Henry V and The Rover - Book Report/Review Example

1. In Henry V and The Rovers, It is Money That Makes the World Go Round: Discuss. In both plays, evidence suggests the idea of money as a motivatingfactor has some truth in it. In 'Henry V', war against France might never have happened, were it not for greed and plotting of the bishops, or indeed, Henry's own greed for wealth and possessions. 'The Rovers', the Cavaliers themselves, with the exception of Blunt, are penniless, which plays a significant part in how matters proceed. In the particular worlds portrayed, money helps to oil the wheels, though does not stand in isolation as a driving force. In both dramas, the implications are, that without money, or what it represents in terms of status, wealth, possessions and impact on the people involved, certain events would either never have occurred, or might have turned out differently. Henry V: In the context of historical truth, the play adheres closely to reality. Interpretation of events has for long been one of English bravery against great odds, with Henry epitomizing a heroic figure with right on his side, a charismatic leader with a just cause. He appeared to have the common man, the Church, and representatives from all parts of his kingdom behind him, all the elements needed for a righteous campaign. A closer examination in relation to the view that "money makes the world go round", calls into question the motivation and purpose of the attack on France, supporting the hypothesis. Other factors may include Henry's political ambitions, his desire to 'make a name for himself', or that he was following his father's advice; the crux of that being, if a country is united in fighting a common enemy, then there would be less likelihood of mischief-making against the king, on home soil. Whatever the motive, greed for more territory and the riches which would automatically follow, contribute to the aggressive action by the newly crowned young king. The first indication of how money initiates action, occurs in Act 1, Scene 1, with the bishops discussing a proposed bill which will remove much of the Church's, and their personal wealth. V8 - 10: Canterbury: "We lose the better half of our possession, 2. For all the temporal lands, which men devout By testament have given to the Church.." and, V17 - 18 "And to the coffers of the king beside, A thousand pounds by the year: thus runs the bill." Canterbury has done his sums, proposing that if the king is distracted by a war, he will forget the bill in question. In fact, the Church will give money to support the campaign, which may be construed as a patriotic gesture, or a bribe. Scene 2 Act 1, V 130 -135 Canterbury: " O let their bodies follow, my dear liege With blood and sword and fire to win your right; In aid, whereof, we of the spirituality Will raise your highness such a mighty sum As never did the clergy at one time Bring to any of your ancestors." Canterbury cares not about the deaths that war brings, so long as he protects is own wealth. An audience might respond with antipathy towards the immoral plotting of the so-called holy men, wanting to warn Henry to beware. He, however, has his own personal and political agenda which seems unconcerned for the value of life. He shows no gratitude for the offer, this 'huge sum'; is given little importance. Taking another kingdom, based on shaky legalities and justification, shows a greed for wealth and power. It is ironic, when Henry orders Bardolph's execution for stealing gold from French church. This is hypocritical, when he himself is stealing a whole kingdom. Act 3, Scene 6, V 113-120 Henry: " We would have all such offenders so Cut off; and we give express charge that in our Marches through the country, there be nothing Compelled from the villages, nothing taken but paid for..." 3. Henry uses money when praying for victory, promising God charitable donations, bargaining with the Almighty. When the battle of Agincourt is won, and Henry's demands are negotiated and met, both he and the king of France enter into a transaction which an audience might consider the selling of a human being - Princess Katherine. The king sells his daughter, Henry buys her. Act 5, Scene 2 V 360-363 Westmoreland: "The king hath granted every article; His daughter first, and then in sequel all According to their firm proposed natures." The 'deal' has been sweetened for the audience by the exchanges between Henry and Katherine, exposing his uncharacteristic humility and her linguistic confusion, encouraging a romantic belief that love has driven the bargain; the reality being the desire to found a rich and powerful dynasty. The Rover- or The Banish'd Cavaliers: Money is a powerful force, the lack or possession of which, affects all the main characters. On the surface, the play appears a jolly, farcical romp, with colourful, Carnival atmosphere and buffoonery, allowing characters to be other than what they are, especially those seeking new experiences. A dark side is shown from the outset, with Don Pedro's urging marriage to a man with money on his sister, Florinda. Act 1 Scene 1, L. 65 Don Pedro:"..you must consider Don Vincentio's Fortune and the jointure he'll make you.." and, L. 107 Don Pedro: "..Belvile has no Fortune to bring to you..." His choice, his friend Antonio, with money again a high priority, further pressurises his sister: Act 1 Scene ! L. 134- 135 Florinda: "I've no defence against Antonio's love, For he has all the advantages....of Youth and Fortune." Willmore, The Rover, has no money, but believes his wit and charm will get him what he wants. This is borne out when he succeeds in having Angelica, the courtesan, without paying the 1000 crowns charge, and even 'conning' her out of 500 crowns. Having fought and won her from rich 4. Antonio, who later 'purchases' her, Willmore might be either perceived as immoral, or a clever lad. Throughout the play, the audience is aware of the womens' wealth, but are still 'sold' in one way or another, whether by selling their bodies, or into marriage or religious life. Angelica alone appears to understand the importance of money for her profession - insurance for old age, a view supported by the old prostitute, Moretta. Angelica sells herself at high prices for this reason, defining her value in monetary terms. She has all the trappings of wealth to support her views. Act 2 Scene 1 L. 107-109 Angelica: .."I'm resolved that nothing but gold shall charm my heart.." Moretta: "I'm glad on't; 'tis only interest that women of our Profession ought to consider." Abandoning this principle for love of Willmore, suggests that love conquers mercenary beliefs. The audience is aware of the differences in power of the women portrayed. Florinda loves a man with no money, showing her personal values; Belvile is the poverty-stricken. In acceding to Don Pedro's wishes to marry Antonio, she de-values herself. Hellena arouses support and sympathy, overturning the stereotypical lady of 'Quality' and flouting convention. She is a fine match for the Rover, winning his love without the bribe of her fortune. Act 5 Scene 1 L 581 Willmore: "I adore thy humour and will marry thee." L 620 - 622 Hellena: "...the three hundred thousand crowns my uncle left me will Be better laid out in love than in religion..." Blunt seems a despicable and money-driven character, duped out of his wealth by his lust and the trickery of Lucetta, another courtesan. Holding the purse strings, lending the others money, he is not liked by them. His is a flawed character, almost raping Florinda in revenge against women, after his humiliation. Calling her a "she creature" and "wretched thing" (Act 4, Scene 1 L 34),only deterred by fear of repercussions for raping a person of Quality, not a Harlot. Significantly, the diamond ring, symbol of wealth and quality, saved Florinda, highlighting Blunt's mercenary nature. The happy outcome for her, marriage to Belvile, suggests to the audience that love will conquer all, 5. finally. Similarly, after his drinking and misbehaving, Willmore, seems an improved character, by his love for Hellena, which he professed, despite having no knowledge of her fortune. By the end of the play, the message for the audience is that true love can conquer anything, that anyone, rich or poor can find happiness - good fortune comes to the brave, good and bold. The playwright indicates that buying, selling and bartering are part of life; materialistic values have contributed to the outcomes for all. In conclusion, the similarities suggest women are salable commodities, with pertinent action taking place on foreign soil; the inference being, different values, different cultures. The fights and strategies, suggest money influences all human activity. Love and war are the main areas of difference, alongside the fact that 'Henry V''s action revolves around mainly male characters, their heroism or otherwise, while 'The Rover' has a balanced mix of the sexes. Finally, both provide insight into many individual value systems, but leave no doubt that money or what it can buy, is an important influence in life. Reference List Behn, Aphra, (1677) The Rover; or The Banish'd Cavaliers etext, Retrieved 6 August 2006 Project Gutenberg http://worldebooklibrary.com/eBooks/Alex_Collection/behn-rover-284 htm Shakespeare, William, (c1599) Henry V Penguin Shakespear, London, 2005 Read More