John of Gaunt, 1st Duke of Lancaster Essays

Without the support of his army and close friends, King Richard II’s final sliver of hope resided in the allegiance of his uncle, the Duke of York, who was a known loyalist to the rightful bearer of the crown. The Duke of York’s loyalty was a symbol throughout the play of which leader was divinely supported. While both Bolingbroke and Richard had “sacred blood” (1.1.123), only one could have the divine authority to govern at any given point in the play. The person who held the divine authority shifted

conclude and be agreed” (Act I, scene i, 156), his beautiful poetry is unable to convince them not to fight. Instead of digging his heals in and asserting his authority, he quickly resigns and sets a formal date for a fight, as per the wishes of Gaunt, Bolingbroke, and Mowbry. Similarly, after Richard makes the unpopular decision to wage war in Ireland, Willoughby and Northumberland don’t even give Richard credit for being a poor leader; instead they complain he was “basely led by flatters” (Act

feels as if he has the power to rule people and act how he pleases. His power- hungry nature leads to his ultimate demise. This theme of power is seen throughout the play. His abuse of power beginnings with him banishing Bolingbroke and then seizing John of Gaunt's property, which deprives Henry Bolingbroke of the right to gain the land. This seizing of the land leads Richard to losing his crown and power. He believes he has the right to perform these acts because he feels as if no one can tell him

Is burning ambition the driving force of corruption? This powerful question leaves many pondering the good or bad stigma of ambition, illustrated in Shakespeare's masterpiece, Macbeth. Looking into how modern film renditions help prove Shakespeare's stance on this thought, Kayla Ram reports. Correct me if I'm wrong but the memo of Macbeth seems all too familiar, does it not? This extravaganza still seems very relevant today even if this literature was created 400 years ago. "Thou wouldst be great;

“Annabel Lee”, is a poem that was written by one of the most famous poets, Edgar Allan Poe, in 1849. Poe is known for writing poetry that connects back to events and tragedies that have happened to him in his life. “Annabel Lee” is a poem about a man who has loved a girl since they were children, however, she tragically dies. The speaker has a hard time dealing with the loss, but even her death does not keep him from not continuing to love her. In “Annabel Lee” Edgar Allan Poe uses symbolism, repetition

Moreover, Dickens thought that one’s position in society could be changed by self-improvement. Then, one’s environment may be decisive to shape your way of being but not to change who you really are. In fact, Oliver’s stay with the Maylies challenges this argument. Whereas Oliver was supposed to be helped and thus, improve, in the city, it is precisely here the moment in which we see the worst side of Oliver: he has no voice, he has no decent opportunities, he is victim of middle-classes prejudices

The Reality of Kingship In the Henriad Both historical and modern royal lives are envied by the common man. People observe the endless services, elegant clothing, and extravagant property provided to royalty and wish they, too, could have royal blood. The most envied royal position is the King who has the most power and seemingly convenient life. What seems like a dream to the observer is a nightmare to the participant. As portrayed in the Shakespeare’s tetralogy being a king is a sacrificial commitment

between two royal families, House of Lancaster and House of York, on who would become the next king of the English Monarch. The reason why this Civil War started in the first place was because there was a controversy on who was the rightful heir to the throne. King Henry V of England died in 1422 and left behind his heir, Henry VI, who was only an infant. The House of Lancaster claimed to be the legitimate heirs to the throne from John of Gaunt, 1st Duke of Lancaster, who was the third surviving son