Act 18 - What is Areusa's motive for plotting to murder Calisto? Is she just being cruel or does Calisto deserve it? Why do you think Elicia says, "Punish him with a beating, but don't kill him." Is she being sincere when she says this?
According to Areusa, she wants revenge on Calisto for upsetting both her and her cousing Elicia. Calisto’s a fool, but I don’t think he deserves to be killed for such a petty revenge as hers. She’s being a bit cruel, saying “why be merciful? Let him get on with it and kill him however it takes his fancy. Let Melibea cry like you have.”
And when she states, “punish him with a beating, but don’t kill him,” she’s being insincere, since she really wants him dead.
Act 20 - Did it surprise you when Melibea commits suicide or were you expecting it? Were you expecting her to go through with it or did you think Melibea's father would somehow stop her?
Oh, I was completely expecting it. That’s why this story is categorized as a comedy/tragedy. The whole 'Romeo/Juliet' tragedy is so typical, that if Melibea didn’t kill herself I think I’d be really shocked. Her father tthought it is an illness he can cure, but it's impossible to cure a broken heart with "herbs, stones or words." He tried to stop her, but since he didn't understand her feelings it was impossible for him to. She distracted him by telling him he could help by bringing a stringed instrument, so she can plan the way she will die. In death, she plans to meet up with Calisto again.
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