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
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
A comparison (up to the end of Act 3) of the 'courts' of Henry IV and his son Prince Harry
A comparison (up to the end of Act 3) of the 'courts' of Henry IV and his son Prince Harry Shakespeare's Henry IV part 1 deals with a Scottish challenge to the throne of King Henry IV led by Henry Percy ("Hotspur") who was the son of the Earl of Northumberland. But it also deals with the differences of the lives at which the King and his son live, and how they differ in the time of need. In this essay I shall be carrying out a comparison of the 'courts' of Henry IV and his son, Price Henry, also named as Hal. When I mention 'courts', I am describing the area of which a monarch conducts all aspects of their business, but also the inhabitants of it. The outcome I am aiming to produce is to show how the two inhabitants of different courts come together when they are needed by each other. I shall start with a comparison of the settings of the two courts. The setting of the King's court is of many great places in which he conducts his business, such as discussions of rebellion and how to keep the country at peace. These are very prestigious and modern (in the set era) rooms and areas which would allow a select few to enter. Surrounded by high quality goods and paintings, these courts would be very solemn. They would be used for their sole purpose only, and any unneeded acts would rarely commence. Examples of this are shown, not only in the BBC Broadcast of the book, but also in
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,
Discuss Shakespeare's portrayal of Hal in Henry IV Part One.
Discuss Shakespeare's portrayal of Hal in Henry IV Part One Shakespeare wrote 10 history plays in all, 8 of these make up a series of 2 tetralogies, or sets of 4 plays each. Placing them in chronicle order, the metrologies are: (1) Richard II, Henry IV part 1, Henry IV part 2, and Henry V, (2) Henry VI part 1, Henry VI part 2, Henry VI part 3, and Richard III. Henry I part 1 was written in 1596-1597, and was and still is one of the most popular Shakespeare plays ever written. The reason it is not so popular as other plays such as Romeo and Juliet (tragedy) and Taming of the shrew (comedy) is that it is a history play. Contrary to popular belief history plays are not completely historic and do contain main humorous and romantic scenes, characters and settings. An example of this is Falstaff, adored and loved by audiences in both past and prescence. He was so popular that another 2 plays were wrote about him. (Henry IV part 2 and Merry Wives of Windsor) Although Shakespeare wished to the play as close to the historical truth as possible he also had to make sure that he did not upset the Tudors in doing so. He must infact be careful to praise the Tudors. Elizabeth was in reign and so if he had upset the queen in any way there could have been a severe price to pay. After Edward III died, his successor Richard II took over. He was later murdered and it was thought that
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
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
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)
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