How does Shakespeare present Henry (and, by extension, England) in this scene? Refer in your answer to Shakespeare's language, stagecraft and sense of audience, as well as the two-filmed versions you have seen.

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Act 2, Scene 2

How does Shakespeare present Henry (and, by extension, England) in this scene? Refer in your answer to Shakespeare’s language, stagecraft and sense of audience, as well as the two-filmed versions you have seen.

Shakespeare presents Henry using a variety of language and stagecraft, in Act two, scene two, Shakespeare shows how Henry has a bad temper, and can go off into towering rages. First comes to the unmasking of the conspirators Cambridge, Scroop and Gray. Shakespeare uses a lot of exquisite dramatic art and a sense of the effect of irony. He makes Henry only seem to be concerned for the good of his kingdom.

One of the personalities that Henry has is his liking for games. He plays with Scroop and the other traitors, handing them letters that they think are promotions when in reality they are letters to inform them that Henry knows their secret. Shakespeare’s use of language was complex as he referred to biblical references and historical references through out the play. 

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When he gets to Scroop, Henry stops using the ‘we’ pronoun. Shakespeare uses many linguistic devices, for example rhetorical questions. “Wouldst thou have practiced on me for my use?” This makes a difference in the tone of voice, and also in its structure, otherwise, all Henry would be doing is making statements. He also uses a pun during the first part of the speech, when addressing Cambridge. “This man, for a few light crowns hath lightly conspired…”. Shakespeare used a pun for a slight contrast in the atmosphere, otherwise everything in his speech would be is very serious.

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