In what ways did the dual Kingship of Sparta reflect (or perpetuate) other aspects of Spartan society?
In what ways did the dual Kingship of Sparta reflect (or perpetuate) other aspects of Spartan society? Sparta, as countless others scholars have noted, was a world apart from the other poleis in Ancient Greece in its customs. It was one of the few poleis to retain a Kingship, and as doubly odd to have had a Dyarchy - two Kings reigning simultaneously, one each from the Agiad and Eurypontid lines respectively. Is it possible, in fact, that this strange royal partnership reflected and maybe even in some way fuelled the peculiar habits of Lacedaemonian society? I wish to explore the nature of the Kings role in the Spartan constitution, their role in Spartan religion and their powers commanding the army. I will also explore their role in diplomacy. The concept that we have of archaic monarchs (in this case, dyarchs), especially many of those during the Hellenistic era (like Phillip II & Alexander I of Macedon, the Great Kings of Persia and later on into history) is that of absolute control and to check that power. In Sparta, it was a very different affair (Cartledge, 1987: 17; 2001: 57). Perhaps a very basic point, but something that reflected the overall ethos of Laconian society was the deemed seniority of the Agiad line (Hdt. 6. 51; Cartledge, 1987: 23, 100). This echoed throughout Spartan society; where the Spartan youth were tutored to obey their elders. The two Kings
Comment on the significance of Act 3 Scene 7 in what it suggests about kingship Henry, Society and the nature of war.
Comment on the significance of Act 3 Scene 7 in what it suggests about kingship Henry, Society and the nature of war. Henry V was written by William Shakespeare in the 1590's. In Act 3 Scene 6, the English have captured Harfleur and are on their way to Calais. Henry and his army are battle worn. In this scene the audience is introduced to the conflict between Henry's public side and his private side as a human being. This scene portrays Henry in various ways. Firstly, as a model king, Henry cannot display any signs of weakness or appear flexible. However, Shakespeare implies that Henry loses his temper by portraying him as speaking in prose. This lack of verse brings him down to the same level as Bardolph and the other base characters. Henry does not acknowledge knowing Bardolph even after he has been named by Fluellen: 'We would have all such offenders so cut off'. This statement suggests that Henry is trying to control his emotions and appear in a professional manner. Also, Henry justifies his reasons for punishing Bardolph to Fluellen; 'And/We give express charge, that in our marches through the country, there be nothing compelled from the village.' A model king should not have to justify his actions to his subjects as this suggests disloyalty and distrust. Friendship is portrayed in this scene also, in Pistol's plea for Bardolph's life. Fortune is Bardolph's foe''.
In Macbeth , we are presented with two reigning Kings of Scotland : Duncan and Macbeth . What do we learn of Shakespeare's attitude to kingship from his potrayal of these two monarchs ?
Petar Kaljevic The Coursework In Macbeth , we are presented with two reigning Kings of Scotland : Duncan and Macbeth . What do we learn of Shakespeare's attitude to kingship from his potrayal of these two monarchs ? It is obvious that Shakespeare was very religious man , from an old English family . He believed in the 'Divine right of Kings' . He also thought that the King was a holy person , something special with unnatural powers . Like a saint . Killing the King would be a diseaster becouse you would basicaly disobey the God's will . For Shakespeare the King wasn't just an ordinary person . He was like a prophet , sent from the God to spread the wisdom and knowledge . To judge and give crucial decisions for the good of the people and kindom . It would be unholy act to kill the King . Shakespeare described Duncan as the perfect King who would never even dream of doing something bad . Duncan is described in the book as a 'most sainted king' , the man who is honest , wise and good in heart . But unfortunely for him , he is too good and his goodness killed him . Duncan rewarded his best soldier Macbeth , but he didn't know that same Macbeth would turn against him "Thou art so far before , that swiftest wing of recompense is slow to overtake thee ." Here we see that the King Duncan rewards even his worst enemies , and that prooves that
William Shakespeare who had already written numerous plays on the subject of kingship wrote Macbeth in 1605/6.
