Discuss how Shakespeare creates comedy in “The Merry Wives Of Windsor” in the scenes we have studied. Take into consideration the use of language and dramatic devices and structures and how these create comic effect.
Discuss how Shakespeare creates comedy in "The Merry Wives Of Windsor" in the scenes we have studied. Take into consideration the use of language and dramatic devices and structures and how these create comic effect. Shakespeare wrote the play mainly because of Queen Elizabeth the 1st. She requested Shakespeare write the play because she had seen a character, Falstaff in the play Henry IV part A. After seeing Falstaff in this play and learning about his character she thought he would be a good character to base another play on. Queen Elizabeth gave Shakespeare fourteen days to write the play and he called it "The Merry Wives of Windsor" The Merry Wives of Windsor is based around the year 1597 when it was most likely written. The characters were a mix of higher class people who own family estates and people like falstaff who are low life's that drink most of the time, which are resorted to living above pubs or in a basement somewhere. The play has two plots to it, a main plot and a sub-plot. The sub-plot is involved with Anne Page, the daughter of Page and Mistress Page; Anne Page is to be married to Fenton, a man of higher birth but less money. This affirms romantic love as a kind of social assimilator, transcending class and enabling individuals to create new and inclusive social categories around their romantic relationships. The main plot surrounds the playful but
Discuss the Function of the Chorus in Henry V and how its idealised views of Warfare are portrayed
Discuss the Function of the Chorus in Henry V and how its idealised views of Warfare are portrayed "O for a muse of fire," The Chorus introduces the start of Henry V with imagery of flames and war. Shakespeare uses the Chorus to initiate the play and summarise each act to the audience before the next one begins. He is merely a tool to avoid the audience getting too confused. The function for the chorus is merely a practical one, by summarising the plot at every available opportunity; there is little chance for confusion, even if the audience do have to use their imagination. But, we must ask ourselves, if this was Shakespeare's only reason for including the Chorus, why does he not use a similar device in his other plays? Surely in all of his plays the audience have to imagine the setting (the stage of the globe was set in the round, and so had no room for large props and scenery), and many of his plays have more complex plots than this one, so why do we need the Chorus? The answer is the Chorus puts across a very clear view of warfare and Henry's kingship. It is a very romantic, idealised view, which uses over-zealous language, such as "two mighty monarchies" to create a strong glorified impact on the audience. They are building up the audience's expectations of this to be a mighty, glorious play. The use of the imagery of flames and fire repeats itself throughout the
How does Shakespeare make compelling Drama from the relationship between Falstaff and Hal?
How does Shakespeare make compelling Drama from the relationship between Falstaff and Hal? Shakespeare makes compelling drama between Falstaff and Hal in many ways and in different scenes. As the personalities and characteristics of these two characters are very different, for example the comical jester amongst other things that is Falstaff clashes with the classical Prince Hal who stands for what he believes in. This makes it easier to create the drama that Shakespeare has made between the both of them. In Act1 Scene2, most of this scene has only direct conversation between Falstaff and Hal. Falstaff enters with quite a casual attitude, by saying this I mean that I think his stance would be quite a relaxed one and that he would look jolly and be using big hand gestures to show the audience he likes to make a scene. He is always up to some sort of mischief, so he tells Hal that they should go out and rob some people at night "you come near me now Hal, for we that take purses go by the moon and the seven stars". This creates some drama because the audience will see the reaction that Hal gives to Falstaff when he suggests things like this. On the stage, Falstaff would probably be quite close to Hal and act quite jolly and maybe tipsy as this is the sort of person he is, judging from Hal's first description of him "Thou art so fat-witted with drinking of old sack, and
Account For The Popularity Of The Figure Of Falstaff On Shakespeare's Stage
Account For The Popularity Of The Figure Of Falstaff On Shakespeare's Stage The fact that Shakespeare built the character of Falstaff on Sir John Oldcastle made an underlying political theme on the play. Shakespeare clearly wanted Falstaff to be the comic of the play, and he brings a certain light if you will, to an otherwise rather dark script. Shakespeare kept the name Oldcastle for the first version of his play but later changed it to Falstaff. Shakespeare's Falstaff is considered to be more boisterous than Oldcastle had been in real life. Politically speaking, Falstaff would communicate well with the audience as he is portrayed as a comic, drunk and overall roguish figure, thus making him easier to relate to, "I am accursed to rob in that thief's company; the rascal hath removed my horse, and tied him I know not where. If I travel but four foot by the squier further afoot, I shall break my wind." (Act 2, Scene 2 Lines 10-13) Throughout the play Falstaff speaks in prose and rarely Verse, compared to the nobles who always speak in verse. For instance, whilst talking to Hal he says, "Indeed you come near me now Hal, for we that take purses go by the moon and the seven stars, and not by phoebus, he, that wandering knight so fair. And I prithee thee sweet wag, when thou art king, as, god save thy grace-Majesty I should say, for grace thou wilt have none." (Act 1, Scene 2
Comparisons and differences between, Lawrence Olivier and Kenneth Branagh in their films of Shakespeare’s Henry V.
