All Power Corrupts

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"All power corrupts" : Compare Shakespeare's presentation of power in Henry V and Julius Caesar in light of this view The idea that all power corrupts is presented in both Henry Henry V and Julius Caesar with a certain degree of variation - the focus of this essay. In the case of Julius Caesar , Shakespeare presents power as a central theme to the play. The title character of the play, Caesar, is depicted as a man who is engulfed by it. This is seen in Act 1 Scene 2 when Antony says of Caesar , 'When Caesar says, 'Do this' , it is performed'. This shows the control he has over his men and also gives a strong idea of who is in power at this early point in the play . Here arises a similarity with Henry V . In king Henry's first scene , Shakespeare presents the protagonist in an equally respected way. This is seen in Act 1 Scene 2 when Canterbury says, 'God and his angels guard your sacred throne , and make you long become it .' The use of "sacred" together with the support of the church show that Henry is a greatly powerful and respected man. Furthermore , the character who says this is a powerful a man himself which emphasises Henry's level of authority. This is also the case in Julius Caesar with Caesar's relationship with Antony.In both cases Shakespeare's presentation of power establishes a firm base for means of corruption. Firstly, Shakespeare presents power as being corrupting in Henry V. This can be seen in Act 4 Scene 7 when Henry says,' Then every soldier kill his prisoners.' This is against the code of conduct and is a change from the chivalrous King seen at the beginning of the play. Moreover, by Shakespeare's presentation of Henry's actions here towards the prisoners it could be deduced that Henry has become corrupted by his lust for power. Henry's change in character does not go unnoticed as is even in Act 4 Scene 7 when Llewellyn says , " Tis as
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