Abstract
This paper examines the use of legitimacy as a theme in the play, "King Henry IV," by William Shakespeare. The paper includes a discussion of the legitimacy of the king and his rule, as a well as a close look at Prince Hal. The paper contends that Henry's legitimacy becomes the center of all of the major crises in the play and, thus, is a major and binding theme.

From the Paper
"From the moment Shakespeare's play 1 King Henry IV opens, the legitimacy of King Henry's crown is a major theme throughout the play. Not only does it become the justification of the Percys and others violent revolts against Henry, but it can also be used to explain the disobedient acts carried out by Hal, King Henry's son and heir to the throne. King Henry's usurpation of the throne and act of regicide lead to consequences that will spoil his reign illegitimate."

Tags:prince, hal, percy

Abstract
This paper explains that, by naming his Chancellor and friend, Thomas Becket, to be Archbishop of Canterbury, King Henry II created the devastating conflict between these men, which affected not only the English monarchy, but also the country of England itself. The author points out that King Henry II's reign can be broken down into three specific events: (1) his endeavors to reconstruct the England of his grandfather, which started his quarrel with Becket; (2) his efforts to develop the legal machinery of his grandfather and create a new foundation for English government, which was soon thwarted by Becket; and (3) his vain attempts to resolve the problems of governing a difficult empire and controlling an unruly family by placing his sons in a position as sub-rulers in the empire.

From the Paper
"King Henry II (1154-1189) was obviously one of the most remarkable and tragic figures in English history. A great amount of information is known about him, for he lived and reigned during an age when it was common to observe about the monarchy through oral and written records, especially when a king such as Henry II was popular with contemporary society. However, a good deal of his subjects hated him and his numerous enemies found him too intelligent and overwhelming; those that were close to him, such as Thomas Becket, feared his occasional outbursts of great anger and were often exasperated by his unpredictable reactions to certain situations within his realm and his family."

Tags:family, religion, cannonized, government, monarchy

Abstract
This paper examines the apparent roles and functions of women in William Shakespeare's "King Henry the IV, Part I". Specifically, the paper looks at the impact of women upon other characters and whether or not their roles should have been different and, if so, how they should have been different. The paper contends that Shakespeare accurately captures the gender divisions of his age but fails to highlight the central contribution of Henry IV's first wife, Mary de Bohun, in the establishment of this man as a powerful king over a flourishing empire.

From the Paper
"One other thing that becomes evident is that much of the play is about men seeking power - about them accruing titles or lands, in short. As a result, by as early as Act 1, Scene 3, it is fairly clear, at least as we listen to Hotspur denounce the Prince of Wales and "Bolingbroke" (Henry IV), that power in fourteenth century England is a "man's thing" and that women are only referenced in these matters if they are bearing children who may become lineal descendants to a throne or baronetcy or if the behavior of one nobleman or another is so intemperate that he is described by his colleagues as a "woman" who cannot hold his tongue or think rationally."

Tags:power children, first wife, rogues marginalized

Abstract
This paper examines King Henry and Prince Harry's discourse in Shakespeare's "Henry IV" Act III, Scene ii in order to determine what both men considered to be desirable soldierly and leadership values. The paper highlights these values to be modesty, in the sense of exercising restraint in taking advantage of one's popularity and showing humility in the face of the enemy, as well as glory through courageous deeds on the battlefield and in war as a whole.

From the Paper
"The discussion between King Henry IV and his son Prince Harry of Wales in Act III Scene II of Shakespeare's Henry IV Part I reveals much about the central theme of the play: leadership and soldierly values. The scene depicts King Henry reprimanding Harry on what he considers to be behavior not befitting a future King and hence also drawing into question his suitability as a sovereign. During the ensuing discourse, Henry contrasts Harry's manner with how he thinks a young prince should act. In a reply which pleases the King, Harry pledges he will change his ways and prove himself worthy of his royal position. From a modern perspective, this scene provides an excellent base for the reader to form opinions on the leadership and martial values conveyed by both Harry and Henry IV."

Tags:leadership, values, humility, glory, courage

Abstract
This paper presents a character analysis of Henry and Hal, two of the main characters in Shakespeare's play, "King Henry IV", and shows how Shakespeare, by comparing and contrasting these two characters, was able to display the attitudes of both the nobility and the commoners and foreshadow Hal's ability to become a stable, successful ruler.

From the Paper
"Hal's feelings towards his father reflect the feelings of the commoners towards the king. Hal's soliloquy, "I know you all..." (I, ii 183-205) reveals Hal's moral awareness and scorn towards the character he has used to disguise his true frustration with the standards that the king has disgraced. A noble and virtuous young man deliberately masquerading as a dissolute prodigal, Hal is not likely to overlook the deep moral blemishes in his father nor the hypocrisy of Henry IV's assumption of rightful kingship. However, as the King's subject and heir, Hal is denied all means of expressing his contempt for the dishonorable means by which Henry IV has maintained and stolen power. By showing contempt for the king, Hal would be following the example of Henry IV's disloyal behavior towards Richard II, and siding with the rebels who now challenge Henry IV's fitness to rule."

