Sparing One Flea

Subject: Having only five characters, I never expected One Flea Spare to be so complicated and in depth; of course, I attribute this to my own ignorance of theatre, which I’m sure will be increased a great deal during the current semester.

I couldn’t help but notice a few of the things we had discussed in class, especially how the audience must imagine the unseen. For instance, Mrs. Snellgrave’s burned hand, which kept the entire audience guessing why she kept herself covered and even caused many to lean intently forward in their seats when she finally removed her glove; although the actress’s hand was in fine condition, the audience believed the performance and imagined a scarred, withered palm. The scenery, in and of itself, was quite simple (just walls, windows, a cabinet, and some chairs, and yet the same features acted as the inside and outside of the home.

While the play is said to be an exchange of power through an exchange of sexual favors, it seemed to speak well beyond this point. Secrets are what I’d label the play as – secret lives, secret desires, secret needs – sex was simply the vehicle in which these hidden things were brought to light.

I also saw a sharp comparison between Mr. Snellgrave and Richard III – both were powerful men who wanted so much; one desired a kingdom, the other improved status; both men longed for the women of their dreams and treated both as dogs once reality had set in; both men used and abused their power; both were confronted by their sins (Richard’s ghosts, Morse’s speech to Snellgrave); both struggle with their convictions and we never are sure if they actually resolve their internal conflict before their deaths.

The characters were fascinating as well – Morse representing innocence corrupted by experience and want; Kabe whose humor softens the overall tone of the play but his morbid humor and abuse of wisdom makes him a character that we’re not sure if we like or disapprove; Mr. Snellgrave who represents fervent want; Mrs. Snellgrave who represents need; and Bunze, who is the person of experience who manages to balance all of the traits of each of the other characters in a such a way that we can’t help but appreciate him – this is probably why he is the only character who really survives the plague and escapes London.

There is so much symbolism in the play and I would have to see it again just to make sure I saw everything, although I’m sure I would only compound the problem by seeing more than I had originally postured. While the play is dark and covers several harsh realities, I don’t think that a person couldn’t help but appreciate it.