The contrast between Hotspur and Hal is the main theme in Henry IV part one.
English Coursework The contrast between Hotspur and Hal is the main theme in Henry IV part one and creates an enthralling play. Hal and Hotspur are total opposites in some ways but when examined more closely one sees that their moral values are the same. They are both ambitious and determined to succeed but only one can prevail. At the beginning of the play Henry IV draws a clear contrast between Hotspur and his son, whose reputation is sullied by "riot and dishonour". The king then goes so far as to wish they had been exchanged when infants, so strongly does he feel the difference between them. There are many examples of the way that the two cannot exist at the same time. Hal and Hotspur are both heroes who want to win. Falstaff is the other main character in the play. Falstaff has a totally different view on honour to that of Hotspur. This is shown in Act II when Falstaff runs away from the two robbers, he values his safety much more than his reputation. Hotspur would never think about doing anything like that he would prefer to fight. In between these two extreme ideas of honour is Hal Throughout the play Shakespeare juxtaposes from one scene to another. One scene may be very solemn and serious and then the next scene amusing. For instance Act II scene iii is not one of merriment and mirth, Hotspur talks about the rebellion and how serious it is getting. The next scene,
Comment on and analyse the role of women in the King Richard 3rd?
King Richard III Comment on and analyse the role of women in the play? King Richard III is a play that has many roles for each character. Shakespeare uses these roles as a way of giving reasons for characters doing what they do along with explaining why things are happening throughout the play. Shakespeare gives the women a number of roles in the play although the play is not about women as such. The women's roles include; power, conscience, fate, grief and revealing the truth about Richard. The societal roles women would have had at that time are also reflected in their dramatic roles. Shakespeare uses women as scapegoats mainly for Richard so that no one will blame him for the trouble that has happened or for the wrong doings like the imprisonments and murders. In this case Richard is blaming the queen for her husband and his brother, King Edward for imprisoning their brother, Clarence. For example, (1:1, lines 62-64) "Richard: Why, this is when men are rules by women, 'Tis not the king that sends you to the Tower, My Lady Grey, his wife, Clarence, 'tis she..." This shows that Richard does not think very highly of women, as he mocks their positions especially Elizabeth as she is Queen and blames them for things that couldn't possible be their fault like in this case Clarence's death. Shakespeare does this to show that men, especially ones that are in power, think that
HOW FAR DO YOU AGREE WITH THE VIEW THAT IN HENRY IV THE PRESENT IS ALWAYS OVERWHELMED BY THE PAST
HOW FAR DO YOU AGREE WITH THE VIEW THAT IN HENRY IV THE PRESENT IS ALWAYS OVERWHELMED BY THE PAST EXPLAIN CLEARLY HOW THE PLAY PRESENTS THE INFLUENCE OF PAST EVENTS AND COMMENT ON THE HOW THE PLAY ATTEMPTS TO ESCAPE THE PAST The play 'King Henry IV' revolves around a central plotline spanning a vast period of time encompassing numerous significant events. All of these events, however small, play a key role in the development of the characters as well as the themes within the play. The idea that in coming to power King Henry IV seized the crown, overruling the divine right of kings, is central to the constant theme of corruption and fear which runs throughout the plot. One of the main themes present is the journey from adolescence to maturity. Prince Hal is clearly a wayward character, seemingly dangerously close to losing his right to rule. It would appear that his association with characters such as Falstaff and Poins have nothing but negative implications. This is a key example of an escape from the past into a new future. Hal is attempting to break away from the grasp of Falstaff and his tarnished past into a future of glory, maturity and strong leadership. The idea that in fact past events can have a positive effect is then developed. In a conversation with the King, Warwick states that 'the Prince but studies his companions like a strange tongue, wherein, to gain the
To what extent does Falstaffs role transcend that of a buffon in henry IV part 1
Falstaff's role undoubtedly transcends that of a buffoon however Falstaff is also portrayed as an anarchic spirit, ready to defy any rules in order to satisfy his own appetites. Falstaff's extrovert character therefore has an inevitable affect on Hals later decisions. Shakespeare portrays Falstaff as an enormous paradox. He is a huge man, who is so quick witted and so deft at manipulating language that he remains eternally elusive. He is quick to use others and has no sense of honesty, yet he gives and inspires great affection in those around him. He is a relatively old man, yet he refuses to admit the fact. He is a knight of the realm, yet acknowledges no sense that being a knight requires of him any decorum, loyalty, or respectable behaviour. He is an enormously selfish man, but he brings out of others some of their best qualities of wit, good fellowship, and conversation. It is Possible that Shakespeare wants us to interpret Falstaff as some sort of Lord of Misrule, a figure of irrepressible energy and joyousness in life who exists as a counter to the necessary order and stability in political society. And it may well be the case that Falstaff's theatrical origins include many such figures such as the Kings of the Harvest Festivals where the rules of order are temporarily suspended in the name of communal celebrations free of normal restraints. But we must be careful not
How far do you agree that the ending of Henry IV (part 2) is more tragic than triumphant?
