 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 V, Scene 1 The scene is set in Coventry. Enter the Mayor of Coventry, two messengers and others. Warwick inquires about the posts that came from Oxford and Montague and learns that they are late in gathering troops. Sir John Somerville enters and they exchange wishes and soon the sound of drums is heard. Thinking it is Clarence, Warwick looks out and sees that it is Edward, Richard and soldiers. Meanwhile, Oxford, Montague, Somerset and George enter with their troops and drums. George takes his red rose and throws it at Warwick, telling Warwick that he is not that harsh and unnatural enough to defy his brother and his lawful King. He apologizes for the trespass he made and proclaims himself the enemy of Warwick. King Edward pardons and welcomes him as does Richard. Warwick challenges them to a fight and Edward agrees to it. They proceed to the field and Edward prays to Saint George for victory. Notes: The events here actually end in a compromise so that no fighting takes place. These events are linked by Shakespeare to the upcoming battle of Barnet at the conclusion of the scene. The wavering of Clarence is the most important point to be stressed in this scene as is the revelation that the Lancasters are sorely unprepared for their encounter and therefore vulnerable. At Coventry Warwick comes face to face with Edward and Richard and is told about Henry's capture from them. He had left poor Henry at the Bishop's palace. Now Warwick has full command and acts with insubordinance towards Edward. When Richard asks Warwick to kneel down he says, 'I had rather chop this hand off at a bow And with the other fling it any they face, Than bear so low a sail to strike to thee' That shows the scorn, hatred, revenge and determination of Warwick. Edward mocks him and says the wind changing nature of Warwick can change no more because his head is going to be cut off. Although Warwick has changed loyalties, it is not as acute as Edward and Richard's brother George, who seemed to do it in a fitful rage rather than shrewdness. George's wavering attitude is exposed in his speech to Warwick. Though he apologizes for the trespass he made, he realizes that he must side with family. His behavior portrays him as a deceitful inconstant and unashamed man who sways from one side to the other, depending on who is in power. He blames Warwick on his change of mind yet this is not lost on the brothers who welcome him back but will also not trust him. Table of Contents | |
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