Comparisons and differences between, Lawrence Olivier and Kenneth Branagh in their films of Shakespeare's Henry V. 1945 1989 Henry V was written as a play during a time of patriotism within England and England's plans of territorial and economic expansion were coming to light. The play was a great morale booster to the people as they prepared for the up and coming years, many of the scenes show the St Georges flag flying high and hopeful. It showed war's glory and hopes but at the same time put across the dedication and commitment that went into winning great battles such as the one at Agincourt. Lawrence Olivier directed his film in 1940's, the war years as they are often referred to. The labour party were in power at the time they were elected in the election July elections. These troubled times in England caused wide spread depression and films such as this were mainly produced as moral boosters and with war in its ending days they retold the miraculous story involving one of Britain's most hard fought and triumphant victories. "In spite of the reforming enthusiasm and experience of many members of prime minister Clement Attlee's cabinet, however, this was still an era of austerity, as the devastating economic impact of the war became evident." BBC HISTORY SITE Henry V was his first attempt at film directing and it won him an Academy award in 1946.
Do you consider that Falstaffs’ relationship has been good for Prince Hal?
HENRY IV PART 1 Q: Do you consider that Falstaffs' relationship has been good for Prince Hal? The King feels Prince Hal is disobedient and unfit to be king. 'Dishonour stain the brow Of my young Harry,' King Henry says Prince Hal is dishonourable and has a low opinion of his son. The King is ashamed of being Prince Hals' father. Prince Hals' reputation is not very good because of his friendship with Falstaff. 'That some night-tripping fairy had exchanged In cradle-clothes our children where they lay,' the King wishes a fairy had changed his son with Hotspur. This shows how disappointed he is of his son. The King wants Prince Hal to be like Hotspur who is honourable, noble and is regarded highly by the King. In the first tavern scene we see Prince Hal relationship with Falstaff. 'Fat-witted,' Prince Hal makes jokes about Falstaff being fat and his lifestyle. Prince Hal enjoys joking with Falstaff. 'Leaping houses,' Falstaff goes to brothels in his spare time. This is not the type of person the Prince should socialise with. 'Take purses,' Falstaff is a thief and is proud to be a criminal. The Prince is the friend of a criminal who is proud of what he does. 'Gentlemen of the shade,' Falstaff thinks he is noble even though he is a criminal. The Prince and Falstaff talk about robberies instead of the rebellion in Wales or the defiance of Hotspur. 'Do not thou when thou art
An exploration of Shakespeare’s presentation of Prince Hal in King Henry the Fourth Part One
Chris Randall Final Draft An exploration of Shakespeare's presentation of Prince Hal in King Henry the Fourth Part One In King Henry the Fourth Part One Hal is a very intriguing character, also being the most complicated and detailed. He has a gradual journey throughout the play to becoming a king and reveals himself bit by bit to the audience and other characters. It is with this in mind that I will start to study and analyse the main features of Hal, his relationships with the other characters in the play and how the opinion that others have of him and how he actually is differ from each other. By the time that Henry the Fourth Part one was being performed, the character of Hal had already been established. He is mentioned by King Henry, his father, in Richard the Second and his opinion of him doesn't appear to be that good, with him asking the court, "can no-one tell me of my unthrifty son?"(Richard II, Act 5, Scene 3, line 1) Hal is portrayed as this prodigal son who keeps company with "loose and unrestrained companions" (Richard II, Act 5, Scene 3, line 7), frequently being seen in taverns and being everything a future king shouldn't be. He is closely associated with a character named Sir John Falstaff, and it is this man who appears to be the one misleading Hal. Hal is mentioned again in the very first scene of King Henry IV Part One and yet again he is being
Is Falstaff siplayed as honourable in Act 1&2 - Act I, scene 2 is of considerable importance because it introduces one of Shakespeare's most famous and beloved characters: Harry's friend and mentor Falstaff.
