 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 reveals most poignantly the King's gentle, generous and pious nature, which is anathema to the bloodthirsty natures of the people who surrounds him. At the sight of York's head, the King prays and apologizes to God, 'Withhold revenge, dear God, tis not my fault, Nor wittingly have I infring'd my vow' Henry is the only one who does not participate in revenge although rather than making him a hero, this attribute makes him an ineffectual leader who cannot control the chaos around him. He regrets deeply for what happened to York although his ambition and greed for the crown has lead to this. Clifford's reproach of Henry reveals his lack of faith in Henry's leadership. He castigates him with animal metaphors and images that are meant to reveal what the true nature of a king should be even referring to animals that are meek in nature who become violent when provoked. Clifford accuses Henry of being a mean, unkind and shameful man who agreed to disinherit his own loving son and make him lose his birthright. The King is portrayed as being so pious that even his enemies are not able to display their wrath against him. The King's reply to Clifford is commendable and reveals his insight into the current state of affairs in England. He says that all evil deeds will not be successful. He realizes the misfortunes that are occurring are a result of him being an unlawful heir yet he will not fully abdicate from the throne, only make concessions that make him appear weak. Even at crucial moments the King remains calm and restrained. He never breaks into stormy passions nor becomes emotional. He strongly believes that virtue will triumph and vice will perish. All his actions and thoughts are governed by that principle. When he forwards knighthood to his son, he says 'Draw thy sword in right.' The word 'right' has a great importance in his life, but he does not practice what he preaches. He retreats from his role rather than rallying his country around this principle. Unlike his father, the Prince appears to be a bold, energetic and enthusiastic young man. He says; 'My royal father, cheer these noble lords, And hearten those that fight in your defense. Unsheathe your sword, good father: cry, 'Saint George.' In the verbal duel between Richard and Clifford, Richard calls Clifford a butcher, child-killer, bastard and a treacherous coward. This is in reference to Clifford's murder of Rutland and York. The term is ironic coming from Richard, and shows the intensity of his hatred towards Clifford. Another important point to be noted is that Henry asks twice to be heard and is ignored. His minions as well as the Queen prefer to speak for him. A reference is made that Margaret is the cause of strife between the families and if not for her foreign blood and lack of dowry, all would have been worked out as to who rightfully should have ascended the throne. Yet this, as many of the arguments, is a feeble attempt to justify the warfare that will continue in the next scene. Such is the state of England without a powerful royal presence that nothing will avert more bloodshed. Table of Contents | |
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