With close reference to dramatic methods, discuss Shakespeares portrayal of Hotspur in Act 1 of the play.

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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.

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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 Percy family. In this particular scene, especially with Hotspurs tone of voice, ...

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