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| Character | York | |
|---|---|---|
| Gender | Male | |
| Age Range(s) | Adult (36-50), Senior (>50) | |
| Type of monologue / Character is | Inspirational | |
| Type | Dramatic | |
| Period | Renaissance | |
| Genre | Historical, Drama | |
| Description | York talks about his plan of action to claim the throne | |
| Location | ACT III, Scene 1 | |
Summary
This monologues is delivered by York at the end of the 1st scene of act III when all the other characters have exited. The scene takes place at the parliament where Gloucester, the Protector of England, is arrested by order of various nobleman who want him out of the way to gain more power. They plan to kill Gloucester.
A messenger arrives with news of a revolt in Ireland. Beaufort urges York to lead the English army there and he accepts. After everybody leaves the scene York reveals his real plans to get to the throne. The moment has arrived, he says, for action, now that he is given an army. He will use Jack Cade, a common man and warrior, who will pretend to be John Mortimer of the house of York. He will stir up a revolt so that York will be able to see what the reaction of the common people will be regarding York's claim to the throne.
If the revolt succedes then he will lead his army to London and claim the crown.
A messenger arrives with news of a revolt in Ireland. Beaufort urges York to lead the English army there and he accepts. After everybody leaves the scene York reveals his real plans to get to the throne. The moment has arrived, he says, for action, now that he is given an army. He will use Jack Cade, a common man and warrior, who will pretend to be John Mortimer of the house of York. He will stir up a revolt so that York will be able to see what the reaction of the common people will be regarding York's claim to the throne.
If the revolt succedes then he will lead his army to London and claim the crown.
Written by Administrator
| Excerpt |
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| YORK Now, York, or never, steel thy fearful thoughts, And change misdoubt to resolution: Be that thou hopest to be, or what thou art Resign to death; it is not worth the enjoying: Let pale-faced fear keep with the mean-born man, And find no harbour in a royal heart. Faster than spring-time showers comes thought on thought, And not a thought but thinks on dignity. My brain more busy than the labouring spider Weaves tedious snares to trap mine enemies. Well, nobles, well, 'tis politicly done, To send me packing with an host of men: I fear me you but warm the starved snake, Who, cherish'd in your breasts, will sting your hearts. 'Twas men I lack'd and you will give them me: I take it kindly; and yet be well assured You put sharp weapons in a madman's hands. Whiles I in Ireland nourish a mighty band, I will stir up in England some black storm Shall blow ten thousand souls to heaven or hell; And this fell tempest shall not cease to rage Until the golden circuit on my head, Like to the glorious sun's transparent beams, Do calm the fury of this mad-bred flaw. And, for a minister of my intent, I have seduced a headstrong Kentishman, John Cade of Ashford, To make commotion, as full well he can, Under the title of John Mortimer. In Ireland have I seen this stubborn Cade Oppose himself against a troop of kerns, And fought so long, till that his thighs with darts Were almost like a sharp-quill'd porpentine; And, in the end being rescued, I have seen Him caper upright like a wild Morisco, Shaking the bloody darts as he his bells. Full often, like a shag-hair'd crafty kern, Hath he conversed with the enemy, And undiscover'd come to me again And given me notice of their villanies. This devil here shall be my substitute; For that John Mortimer, which now is dead, In face, in gait, in speech, he doth resemble: By this I shall perceive the commons' mind, How they affect the house and claim of York. Say he be taken, rack'd and tortured, I know no pain they can inflict upon him Will make him say I moved him to those arms. Say that he thrive, as 'tis great like he will, Why, then from Ireland come I with my strength And reap the harvest which that rascal sow'd; For Humphrey being dead, as he shall be, And Henry put apart, the next for me. |
Comments
The monologue begins with intensity and emotion. York finally sees an opportunity for action. He is now determined, ambitious and inspired to follow his plan to become king of England.
The monologue can be divided in two parts with the second part starting with "Whiles I in Ireland nourish a mighty band...". York now talks to us and reveals his carefully thought plan to oust King Henry.
The monologue can be divided in two parts with the second part starting with "Whiles I in Ireland nourish a mighty band...". York now talks to us and reveals his carefully thought plan to oust King Henry.
