From the outset, Richard makes his evil intent clear, noting cynically and declaratively “Since I cannot prove a lover … I am determined to prove a villain,” revealing that power itself has not corrupted him, but the desire for it. It is clear that Richard is aware of his destruction of the Great Chain of Being, when he alludes to the concept, euphemistically noting “God take King Edward
His ideas are deemed “dangerous,” “hare-brained,” and “uncertain” confirming that honour is not confined to valorous fighting. It is thus Hal who emerges as an optimal marriage of courage, intelligence and connection to the people. Encapsulating the best of both societies, Hal earns ‘grace’ and a ‘princely tongue’ as he grows into the archetypal leader England requires. Defeating his nemesis Hotspur in battle, Hotspur’s final words “thy wound my thoughts worse than thy sword my flesh,” which exacerbate his incompetence as he values honour, an intangible concept, above his own livelihood. Contrasting Hotspur’s desolate view of life and humanity, Hal remarks “two stars keep not their motion in one sphere” identifying his values, and leadership superior to that of Hotspurs, as he
Claudius as a Machiavellian Prince. The Prince, by Niccolo Machiavelli, is a ‘how-to-guide’ for individuals on the quest for power. It teaches of attaining positions of power and maintaining them. Machiavelli diverts from the divine christian incorruptibility stance on leadership to a more mortal and realistic one. In his view, the end to political instability justifies the means no matter how shady they may be.
This allegiance derives the King's authority from his inheritance and the common knowledge that this is the way the political order in the country should be determined. Henry has substituted this for his own power and become king, not from any legitimate, traditional claim but simply because he has a military superiority over the legitimate king and the desire to get rid of Richard. The usurpation of Richard II leads to serious repercussions such as an uprising of Welsh supporters of the slain King against Henry IV. However, the play additionally investigates the theme of honor and the character development of Prince Hal. The following essay will detail how far "Henry IV Part One" is a play that explores the consequences and civil
SHAKESPEARE ASSIGNMENT NOTION OF HONOUR IN HENRY IV PART 1 Henry IV part 1 by Shakespeare is one of his history plays. It is set in the rule of King Henry IV (previously known as Henry Bolingbrook, who became king by overthrowing Richard II). He is musing on the current state of affairs in his kingdom and the unrest. King Henry worries that there is a chance for an uprising and hence, he cannot travel to the holy lands. Nathaniel Vincent in his speech addressed to the King defines honour for us.
Julius Caesar dismissed the multiple warnings to beware the Ides of March. Consequently, a group of conspirators sent daggers through the body of the ancient Roman leader. All these conspirators conspired and executed their plan due to selfish and jealous motives, excluding the play’s tragic hero. In William Shakespeare’s Julius Caesar, Brutus fulfills the role of the tragic hero because he possesses qualities of a good person, and he has a sense of commitment. Through words and actions William Shakespeare paints the picture that Brutus is a virtuous individual who believes in and stands by certain moral traits.
He wanted to rule his country, a perfectly sane and moral goal. His intentions went sour throughout his journey, however, when he came to the conclusion that in order to control the kingdom, he must kill Duncan, then Banquo along with Fleance, and finally the Macduff family. One would think, if reading just the facts of these murderous plans, that Macbeth is pure of evil intentions and destructive measures. However,
Olivia Almeida Mr. Wilson ENG 3U1 30 March 2015 Betrayal and Ambition in Shakespeare’s Macbeth Discovering that somebody one trusted has in fact betrayed them “pulls the reality rug from under their feet” (Amodeo 2014). Furthermore, many believe ambition can be satisfied, as long as one is willing to pay the price (Ghaemi 2008). Despite the fact, ambition being the puppet master of betrayal has been a concept questioned by many. Taken from Jean Renoir, he asks, “is it possible to succeed without any act of betrayal?”. In William Shakespeare’s Macbeth, the characters prove that ambition is indeed responsible for the treachery and treason that is committed.
The catch was that his brother Dunstan knew about it, and as such, constantly blackmailed Godfrey over it, as shown by this quote said by Dunstan, “I’m so easy and good-natured. You’ll take any trouble for me.
The quote “[…] Well, then, Legitimate Edgar. I must have your land: Our father’s love is to the bastard Edmund […]” explains and shows Edmund committing his immoral action towards his father and brother. Near the end of the play “Thou hast spoken right, ‘tis true; The wheel is come full circle: I am here.” then goes on to explain to us that ‘the wheel of fortune’ has turned and justice been served to Edmund for his immoral action. Evidently both Goneril and Regan commit the immoral act of taking advantage of their father’s age and taking everything they can, “The best and soundest of his time hath been but rash; then must we look to receive from his age” . Ultimately justice is served upon both and they end up dead.