Katie Yeowart Is Falstaff siplayed as honourable in Act 1&2 Act I, scene 2 is of considerable importance because it introduces one of Shakespeare's most famous and beloved characters: Harry's friend and mentor Falstaff. On the one hand, Falstaff is obviously a criminal, as all his banter about judges and hanging and his extravagant references to himself and other highwaymen as "squires of the night's body"-nocturnal thieves-suggest (I.ii.21). More than that, however, Falstaff seems to live with a sense of gusto and enjoyment that is completely foreign to royalty. His approach to life and honor and the way he regards himself are very different from the rigid and complicated systems of pride and vengeance that cause the noblemen to fight bloody wars and attempt to overthrow kings. Falstaff is an opportunist, always turning a situation to his own advantage and usually not hesitating to step on other people as he does it. On the other hand, he seems to have no need for revenge-the lack of which differentiates him from the noblemen, including Harry. Falstaff does not hesitate to lie outrageously, but he is not concerned when he is caught. He sees no value in gaining honor by risking his life but instead believes he can find more honor in keeping his life. In short, Falstaff is interested in his own self-preservation and in living and enjoying his life to the fullest The
Compare Falstaff and Henry IV as father figures.
Compare Falstaff and Henry IV as father figures. Hal has two father figures, Falstaff and Henry IV. They are both different from each other, and what they teach Hal. Falstaff seems to mislead Hal, and his real father discards him. Ultimately, there is only room for one of them and Hal makes a choice, but not forgetting what he has learnt. Falstaff as a father figure, and as a regular man, seems to have many visible faults. Although he is a warm character, Hal says he is fat, "ye fat kidneyed rascal", a thief, "Where shall we take a purse tomorrow, Jack?" and he is lazy. All of the things mentioned about Falstaff in his opening speech make out as this criminal who lazes about all day and sins. This first impression is lasting and makes Falstaff seem a bad role model, and not a suitable father. He educates Hal, but not what might be seen as right, or in the right way. However he is funny and is made to appeal to the audience, as a lovable rogue. "Honour is a mere scutcheon" Here Falstaff is exposing the emptiness of honour, and Hal sees it that way too. He thinks of honour as a means of getting what he wants, and if he were considered honourable, he would be more respected. A scutcheon is like a wooden thing that is painted over to make it look better quality. He not only teaches him but also tries to strongly influence him. " Do not thou when thou art king hang a thief"
“The theme of Honour’s tongue”. Is this a good description of Henry VI Part 1?
1/01/02 Henry IV Part 1 Question: "The theme of Honour's tongue". Is this a good description of Henry VI Part 1? Henry IV Part 1 is a Shakespearian play of the young Prince Hal who is many ways is not ready to accept his role as the Prince of England. He is immature and disloyal in his father's eyes. He befriends drunkards, socializes in lonely taverns or whore-houses, and, at the beginning of the play, is not a fit prince, let alone a fit heir to the thrown. The second scene of the play - Hal's first - is set in the tavern. We are immediately introduced to Hal's friend, Sir Jack Falstaff. From his title, Falstaff might seem gracious, brave and sensible, some of the qualities that might usually be used to describe one who has been knighted. However, Falstaff is fat, drunken, old, flabby and a thief. In Act 2 Scene 2, and the scenes that follow, Falstaff is summed up a great deal. He is carrying Out a robbery upon some travelers, firstly showing his side as a thief and a rogue. "Have you any levers to lift me up again, being down?" This quote shows Jacks fat side. After Falstaff and his croanies have carried out the robbery, they are immediately robbed themselves by Prince Hal and his less abominable friend, Poins. When the men meet again at the tavern, Falstaff runs out a huge story of how the money was stolen by him successfully, but then immediately taken