Researched Literary Analysis Paper Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Researched Literary Analysis Paper - Essay Example Henry V approaches this juxtaposition in a period set some time around the late 16th, early 17th century. (Margolf, 1995, 946-948) Clarissa’s ambiguity is characterized by Clarissa’s standing as a member of the upper crust society together with her sense of duty and her contrasting inner thoughts and desires. Mrs. Dalloway is set in a period which follows the First World War in England. Shakespeare’s Henry V is presented as the ideal king and despite the fact that he might have inherited the crown by illicit means, Henry is determined to represent it well without offending Christianity. Just before battle he demonstrates his Christianity as well as his commitment to the title bestowed upon him and prays: Shakespeare constructs each scene around development of Henry’s character. As the play progresses the reader gradually becomes acquainted with a multifaceted persona. For instance as noted in the excerpt above, Henry’s religious nature is depicted. In other scenes, Henry is presented as endowed with compassion and mercy. He is also portrayed as a young man of keen administrative knowledge, a skilful warrior, a man of nobility, an incurable romantic and able to communicate with all walks of life. (Cahn, 1991, 489) Implicit in the cumulative impact of these character traits is a dual character. One who is a ruthless yet compassionate leader. More importantly, as Victor Cahn explains, Shakespeare is careful in ensuring that Henry comes across as â€Å"a man who fights only for legitimate causes.† (Cahn, 1991, 489) Shakespeare’s prologue introduces the reader to Henry as â€Å"the warlike Harry† (Shakespeare, Henry V, 2003, Prologue, 5) Despite this characterisation, Shakespeare follows with an entirely opposing characterization in the Chorus by describing Henry as the â€Å"mirror of all Christian kings.† (Shakespeare, 2003, Chorus 6) It is this kind of inconsistency that lends