 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 Notes The scene is very important because it exposes the true natures of Edward and Richard, the sons of the Duke. Their reactions to the death of their father are clearly portrayed here. Ignorant of their father's fate, Richard praises York's chivalry and compares his father to a lion and bear. These animal metaphors serves to bring out York's perception as a singular fighter. When both sons see an image of three suns in the sky, their varying interpretations disclose their ambitions. Richard's interpretation of seeing three suns shining and then merging together in the clear sky reveals that he sees one person emerging from three, a combination of the three sons of York whereas Edward sees the suns as being representative of the the three sons working in tandem with each other. Richard's comment that they may signify Edward's prodigy who will be daughters, he is referring to Edward's philandering conduct that will come to be a point of contention between the two brothers. The reactions of the brothers to the news of their father's death is also telling. Edward reacts with tears and stormy passion, a typical response whereas Richard's response is angered and vindictive. 'To weep is to make less the depth of grief: Tears then for babies; blows and revenge for me 'Richard, I bear thy name; I'll venge thy death, Or die renowned by attempting it.' The generous tenderness of Edward compared to the savage fortitude of Richard is well distinguished. Another point of contention is Edward's new title, which agitates his brother who is ambitious enough to want it for himself. When Edward tells Richard, 'His name that valiant duke hath left with thee, His dukedom and his chair with me is left,' he is asserting his authority yet Richard undermines this by saying, 'Nay, if thou be that princely eagle's bird, Show thy descent by gazing against the sun,' meaning that Edward must go all the way and become king. Richard's forceful presence reveals itself in the exchange between the brothers and Warwick about the recent battles fought against the Queen's army. Nothing Warwick says about the lack of morale in the army can persuade Richard to retreat from battle. His single- mindedness even persuades Warwick that they can defeat the Queen's army and take over the throne for once and for all. Towards the end of the scene, Warwick proclaims that Edward is the future King of England and any one who dares question it or express their displeasure shall be beheaded. This gives the audience a clue to what is going to happen in the coming scenes. In this scene, Richard is shown to be a natural leader, albeit somewhat obsessive. Whereas his brother is willing to be cautious and listen to his elders such as Warwick, Richard takes command and ends up persuading Warwick that they must defeat the Queen and rightly take over the crown. Table of Contents | |
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