In the play Arcadia by Tom Stoppard, the author describes circumstances of two different groups of people in two different time periods. Throughout the play, he shows how the old time period effects the current day group and displays parallels between them. As we see repeated themes and scenes, it is easy to wonder why Stoppard makes a point to note these parallels, and connections. The purpose of connections betweens scenes and characters is for Stoppard to prove the point that history does have the capability of repeating itself. Stoppard also hopes to prove his point that time is continuous, with similar patterns emerging as time goes on. Character parallels include Hannah mirroring Thomasina, Bernard mirroring Septimus, and Gus mirroring Augustus. All of the modern day characters coincidentally endure similar events or problems, or have similar perspectives of the characters who lived two centuries ago. Most…show more content… While making these connections, Stoppard tries to show that time really has no affect on how people act, and that despite the possible negative impacts, history can, and does repeat itself. The modern day character Hannah, has similar thoughts and perspectives as her parallel character Thomasina who lived two centuries ago. In the beginning of the play, Hannah and Thomasina both exist in the idea of neoclassicism, but then throughout the play, they transition to the view of romanticism. Thomasina shares her ideas on how she needs hard evidence before believing a theory, Thomasina states, “There is no proof, Septimus” (10), when Septimus tries explaining an idea to Thomasina while lacking evidence. The idea of proof, and evidence as opposed to instinct and gut feeling, was a key belief of neoclassicism that both Hannah and Thomasina believed in. Thomasina's
