In Henry The IV Part 1 The Transformation Of Prince Hal Is Central To Shakespeare's Presentation Of Kingship. Looking At Two Different Scenes In The Play, Explore The Ways In Which Shakespeare Analyses Issues Related To Kingship

In Henry The IV Part 1 The Transformation Of Prince Hal Is Central To Shakespeare's Presentation Of Kingship. Looking At Two Different Scenes In The Play, Explore The Ways In Which Shakespeare Analyses Issues Related To Kingship And How Each Would Appear To Its Elizabethan Audience William Shakespeare was born in 1564 in the town of Stratford upon Avon. He died in 1616 but is still today one of the most renowned playwrights of all time. He has written 37 different plays in many different styles, for example comedy, history, tragedy, roman and others. Further more he is responsible for revolutionising English drama and hence culture through both his poetry and drama. He wrote plays that would have appealed to the Elizabethan people this is why his plays are written in the rich language that was used at the time. His main audience would have been common people who could not read or write so for entertainment they used imagery. Elizabethan people would have either gone to the theatre, gone bearbaiting or cockfighting; this was their idea of entertainment. Henry the IV Part 1 is based on a true story set in 1399 and is centred around the idea of kingship. This is due to the fact that the Elizabethan public of the time were very interested in the lives of the nobles and the idea of kingship. Even though it is set in the past the play is clearly designed for the Elizabethan public

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  • Level: AS and A Level
  • Subject: English
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Examine the theme of honour as presented in Shakespeare's 'Henry IV: Part I.

Christopher Atkins 20th October 2002 Examine the theme of honour as presented in Shakespeare's 'Henry IV: Part I In 'Henry IV: Part I' Shakespeare presents several different themes of honour. Honour is explored in the play mainly by three characters; Prince Hal, Hotspur and Falstaff. These three characters each show three different extremes of honour and I plan to explore them in this essay. As this play is mainly based around war, honour plays a very key factor in it. Hal is the main character of the play and as the Kings first son and heir to the throne; a lot of attention is focussed on him. At the beginning of the play Prince Hal, along with Falstaff and a few others plot a robbery at Gad's Hill which is very dishonourable, more so for him as the King's son and heir to the throne. Along with this robbery he also agrees to a joke robbery with Poins against Falstaff, which to a friend is very unfaithful. However in contrast to this dishonourable behaviour at the beginning of the play, he comes through a true hero nearing the end of the play as he successfully leads an army into battle and virtuously praises his army for their bravery and loyalty. Edging closer and closer to civil war, Hal offers a one-on-one battle against Hotspur to settle the disagreement and, in turn save hundreds of innocent lives.

  • Word count: 1131
  • Level: AS and A Level
  • Subject: English
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Examine closely the contrasting characters of Hal and Hotspur in King Henry IV, Part One, showing how the play is built around their actions and different destinies, and how this contrast is reflected in the language associated with them.

Examine closely the contrasting characters of Hal and Hotspur in King Henry IV, Part One, showing how the play is built around their actions and different destinies, and how this contrast is reflected in the language associated with them. This play is showing the point of history when Henry IV (Bolingbroke) disposesses Richard II from the throne in 1399. It shows the problems Henry faces after he has changed and tampered with the divine rights of kings and then dishoned all the people who helped him overthrow Richard II. This creates a great main point to the story which shows a contrast between two characters, one being Hal, the king's son, and the other being Hotspur a honourable warrior. A contrast between Hal and Hotspur is established very early on in the play. Hotspur is portrayed as a great warrior who is brave and honourable, loyal to the king and an accomplished leader. Hal on the other hand is shown as someone who should be helping the king as he is his son but is not. He insteed is being dishourable and is showing the negative qualitites of being foolish and cowardly. In the king's speech in Act 1, Scene 1, the king says that he wishes Hotspur was his son and that Hal was not. This is a very strong and very important part of the play as this shows just how much higher Hotspur is than Hal in the king's eyes that he would want to trade his son. He describes Hotspur

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  • Level: AS and A Level
  • Subject: English
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In his opening soliloquy, the true nature of Richards character is revealed, his villainy being divulged in the devious plans that he has plotted in order to usurp the throne.