Jan 2006 (a) How far do you agree that the ending of Henry IV (part 2) is more tragic than triumphant? In the course of your answer: * Explain clearly how Shakespeare presents the ending of the play; * Comment on what the play suggests about the significance of Hal's becoming King. The ending of Henry IV Part 2 can be seen as more tragic than triumphant. We can look at Falstaff to try and answer this question as to whether the play is seen to be more tragic than triumphant. Falstaff is portrayed as a comical character which the audience sympathises with, when Hal rejects Falstaff and leaves him with little it shows us that the audience can see Henry Iv part 2 ending with as tragic. However, some people may argue that the ending may be triumphant for Hal as by rejecting Falstaff he is getting rid of immoral vices which shows us that he can become a great King. Shakespeare presents the ending as Falstaff having all hope in become a great man with wealth as Hal is now going to become King of England. However, this situation doesn't occur as he is banished from being part of the court. From this it shows us that Hal has matured and that England has potential to turn into a properous country and the disease which was created by the politics of the court would disappear. As Henry IV held this disease and guilt from taking the crown from Richard II it showed us that England
Richard III, explore the way Shakespeare shapes an audience's response to Richard
English Literature AS Coursework: explore the way Shakespeare shapes an audience's response to Richard Jess Lawson 'I am determined to prove a villain' (Act 1, Sc. 1). Spoken by Richard (Duke of Gloucester at this point in the play) only 30 lines into Shakespeare's depiction of the tragedy of Richard III, I believe that this quotation is one of the many prime examples of how Richard's words deeply affect us as his audience. Because Shakespeare gives us - unlike any of the characters - the privilege to study Richard throughout the play, we are consequently able to witness his plans and characteristics -- some evident from the moment we are introduced to him; some for only certain characters to see; and some for the audience alone to observe. Nevertheless, our everchanging relationship with Richard allows us to see him in every possible light: his conflicting, complex character is how Shakespeare shapes the audience's response. Richard III opens with Richard's first soliloquy - his first encounter with the audience. The fact that Shakespeare chose to begin the play with Richard speaking directly to the audience, and no-one else, proves how significant it is that the audience are the first to be able to react to Richard's actions and words. Our first impressions of Richard do not specifically develop during the first few lines of his speech;
who in your opinion is the true hero of Henry the fourth part 1
Who in your opinion is the true hero of the play? Explore the ways in which it is fair to say Hal is the true hero of the play. In Henry IV debatably the main character of the play is Hal, the son of Henry IV. Hal is disliked by his father but earns back his right to the crown through the events of the play. Hotspur could also be viewed as the plays true hero; he is the leader of the rebellion and the enemy of the king. However my view is that Hal is the true hero of the play because he ultimately wins over Hotspur and corrects his flaws. Traditionally a hero is defined as mighty, filled with positive attributes, but also flawed, examples of this derive from Greek mythology, men such as Achilles, who's flaw was his heel. And Hercules who's flaw was the love for his girlfriend. Both Hal and Hotspur are worthy of the label of the traditional hero. However because Hal recognises his flaws and conquers them, 'so when this loose behaviour I throw off', (Act 1 Scene 3, line196) he sporns a new, modern breed of heroic character. Hotspur is better suited to the traditional hero. This is why I believe that Hal is the true hero of the play, the audience also link success with heroism and this boosts Hal's popularity. To begin with Hal suffers from an abundant amount of criticism from his father, 'see riot and dishonor stain the brow of my young Harry', (Act 1 Scene 1, line 84)
The Importance of the Conflict and Resolution in King Henry IV Part I
