Analyse the Function of the Word 'Love' in Edward Ii.

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Analyse the function of the word 'love' in Edward II. Throughout the play Edward II, the word ‘love’ is one that is commonly used and is certainly a theme that recurs in varying forms. It comes to serve a different purpose depending on which character is using it, and its’ actual meaning changes depending on the function of which of the characters are intending to use it. As I shall explore in this essay, the ‘love’ portrayed between Gaveston to Edward and vice versa, is very different to the ‘love’ shown by Isabella towards Edward for example. The play opens with Gaveston reading a letter written to him by Edward, informing him that he can now return to the kingdom following the death of Edward I. What we obtain from this opening speech from Gaveston, is that there is some form of an amorous relationship between himself and Edward II. Before we even see the use of the word ‘love’, Gaveston pours his heart out to the reader regarding Edward; “What greater bliss…than be the favourite of a king?”. He also compares himself to Leander, who according to the notes in the play was a “mythological lover who swam Hellespont nightly to visit Hero at Sestos and was ultimately drowned”. This is an interesting comparison because Marlowe might be foreshadowing here, what will happen to Gaveston later on in the play; that he dies for loving Edward. So in this speech, Gaveston establishes his feelings for Edward, and the first time we actually see the word ‘love’ used, is when Gaveston is justifying his reasoning for returning to London. He says ‘Not that I love the city or the men, But that it harbours him I hold so dear’. His reasons for return are not for anything other than his compassion for Edward. Ultimately, we never really establish the true nature of Gaveston and Edward’s love for each other. Whether it is in a truly platonic way where they purely love each other’s

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