Celestina, Acts III-VI

I found these acts to be so different from the others based on the fact that there is more internalized dialogue from Celestina. In the previous two acts, though she was introduced as the bold protagonist, there were almost no inner monologues, if any at all (though nearly every other character had moments of thought to themselves). Right in the beginning of Act Four, we witness Celestina’s first instance of speaking to herself and analyzing her situation. It seems noteworthy that this first takes place so far into the play; this may be the author’s attempt to build up Celestina’s outward reputation in the reader’s mind before revealing her true flaws. As Celestina has been described and celebrated as an almost superhuman power up until now in the play, her thoughts display to the viewer her real human conflicts. Like all of the other characters (and all humans in general), she is nervous of her plans and experiences doubts and worries. Though Celestina seemed infallible and powerful before this exhibit of self-questioning, this instance only gives her character an added depth and complexity. Now we understand that there is a great difference between her confident, almost arrogant exterior and her flawed, frightened interior. Though she readily guarantees to deliver all that her clients wish, she laments after making her first promises what happens if she cannot keep them with Calisto: “What will Calisto say? What will he do? What will he think, say that I’ve lied to him and revealed his plan in order to get money from the other side?” (45). She even must remind herself to be courageous (46). In her musings, she first carefully reviews what has happened (noting the nature and order of events), and then considers the possible consequences and outcomes of her actions. This proves how she is always thinking and planning, constantly assessing her environment and finding new ways to dominate it. Though she is not very pious, she is admirable in her composition of a polished façade, composed of her systematic arrangements and unapologetic statements of her own power.