The Importance of the Conflict and Resolution in King Henry IV Part I The conflict and resolution of a play are its most important features. The conflict is the opposition of forces that ties one event to another and makes the plot move. Without conflict there can be no plot and hence there can be no drama. The resolution or denouement is the tying up of 'looses ends'. This plays an important role also as it is vital that all the unresolved issues be 'cleared up' before the ending of the play. There are two types of conflicts- external and internal conflicts. According to Spudgirl, "King Henry IV Part I centres on a core theme of conflict between order and disorder". This is indeed true, as conflict is pivotal in this genre. The exposition of the play centres on conflict its opening lines, "So shaken as we are, so wan with care", uttered by King Henry, exemplifies both types of conflict. The first type of conflict, i.e., the external conflict is reflected in these lines. England is undergoing civil war and this conflict brings out the political and social setting of the play. "The political instability stems from the very manner in which Henry acquired the throne"- Kaston. It is ironic that even though Henry has attained the throne he is unable to unify the country. The exposition also focuses on Henry's inner conflict. The very first lines he uttered in scene one, is an
Taking into consideration of the language and structure of the play, how would you direct a stage version of Act 1 of Richard III?
Taking into consideration of the language and structure of the play, how would you direct a stage version of Act 1 of Richard III? Richard III is definitely a play that needs to be looked at in depth. Shakespeare has so many themes and ideas running through the play when directing a stage version the director needs to take this into account. Shakespeare shows the importance of his themes and ideas through the structure and the languages used. For this essay I will be focusing on Act 1 in particular. In the opening we are introduced to Richard and are given a basic history and background, that there has been war and now it is over. "Now is the winter of our discontent / Made glorious summer by this son of York." Shakespeare started the play in this way because of the 'equilibrium'; everything is neutral, war is over and there is peace. Shakespeare seems to suggest urgency the 'Now' indicates he wants attention, he has authority. And yet we get this opposition between 'winter' and 'summer', which suggests a fight with himself and for his identity. The use of natural imagery introduces the idea of nature vs. nurture, here Shakespeare is already asking whether Richard is naturally a villain, or whether his strives to be one. Therefore when Richard first comes on stage I would have him take his time to come to the centre front, to contradict the urgency that he wants when he
Significance of soliloquies and asides in Richard III with reference to Richard's character
In Richard III, Shakespeare uses soliloquies and asides as a mode of expressing the otherwise internal thought process of a character. They represent dialogues between the mind of the character and the audience and create a sense of intimacy between them as the audience is given access to the internal world of the characters and are able to keep track of and understand the series of events in the play. As a result, soliloquies and asides play a very significant role as they provide the audience with information such as vital background information, straightforward declarations of intent and future plans. They also help to convey a theme, or heighten the tragedy of the play. Asides are particularly used by villains such as Richard to reveal both their schemes and their fraudulence to the audience. As such, it plays a key role in Richard's character development throughout the play, revealing to us his evil nature and deceitful plots. Act 1 Scene 1 opens with Richard's most important, first soliloquy. He starts by taking up the role of a narrator and filling us in on some background information relevant to the story-line of the play so that we will be able to better understand the plot and the cause of his actions. He speaks of his family's victory in the fight against Henry VI and tells us that his brother Edward, who has recently ascended the throne, is now living the high