The style, the way it’s structured and the complexity of the language often reflect the status. We can make a comparison of Pizzaro (the Spanish leader) and Atahuallpa from act two, (the Inca god). Although they are both high in status their language is significantly different. Pizzaro often talks gently, and deeply of life and nostalgia, memories of the past ‘Fame is long death is longer, life was fierce with feeling, it was all hope.’ He displays this sense that all is lost. However Atahuallpa is bluntly opposite. He speaks of his status and shows the realisation that his position is sacred.’ I am vessel of no man’ He speaks almost in pictures but bluntly expresses how he feels. This shows status, as only powerful people are able to get straight to the core of the point.
We can learn a lot about Young Martin’s personality from the language used for his character. Throughout the play his words remain simple and sentences short. He shows eagerness above the others to serve in the army. (In act one scene one) ‘He’s aching to be a page sir.’ He consistently portrays a positive attitude. ‘It’s going to be glorious sir’. He has dreams and ideals of what the expedition will hold and continues to remain full of hope, determination and faith he will achieve. However Pizzaro sees the innocence and naivety within him, he doesn’t believe that Young Martin is strong enough to be apart of such a big thing. (Act one scene two) ‘Look at you, hope, lovely hope-it’s on you like dew..take your Nobel reasons there Martin…go back to Spain.’ Although he strongly admires Pizzaro he isn’t threatened by him, which shows the audience he is strong minded. Through being put down only makes him more determined to prove himself to Pizzaro that he’s good enough. Even after the harsh words Martin’s ideals don’t change and this is when Pizzaro sees huge potential in him (act one scene 4) ‘you own everything I have lost’. Young Martin reveals this determination of character throughout act one and gains the respect and trust of Pizzaro possibly more than most of the other Spaniards.
In Act one scene seven, the character of Rodas portrays tone and atmosphere through his blunt use of language. His harsh use of diction makes him a perfect representative for the Spanish’s way of thinking in the situation they are now in. He speaks in slightly more colloquial and aggressive terms than the other characters do, ‘well I pissing stir for once, I’m not going to be chewed up by no bloody heathen king.’ This aggressive language adds to the dampening of the atmosphere and changes other’s character’s feelings around him.
In act one scene four Another example of tone and atmosphere is around the two ideas of religion that continue to clash throughout the play. The two groups discuss their religion and the language immediately creates a particularly harsh tone.
Chief ‘the son is God.’
Valverde is shocked by their ideas of faith and addresses the Spaniards ‘oh my brothers..Where have we come? To the land of the anti-Christ.’ The anger is shown within the language and allows you to understand the change of mood.
Relationships between characters: In act one scene two Pizzaro meets Estete a Royal Veedor in the name of King Carlos the fifth. Estete speaks of the King’s authority and challenges Pizzaro and this causes him to become frustrated. He doesn’t like the fact his authority is being questioned. Estete- ‘General, on this expedition my name is the law; it is spoken with the kings authority’ Pizzaro answers ‘your pardon, but on this expedition..my name is law there will be no other.’
We learn about Pizzaro’s hunger to be the highest status and takes immediate dislike to anyone that tries to over-throw that idea. Estete on the other hand is clearly not one to be out spoken. Estete takes huge pride in his position and is defensive on the king’s behalf. Both characters are stubborn and their relationship causes friction.
In act one scene six Estete tries to give advice to Pizzaro however Pizzaro sarcastically disregards it.
‘My advice to you now is to wait for reinforcements.’
Pizzaro- ‘ I thank you for it.’
The main effect to the audience of the characters using language like this is to show this friction between both characters. Pizzaro doesn’t like to be challenged about his ideas and by having a character that doesn’t see himself as any higher than the leader, makes Pizzaro show a different side to his personality when dealing with Estete. He clearly doesn’t like him.
The overall language in the Royal hunt of the sun is generally spoken in a formal way, written with a very elaborate use of words and interspersed with imagery.
The characters are not interrupted, there is hardly any colloquial language and therefore it would not be familiar if spoken in the 21st century.
One of the most significant differences of language is the chanting in act one scene seven. ‘Sapa Inca! Inca Capac!…Caylla int’i Cori!’ It creates a dramatic effect on the audience and is the most contrasting and striking difference in language between the Spaniards and the Inca people. It instantly gives the audience the idea that the Inca people are more spiritual or holy as they’re freer in their act of worship.
Religious words and phrases are used throughout the play and the description of people or objects is poetic and lyrical. For example in the very opening paragraph of act one scene one when Old Martin speaks of his adoration for Pizzaro he refers to religious phrases with spiritual qualities ‘he was my alter.’ In act one scene twelve when the priests are trying to persuade Atahuallpa to believe in Christ they use strong religious terms and imagery. ‘In Christ’s name therefore I charge you: yield yourself his willing vassal’ The main effect this has on the audience is that the language shows ambition and ruthlessness. This language compliments these two themes within the play.
Language is used within the play to show different characters personalities when in reaction to dealing with certain situations. For example, Pizzaro shows a calm and soft nature to his personality when dealing with Young martin as he sees his potential and hope. ‘You’re a good boy martin, and if we get out of this I’ll get you a gift of whatever you want.’ In opposition to that scenes with tension and suspense are created through the build up of language. For example in act one scene ten there is an immediate sense of panic and urgency created by the language as the Spanish can see the Inca in the distance. The panic is created through short, sharp sentences consisting of only a few words from each character. The idea that words are just stumbling out of mouths in desperateness.
Young Martin ‘their coming, look down the hill.’ De Soto ‘how many?’ This language is very unlike the Spanish their sentences are usually flowing and smooth in contrast to the Inca people who speak with short, punchy words empathising sounds rather than structured sentences.