Edward Shrager English coursework - 14th December 2003 William Shakespeare who had already written numerous plays on the subject of kingship wrote Macbeth in 1605/6. This play is a tragedy, much like that of Hamlet, which depicts the murder of a King and all the consequences that follow such a crime. This play was performed before King James VI of Scotland, I of Great Britain, who came to the English throne in 1603. There are all sorts of issues that can be drawn from this fact such as, King James had a fascination with witchcraft, which suggests that Macbeth might have been centred around witches to please the King. Shakespeare spent a lot of his time writing about Kings, especially English ones. The quotation is from Act IV, iii where Malcolm, son of Duncan, is testing Macduff to see whether he is a traitor or not and then, once it is established that Macduff is on Malcolm's side, they start to plan how they are going to fight Macbeth. The quotation is a list of qualities that Malcolm says a King should have. Then he goes on to say that he has none of these qualities, but this is all part of the trickery he is playing on Macduff. Malcolm knows that Macduff is truthful to him because Malcolm says that he would not have one tyrant, Macbeth, replaced with another, Malcolm, which shows that Macduff is loyal to Scotland, therefore Malcolm, the rightful King, and not Macbeth.
"Remember what Huey Long said - "Every Man is a King!" - Explain how Stanley had his control, how he has had his kingship challenged and how he is trying to re-establish his control.
"Remember what Huey Long said - "Every Man is a King!" Explain how Stanley had his control, how he has had his kingship challenged and how he is trying to re-establish his control. In the opening of "A Street Car Named Desire" by Tennessee Williams, we are presented with a stereotypical presentation of a husband and wife. However, during the duration of the play, we see how Stanley changes from being in control, to loosing his control and using desperate measures to regain a higher status. In Scene 1 the impression the audience gets about Stanley is that he is in control over his wife. The first time the audience sees him, he "bellows" at Stella and Stella "mildly" talks back to him, showing Stanley's higher status. Stanley also "hurls" a meaty package at Stella, showing his masculine power that he possesses. Stella, in contrast, is the one that waits for Stanley. The first time we see Stella and Stanley together, Stanley has gone to find Stella rather than the other way round. This gives the audience the impression that Stella is almost a stay at home wife to Stanley. When Blanche and Stanley first meet, it is easy to see that Stanley feels as if he has control. He "starts to remove his shirt" in front of Blanche when he has first met her, indicating his confidence and his high status attitude. A small indication that Stanley's "kingship" is being challenged is show in
'Henry V constantly refuses to accept responsibility for his actions. He has yet to mature and shows no understanding about the true nature of kingship'. How far do you agree with this judgment of Henry?
'Henry V constantly refuses to accept responsibility for his actions. He has yet to mature and shows no understanding about the true nature of kingship'. How far do you agree with this judgment of Henry? By the end of 'Henry V', Henry seems to be a transformed person. From a king who is being manipulated from all sides, he leads his country to win a seemingly impossible war against France. On the other hand, this does not mean that he is a model king because there are many instances in the play when he shows that his real character is contrary to this. Once the war starts, Henry does not regret his decision to go to war and more importantly; accepts that it was his own decision that England is now at war. This is shown in Act 3, Scene 1 where Henry is motivating his army by saying things like "Stiffen the sinews, conjure up the blood" and "Cry, 'God for Harry, England and Saint George!'". Here, he is trying to improve the performance of his army and increasing their morale at the same time. Henry uses strong verbs such as "stiffen", "conjure" and "cry" to increase the effect of his overall speech, which encourages the army to do the actions at that moment instead of doing them in the battle. On the other hand, in Act 4, Scene 1, whilst Henry is reflecting on being a king, he breaks down. He does not want to be held responsible for what happens to his soldiers. He says "We
Explore the theme of kingship in Macbeth and comment on the social, historical and philosophical ideas that shape the plays content