Tags:overthrew, richard, ii, stability, nation, scorn, prodigal, son, dishonorable, stolen, maintained, power

Abstract
The paper outlines Henry VIII's early life, how he was influenced by Thomas Wolsey, and how his familial life would lead to the eventual severance of the Church of England from the papacy. The paper points out that despite his scandalous marital escapades and bloodthirsty nature, he also built on a grand scale and brought unity to a previously fractious society.

Outline:
Introduction
Early Life
War and Wolsey
King Henry VIII, The English Church and its Break with Rome
Other Achievements
Conclusion

From the Paper
"Henry was born in the royal palace at Greenwich, on June 28, 1491. His early education was directed by the poet laureate John Skelton. Henry was not only very athletic, enjoying jousting, tilting and other sports, but he also had a keen mind. He spoke at least three languages and some of his music compositions are still performed today. Although Henry was the second son of King Henry VII, with the death of his older brother, Arthur, in April 1502 Henry became heir to the throne of England and Prince of Wales. Fourteen months later, in June 1503, at the age of 12, Henry was also betrothed to Catherine of Aragon -- his brother's widow and the daughter of Ferdinand II and Isabella I of Spain1. When Henry VII died in April 1509, Henry VIII became King of England2, setting England on a new course of history, albeit a tumultuous course."

Tags:Thomas, Wolsey, Church, of, England, papacy, Catherine, of, Aragon, Ann, Boleyn, Jane, Seymour

Abstract
This paper discusses how Shakespeare focuses on the fact that honor can means different things to different people, and it can also be regarded as less than virtuous in some minds. It shows how Shakespeare clarifies the definition of honor in "King Henry," but he leaves the issue muddy in "Measure for Measure." He leaves us with personalities that may not seem be honorable ultimately being the most honorable of all. It is such characters that have made Shakespeare unmatched in his skill.

From the Paper
"Isabella becomes the focus of honor and "doing the right thing" in Shakespeare's "Measure for Measure." During the course of the play, she is propositioned by three different men to break her vows and go against her conscious. Her honor is important to her, and she does not accept Angelo's proposal. In fact, she is forthright in her initial reaction to Angelo's request. In other words, she knows what he is all about. Even as Angelo begs Isabella to "Believe me, on mine honor,/My words express my purpose" (II.iv.46-7). She responds, "Ha! Little honor to be much believed,/And most pernicious purpose! Seeming, seeming!" (II.iv.49-50). This scene helps us appreciate Isabella because she knows the right thing to do, despite what it means for her brother. She declares she will, "live chaste, and, brother, die:/More than our brother is our chastity" (II.iv.185-6). She is disgusted by the attitudes that surround her and to remove herself from it, she decides to enter a convent."

Tags:chaste, character, virtuous

Abstract
This paper will discuss the elements of historical perception that are revealed in King Henry the VIII by William Shakespeare. By examining historical text, which Shakespeare used to bring history to life, we can see the unreliability of literary and historical textual proofs for history within this play.

Abstract
The paper looks at the apparent roles and functions of women, their impact upon other characters and whether or not their roles should have been different and, if so, how they should have been different. In the final analysis, the paper concludes that Shakespeare accurately captures the gender divisions of the age but also fails to highlight the central contribution of Henry IV's first wife, Mary de Bohun, in the establishment of this man as a powerful king over a flourishing empire.

From the Paper
"The following paper will look at the treatment of women in Shakespeare's, King Henry the IV, Part I. Specifically, the paper will look at the apparent roles and functions of women, their impact upon other characters (to the extent this can be divined), and whether or not their roles should have been different and, if so, how they should have been different. In the final analysis, Shakespeare accurately captures the gender divisions of the age but also fails to highlight the central contribution of Henry IV's first wife, Mary de Bohun, in the establishment of this man as a..."

Tags:henry, iv, shakespeare

Abstract
This paper contends that Shakespeare's female characters project the clearly defined, constricted role of women during the Shakespearean era, which demanded submission to the patriarchal system, chastity and the production of male heirs. The paper draws examples to support this contention from Katherine and Bianca in "Taming of the Shrew", Lady Anne in "King Richard the Third" and Lady Macbeth in "Macbeth". The paper also points out that the concept of cuckoldry runs throughout many of Shakespeare's plays as seen in "Much Ado About Nothing" "Othello the Moor of Venice" and "Hamlet Prince of Denmark". To illustrate that one of the greatest expectations of a woman was to produce a male heir, the author cites "King Henry the Eighth".

Table of Contents:
Submission
Chastity
The Male Heir

From the Paper
"Anne, just like Katherine, is viewed as an object to be won, used, and discarded. The next that is heard of Anne she is sharing her misery with Queen Elizabeth, and then she is dead. What the other female characters, Elizabeth, Margaret, and the Duchess of York have in common with Anne is the despair of losing an important male relative. These women have all lost husbands, sons, and fathers and because they are left without male protection in the patriarchal system, they are powerless and vulnerable. What is left for them is their female emotive power which carries the tone of the play to its final conclusion."

Tags:shewish, property, protection, cuckoldry, spokeswoman