ABSTRACT
Helena and Parolles are having their first showdown (see Figure 5.1). The paragon of virtue confronts the libertine, with Helena taking the side of virginity, and Parolles advocating sexuality. Parolles uses the old argument that sex, by producing children, is an agent of progress. A form of “rational increase” according to the “rule of nature” (1.1.126, 133), sexual activity moves the life process forward. Their conversation drawing to a close, Helena comments:
The OED defines “retrograde” as “apparently moving in a direction contrary to the order of the signs, or from east to west.” In the night sky, planets appear to move from west to east. At times, however, certain planets
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Figure 5.1 Helena and Parolles (1.1), Gustavus Adolphus College 2005, Robert Gardner (director). Kirsten Kuicken (Helena), Nick Dillenburg (Parolles).
