Act 2, Scene 2 of William Shakespeares Henry :: Papers

Act 2, Scene 2 of William Shakespeares total heat How does Shakespeare present henry (and, by extension, England) in this scene? Refer in your answer to Shakespeares language, stagecraft and sense of audience, as well as the two-filmed versions you have seen. Shakespeare presents Henry using a mutation of language and stagecraft, in Act two, scene two, Shakespeare shows how Henry has a liberal temper, and can go off into towering rages. First comes to the unmasking of the conspirators Cambridge, Scroop and Gray. Shakespeare uses a lot of exquisite dramatic art and a sense of the power of irony. He makes Henry only seem to be concerned for the costly of his kingdom. One of the personalities that Henry has is his liking for games. He plays with Scroop and the other traitors, handing them letters that they destine are promotions when in reality they are letters to inform them that Henry knows their secret. Shakespeares use of language was complex a s he referred to biblical references and historic references through out the play. When he gets to Scroop, Henry stops using the we pronoun. Shakespeare uses many linguistic devices, for example rhetorical questions. Wouldst thou have practiced on me for my use? This makes a difference in the tone of voice, and withal in its structure, otherwise, all Henry would be doing is making statements. He also uses a pun during the first part of the speech, when addressing Cambridge. This man, for a few light cr induces hath softly conspired. Shakespeare used a pun for a slight contrast in the atmosphere, otherwise everything in his speech would be is very serious. Henry also uses personification Treason and murder ever kept together, as two yoke-devils sworn to each others purpose This technique is used as Henry can only imagine Scroop had been possessed, and not that he did this by his own choice. With this metaphor of a demon, he refers to him as betraying a good adept and because of this, sending him to death is what a king has to do.