Explore the theme of kingship in Macbeth and comment on the social, historical and philosophical ideas that shape the plays content By Andrew Scuoler 5 Fisher 27/10/02' In the play Macbeth, it was accepted that there was a natural order and hierarchy in everything. People believed that God had power over all beings, that the King had power over humans, and that humans had power over the animals. The King was thought to have been especially appointed by God and only God could remove him from his position. Regicide would have been thought a most terrible and sacrilegious crime, because killing the King meant doing a great wrong against God himself. Not only was regicide sinning against God, it meant disrupting the natural order and stability. By tampering with nature in such a way brings chaos and after Duncan has been murdered strange things start to happen, "A falcon tow'ring in her pride of place Was by a mousing owl hawk'd at and killed." From the outset, the political instability is reflected by the ominous "thunder and lightening" as the witches cast their spells. As Kings were divinely chosen, they represented God, had absolute power over Scotland and ruled without consulting a parliament. Not only were they political leaders, they were religious leaders also. As they were appointed by God, their decisions were considered to be divinely inspired
Macbeth" is a political and dramatic play although, it has more political elements to it such as, the lady's role in that time (Lady Macbeth's role is quite a significant political issue in the play), kingship
Macbeth Essay "Macbeth" is a political and dramatic play although, it has more political elements to it such as, the lady's role in that time (Lady Macbeth's role is quite a significant political issue in the play), kingship, and the natural order. It is this political ambience rather than the dramatic elements of the play, that increases it's relevance to today's society. In this essay, as well as stating my points on why "Macbeth" is more political than dramatic, I will also analyse the dramatic elements involved, which add excitement to the play. Initially, we see that Macbeth's desire for fame and power is at odds, as is his desire for his wife's respect and his conscience. This is illustrated when he gives into her intimidating and manipulative ways, and murders King Duncan (a guest in his castle) in order to acquire the throne for himself. Shakespeare portrays Lady Macbeth as a character who survives on being in control of other people and is a temptress, similar to the biblical character Eve and when not manipulating others Lady Macbeth breaks down and commits suicide realizing her own weaknesses and guilt There is a clear resemblance with Lady Macbeth and Macbeth and Adam and Eve. Lady Macbeth being the temptress who convinces her husband and tries to persuade and manipulate him by challenging him in his pride and stating all the good and positive points on
How does Shakespeare show the qualities of kingship in Henry V
Shakespeare Essay... 'If we are marked to die, we are enow.' These are the famous words spoken by the great king Henry V, the man who could audaciously face death as if there was nothing to it. The person who could captivate the heart of the enemy of England's daughter. But this is nothing compared to the great feats he got up to, not in the battle but the day before- St. Crispin's day. It is one day before the battle, all the kings men are looking forlorn, and have their minds already set upon death. It'll need an intellectual and witty leader to change their minds. Henry V at this stage does two things, firstly he takes a risk so big that the whole country depends on it, 'that he which hath no stomach to this fight, let him depart; his passport shall be made...' Secondly he knows this risk is effective as it brings the true colours out of people. If anyone does decide to leave it shows their cowardice and cowering self. The men have too much pride to accept this proposal of his, even the common and lowlife folk. This actually makes them think again. From here we learn that Henry is quite a bit of a thinker, as a calculated risk of this calibre requires some deep thinking-ahead. Another memorable act that the great king does in this day is that he has the ability to make a negative argument have two positive outcomes. This is done when he doesn't have enough men. He tells
Hamlet has been viewed as a "power struggle" for political gain. Discuss this view of the play giving special consideration to the question of kingship and the suitability of Claudius and Hamlet as leaders of the Danish State.
Hamlet has been viewed as a "power struggle" for political gain. Discuss this view of the play giving special consideration to the question of kingship and the suitability of Claudius and Hamlet as leaders of the Danish State The theme of kingship and ruling in Hamlet is complicated, and it might be valid to argue that Shakespeare to all intents and purposes drops them in favour of the concentration on Hamlet's psyche. It is further complicated by Denmark's system of having the new king approved by Council (something that goes way back into the midst of Viking time). Shakespeare is aware of this - it is why Claudius is confirmed as King rather than Hamlet as the direct successor, with a regent if under age. However, Shakespeare seems to have otherwise seen Hamlet as the direct heir - in other words, treated him after this as if he was to be the next king. This is confirmed by Fortinbras, who was quite clearly expecting Hamlet to eventually rule. "Bear Hamlet like a soldier to the stage; For he was likely, had he been put on, To have proved most royal;" I think it is reasonable to state that any audience has the understanding that Hamlet is the heir-apparent. The Danish public supports this notion in the play and Claudius realizes this. In Act 4, Scene 7, Lines 19 and 20 Claudius admits this to Laertes. "Why to a public count I might not go, Is the great love the
