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Scene 5 - The Ranger
The Ranger enters and demands to see Jupiter. Merry Report explains that though he cannot, he, as god's servant, will report his suit to the god at some later point. The Ranger's appeal concerns his need for windy weather so that he can supplement his meagre income as a forester with windfall, or the branches that fall from trees when it is blustery. He claims that this is necessary for the survival of all of his occupation, who incur costs due to their transient lifestyle. Merry Report says that he will do all he can for him, but there is a dramatic moment at the end of the scene when The Ranger again attempts to bypass the servant and speak to Jupiter directly.
Key Research Topic
The Ranger and Court Servants |
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Connections between The Ranger and the Henrician court are illuminated through reference to such historical documents as Hall’s Chronicle and The Eltham Ordinances of 1526. |
Historical Context
Account of May Day revels, 1515 |
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Edward Hall records the spontaneous nature of celebratory performances and something of the reciprocity between inside and outside the court. |
Extract on Candles from The Eltham Ordinances |
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16th century court reform at its most bureaucratic, The Eltham Ordinances even attempt to control the fate of spent candles. |
Resources
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