Figurative Language In Henry Viii By Cardinal Wolsey

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In Shakespeare's play Henry VIII, Cardinal Wolsey reflects on his sudden downfall from power and uses various literary techniques to convey his complex response to his dismissal from court. He begins his speech by using a metaphor of a plant to convey the fragility of human life and the inevitability of his own downfall. He also uses figurative language, such as describing his pride as "high-blown," to emphasize his recklessness and lack of foresight. Wolsey's tone shifts from bitterness and contempt towards the spokesmen to mournfulness and resignation as he recognizes the futility of his past ambition and the emptiness of his former position. He acknowledges that he was "far beyond my depth" and compares himself to "little wanton boys that