 Support the Monkey! Tell All your Friends and Teachers |
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Support the Monkey! Tell All your Friends and Teachers |
Table of Contents Act I, SCENE 2 The scene is set at Sandal Castle with Edward, Richard and Montague. York's sons Richard and Edward and brother Montague are arguing over who is entitled to the crown of England. When the Duke of York enters and inquires what the quarrel is about, Edward replies that it is not a quarrel but a slight contention or dispute about the crown. Richard says that the crown is York's, but York replies that it will be so only after the King's death. Edward warns his father that if the house of Lancaster is given much time, they might overtake them and deprive them of their title to the crown. He advises his father to enjoy the crown now. York says that he has taken an oath but Edward replies that breaking an oath for a kingdom is not a sin, and he would break a thousand oaths to reign one year. Richard says that an oath will be valid only if it is taken before a true and lawful magistrate. He suggests that York win the crown by arms and makes him aware of the pleasant feeling one has while wearing a crown and of the bliss and joy it will bring to the wearer. Richard says he cannot rest until the white rose that he is wearing is dyed by the lukewarm blood of Henry's heart. York agrees and says he will be king or die. He sends Montague to Warwick in London and Richard to the Duke of Norfolk to tell them their plans. A messenger arrives and coveys the news that the queen along with twenty thousand men have come to besiege York in his castle. York asks Edward and Richard to stay with him and sends Montague to London, to win the favor of the noble Warwick. York's uncles enter and express their willingness to face the Queen in the field. When York expresses dismay at the size of the queen's army, Richard makes a disparaging remark about the general being a woman. York is appeased and becomes optimistic and confident that they will win. Notes The scene begins with an argument between York's sons Edward and Richard over the crown of England. When York inquires what the quarrel is about, they reply that it is not a quarrel but a contention or dispute about the crown. York says that the crown will be his only after the King's death. This shows that York is attempting to of keep his promise, but his sons dissuade him from the rightful path and tempt him with the possibility of bliss that kingship will give him. Edward says breaking an oath for a kingdom is not a sin, and he is ready to break a thousand oaths to reign on year. This shows his ruthless nature and his ambitious attitude. Moral values seems to be of no importance to him, and he is prepared to take drastic measures to achieve his ambition. Richard says that an oath is valid only if it is taken before a true and lawful magistrate and provokes York to resort to arms. He says, 'I cannot rest until the white rose that I wear be dy'd Even in the lukewarm blood of Henry's heart.' York is persuaded to take over as king and summons his men to gather an army. This quick decision to ignore the agreement he has made with Henry shows how his baser instincts supercede any common decency, a theme that plays itself out throughout the play. As seen from the last scene, Richard is bloodthirsty and fearless and his father's favorite. He is in dire opposition to King Henry VI, but what he says is often full of violent images. He is always ready for battle and does not foresee danger but only victory. He is dismissive of women who do not play traditional roles such as Queen Margaret when he cavalierly says, 'Aye, with five hundred, father for a need. A woman's general; what should we fear.' Table of Contents | |
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