In his opening soliloquy, the true nature of Richard's character is revealed, his villainy being divulged in the devious plans that he has plotted in order to usurp the throne. An array of puns, metaphors, and antitheses are used with ironic flair to convey the undertones in his monologue, granting the audience valuable insight to the play. The language that is used masterfully conveys the sarcasm in Richards's words, this being seen in the antithesis of 'winter' and 'summer' in the first two lines. The contrasting metaphors in these lines are seemingly used as a tool to relay the contrary meanings in his words, suggesting that what he speaks is not what he thinks. This hence serves as a hint to the fact that he is not entirely happy about the victory of the 'son of York'- a pun for the house of York, as it was followed by the crowning of his brother. Also, it is evident that Richard is not agreeable to changes in his life, this being exemplified in another antithesis seen in "stern alarums changed to merry meetings" (1.1.7). In fact, he explicitly speaks of this unhappiness in the line where he states that in "this weak piping time of peace", he has "no delight to pass way the time" (1.1.24-25). As such, it is clear that Richard is one who is innately evil; he is never satisfied in peaceful times, with chaos seemingly the only thing would truly allow him to feel alive.

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  • Level: AS and A Level
  • Subject: English
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Write a dramatic monologue in the style of Aaron reflecting on the motivation for his actions at one point in Act II of Titus Andronicus.

In contemporary prose, but creating a voice and style which is suitable for the character write a dramatic monologue in the style of Aaron reflecting on the motivation for his actions at one point in Act II of Titus Andronicus. Act 2.3 Line 1 (page 114) Enter Aaron alone Hiding a bag of gold is not an act of absurdity; it is an act of retribution that I, Aaron have kindly donated to the spiteful Andronicus. The smell of sweet vengeance under my black second class citizen nose travels up through my right nostril and straight into my wisdom. My wisdom constantly conquering the smell of seduction that passes via the left nostril. Aaron’s mind trapped into achieving revenge. Whatever happens after this bag of gold vanishes, I promise to thee beautiful Tamora I am a man of my word. However a word may not be possibly used to characterize me. Rome’s beloved ornament metamorphosed into the Goths rape hole. The hole in which many men fall into. The day of doom is soon to commence, blood will emerge from these holes. Many years of untouched love will soon experience forced pleasure. Once this deed is done, the empress of my soul will have to be dealt with, the same way ornament of Rome’s chastity will be branded. Aaron digs up a hole and hides the bag of gold The wilderness surroundings are perfect this morning, hardly a bird in sight, the cold wind brushing green leaves past

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  • Level: AS and A Level
  • Subject: English
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Does Coriolanus make mistakes or errors in judgement that lead to his downfall? If so, what are they and how did they lead to his downfall?

Does Coriolanus make mistakes or errors in judgement that lead to his downfall? If so, what are they and how did they lead to his downfall? The play Coriolanus concerns the downfall and eventual death of a Roman general turned politician, Cauis Martius (later given the name Coriolanus after conquering the city of Corioles). Equipped with the traits of a brave soldier, a short temper and arrogance, these characteristics aid in his downfall which was also aided by several other factors. Whether it be a mistake or an error in judgement on Coriolanus's side, it is the result of either one which causes trouble for him. After announcing that he is reluctantly joining the senate, his mistakes and errors in judgement along with the rest of him would be publicly scrutinised, questioned and judged before the public. He lost the advantage of making mistakes and errors in judgement in the course of war where they would most probably end in his own death or personal injury. Additionally they would be looked at as victory scars or and as a mark of heroism rather than a result of a foolish and rash decision.It comes down to the fact that he would not have to answer for his mistakes in war as opposed to his mistakes against the plebeians who are not particularly fond of him. Coriolanus, though he is brave, ferocious and strategic in the context of war where the consequences of

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  • Level: AS and A Level
  • Subject: English
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With close reference to dramatic methods, discuss Shakespeares portrayal of Hotspur in Act 1 of the play.

With close reference to dramatic methods, discuss Shakespeare’s portrayal of Hotspur in Act 1 of the play. Henry Percy is portrayed as quick-tempered and impatient, hence his nickname ‘Hotspur’. He was given this nickname due to his fierceness in battle and hastiness in action. “I was dry with rage and extreme toil, breathless and faint, leaning upon my sword.” This quote from Hotspur paints us a picture of his warrior antiques, and that after the battle he was exhausted with rage, showing that Hotspur can be a hostile character. “And if the devil come and roar for them, I will not send them.” Here, Hotspur is portrayed as quite a standoffish character, as no-one will be able to push him around, not even the devil. Shakespeare portrays Hotspur as arrogant and overconfident, especially in this scene. Hotspur represents rebellion and the idea that honour is won and lost in battle. After the King and his attendants leave the room in Act 1 Scene 3, Worcester returns to his brother and nephew, and Hotspur unleashes an enraged speech. He claims that the King may have a secret motive for refusing to help him ransom Mortimer. Hotspur is also bitter because his own family members helped the King overthrow former king Richard II, and were valuable in King Henry’s rise to power, making Hotspur angry at the thought that King Henry has forgotten the debt he owes to the

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  • Level: AS and A Level
  • Subject: English
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With close reference used to dramatic methods, discuss Shakespeares portrayal of Hotspur in Act 3 Scene 1.

