Term Paper on "Shakespeare's Henry 5 And the Merchant of Venice"

Term Paper 3 pages (1010 words) Sources: 0

[EXCERPT] . . . .

Henry V" and "The Merchant of Venice" by William Shakespeare. Specifically, it will discuss parent/child relationships within the two plays. Both of these plays delve into the parent/child relationship, and in "The Merchant of Venice," it is one of the minor themes of the play. Difficulties with parent/child relationships have been common themes for centuries, and it seems that was no different in Shakespeare's time. Many of Shakespeare's works include some sort of relationship between parent and child at odds. Often, this relationship is the catalyst that alters the play's plot and outcome (think of Romeo & Juliet, and the family feud between the Capulets and the Montegues). These two plays indicate parent/child relationships can be amicable, such as the relationship between Lancelot Gobbo and his father Old Gobbo, or they can be acrimonious, such as the relationship between Jessica and her father, Shylock. The lives of these characters indicate the strong bond between parent and child that, if not careful, can turn into a form of bondage and great discontent. Both plays illustrate difficult parent/child relationships and the ability of parents to mold and influence their children's lives, even after death.

In "Henry V," the theme of familial relationships is buried (literally), but it is certainly there. Young King Henry V is surely a product of his dead father, and shows his true strength and mettle when he decides to invade France. He bases his decision to declare war on old, indistinct family ties to the French monarchy, which adds another depth of family relationships to the plot. King Henry's father never appears in the play, but his son certainly feels his influence throughout it as Henry contemplates his options with France and his new role as leader of his country. He shows that even if he appeared weak and rowdy at first, he is really a strong and viable leader for his men and his country. Surely, his father's blood and legacy creates this leader when it is most necessary. In fact, in the first act, the Archbishop of Canterbury even notes that Henry has settled down during his father's death, calling him "Hydra-headed" and willful before his father's death, and "reformed" afterward. Henry has gained maturity as he gained a country, and proves his father's legacy is not misplaced. He becomes a great leader and a great warrior - single-minded when he decides to conquer France. His relationship with his father may have been strained at times, but it was the catalyst he needed to change and grow. This is the case with many of Shakespeare's characters, who use the foundation of their family to grow and change their own lives. Jessica even does this to an extent in "The Merchant of Venice," although her motives seem more selfish and self-serving.

In "The Merchant of Venice," the familial relationships are more convoluted and more perplexing. While it is not a major aspect of the play, the relationship between Lancelot Gobbo and his father, Old Gobbo is touching and amusing, and… READ MORE

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