addresses the audience with the advice that if you are going to hide, do it in plain site. Rochester, Jane and Alcock go into hiding there in England with Rochester under the guise of "Dr. Bendo." When Lizzie is sent by Charles to summon Rochester back to court, a conversation soon develops between Rochester and the newly arrived King.

Rochester shares his disappointment with the over Charles his inability to forgive Charles for "not being a God."

Then Rochester shares with the King a memory about his father and letters he received when he was 5.

How much of Rochester's behavior do you think has to do with his father? Does the old saying "like father like son" apply?

Deppraved


I think between his Puritanical upbringing by his mother and the absence of his father, Rochester developed the coping mechanism of cynicism and sarcasm-- a defense against injury to one's emotional well-being. Perhaps there were tendencies present in his father's temperament that were passed to John, but I don't think there was much evidence in the play to indicate this. How could John Wilmot be like his father, when his father was not there to be a role model and have an influence on his development? All Wilmot had was second-hand information from his father's peers. Wilmot does not want to believe the King when he tells him, "I knew him and you didn't. He was a piss-artist. Not without flair, not without a reckless streak, but at heart a piss-artist, just like you." That would seem to indicate that he was his father's son.

Mairimaih


I think Rochesters 'father figure' was the King.. and a part of him wanted him to be worthy of it.. he lost his father to him, friends and his faith, fighting in a naval battles for 'King and country.. he was encouraged as a youth into his court and his style of company.. his bitterness to the King, is not just philosophical, or mere boredom.. but deeply personal.
After all in Rochesters eyes, he was not able to know if he was his fathers son, to know his father at all, left to a mother he obviously had a difficlt relationship with, a power struggle.. which in a sense all his relationships with women read like.. maybe he was more his Mothers son in that sense..
The rebel to authority.. her's first and then the King's.. seeking his own power and control.. one that Charles, and the wildness and debauchery of court seemeed to encourage... but only so far.
I dont think a man like Rochester could respect, or refrain from questioning why and where it was meant to stop.. sorry if I am digressing a little.. morning post.. coffee might not have fully kicked in