With close reference used to dramatic methods, discuss Shakespeare’s portrayal of Hotspur in Act 3 Scene 1. Hotspur has several ongoing characteristics in the play, with the main one that is constantly being brought forward is his egotism that shows in his interaction with other characters. In line 16, after listening to Glendower’s boast, Hotspur feels that his ego has been threatened. This character development tells us that Hotspur doesn’t like to be outshone by others. “Why, so can I, or so can any man, but will they come when you do call for them?” Hotspur’s taunting tone is shown here as he claims anyone can do what Glendower says he can do, but questions if it will actually work, belittling him. “Methinks my moiety, north from Burton here, in quantity equals not one of yours.” Hotspur believes he deserves more, and he would re-route the channel to get his way; “And here the smug and silver Trent shall run in a new channel, fair and evenly. It shall not wind with such a deep indent, to rob me of so rich a bottom here.” Hotspur wants more of what he has already got and isn’t grateful for his shares, with this showing his self-centered and egocentric personality. Hotspur constantly speaks in a derisive tone to others and often rudely interrupts them in pieces of dialogue. In this particular scene, Hotspur is being portrayed by Shakespeare as a

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  • Level: AS and A Level
  • Subject: English
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Consider How Shakespeare Presents and Develops the Character of Prince Hal and Hotspur In Dramatic Contrast In Henry IV Part 1.

CONSIDER HOW SHAKESPEARE PRESENTS AND DEVELOPS THE CHARACTER OF PRINCE HAL AND HOTSPUR IN DRAMATIC CONTRAST IN HENRY IV PART 1. As we look at the play we see that this contrast is the pivotal axis of the play. We see that from the very opening scene until the last scene of the play, that prince Hal and Hotspur are constantly contrasted. Shakespeare uses Prince Hal and Hotspur's characters to show how much more superior Prince Hal is as a leader of men than Hotspur is. Shakespeare portrays Hotspur as somewhat of a one-dimensional character, whereas he portrays Prince Hal in a different way, but as a complex, multi-dimensional leader. Falstaff is presented in the sub-plot as a counterpoint to this heroic contrast between the Prince and Hotspur. Shakespeare uses Falstaff mainly for comedic effect. The play mixes history and comedy, moving from engaging scenes involving Kings and battles to scenes involving Kings and battles to scenes involving tavern life. In Henry IV there are several plots that intersect, including the tension between Prince Hal and his Father, the rebellion of the Percy family and the prince's tavern life. All three of these elements are drawn together in the final battle scene in Act 5. We see in Act 1, Scene 1 that Hotspur is portrayed as a direct contrast to Prince Hal, as Hotspur is called the "gallant Hotspur" and has helped defeat the Scots and won a

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  • Level: AS and A Level
  • Subject: English
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Close analysis of Act III of Henry IV

Close analysis of Act III of Henry IV The scene begins in a very sombre mood, as Henry is disappointed because of his son's lacking in royal and leadership skills. As Hal had anticipated Henry begins to lecture him. Henry tries to provoke Hal by making his current lifestyle sound very common and not at all fit for a prince. He says things like 'such poor, such bare, such lewd, such mean attempts, such barren pleasures, rude society'. Henry is saying this to try and provoke Hal to make him say that he will stop behaving like this and start acting like the Prince of Wales. But what he eventually says is even better. Hal says that he has acted badly but he is sure that he can redeem himself. Hal says that the rumours that Henry has heard are not as bad as they seem and that he has not been acting his true self. Now Henry expresses his worries about Hal's behaviour but particularly about the state. Once again Henry tries to provoke his son. He says how Hal's younger brother has to take his place in council. Then he says that Hal has lost all his dignity and it will be his downfall. Henry says that to be truly admired by your people you have to be exclusive. If Henry had acted like a commoner and not hidden himself from the common people, when he did come into the public then adults and children would not awe at him. He was exclusive. Then he talks of the 'skipping

  • Word count: 623
  • Level: AS and A Level
  • Subject: English
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