Henry VI Part 1.

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                                HENRY VI PART 1

INTRODUCTION

 This is an extremely important key scene in the play as this is where all the action comes to a climax as the 2 young warriors battle it out once and for all and total redemption takes place, When Hal saves his father from the clutches of Douglas.

Section 1

At the start of this climactic scene we are faced with the king and Hal and Lancaster in a tent, by the king’s language we can tell that Hal has been wounded from actually fighting in the battlefield. This also shows that what Vernon said about Hal being an “angel” and like the god “mercury” is true by conveying a sense of perfection. Hal also has the god like qualities Hal “bleedest too much” but refuses to leave the field. “Shallow scratch…drive the Prince of Wales” shows how he is dismissing his wound whilst using his title which shows loyalty to his father. The rich language portrays that Hal is going to be independent. Also in this section the very princely qualities are shown by Hal as he takes time to compliment his brother because he “lends mettle to us all” and is an “ungrown warrior” similar to Hal and Hotspur. Here he is proving that he is moving away from his former self and living up to his statement of “loose behaviour I throw off” and is turning into “bright metal on sullen ground” proving his military prowess but has not yet fulfilled his total redemption theme. Whilst all this is going on I would have sound effects in the back ground of battle cries etc... But in the tent the defiant princes would step back together to the doorway as if to show they want to re-enter the battle as he continues to praise his older brother he should have his arm out with hand on heart to show that he really means it and cares. When he is referring to himself as “the Prince of Wales” here he is turning a new leaf and once again juxtaposing himself so he needs to stand similar to that of a victorious boxer, chest out hands on hips looking very proud with his chin up, delivering his lines with maximum confidence. Maybe in the back drop behind there could be moving shadows about to portray the massacres happening. All this high spirited behaviour, morale boosting and noble activities contradict Falstaff’s laziness and inability to lead people and be a good example to Hal. Once again Hal showing his matureness by praising and complimenting his family prove his godlike qualities shows us all how supportive he can be. In his soliloquy he made no promises so when his true self emerges it will have great impact, his virtues will be seen even better but he hasn’t faced the ultimate challenge of taking on his arch enemy Hotspur.

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Section 2

Here now I think that the lights should dim and the sound effects quieten down to a few moans as we have the king pacing up and down with his arms behind his back to emphasise his girth and inability to fight whereas then a fully able exasperated Douglas comes marching in as a pivotal moment in the play commences the spotlight should switch onto him coming in like a schoolyard bully. When this takes place the king will not look scared but slightly shocked, Douglas then shall deliver his lines with a great sense of ...

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