Playing a Part Is the Only Way to Gain Power in Henry Iv Part 1

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“Thou art not what thou seemest” Playing a part is the only way to gain power in Henry IV part 1 In William Shakespeare’s, King Henry Part 1, role playing and he act of being a counterfeit aid key characters in their success. The 16th century play, written for an Elizabethan audience clandestinely address the vital question of the qualities and characteristics that the next leader of England should have as the 64 year old “virgin queen Elizabeth” had no close relatives. Shakespeare shows that sometimes people are not what they seem through all the major characters and shows the direction in which the modern world is heading. Calculative and deceiving behaviour are often the traits of the modern man, which can help them to succeed. Power is a privilege and should only be given to those who can handle it. The act of counterfeit can often hinder success. King Henry himself rose to the thrown with help from the Percy’s as he “stole all the courtesy from heaven” and broke Richard’s “divine right” to being King. Although he is successful in gaining power, because of its illegitimacy, Henry struggles to use his this effectively. As he suggests to Hal, he wants to be “like a comet” to be seen on a rare basis to be “wondered at” by his subjects. This illegitimacy effects his reign as it causes instability within the royal court. This is seen from the very beginning of the play as Henry wants to “crusade the holy land” to find a common enemy within the court, to take the focus off him. This instability is on the of the main factors that starts the rebellion. Both Worcester and Northumberland had much power before Henry’s overthrow, but are now put into a position where they have very little. Once their part in disposing of Richard II took place, all the power they had was lost. They were unsuccessful in their quest for power by playing roles. Henry can be seen playing

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