Ways Shakespeare builds dramatic tension in Act 2 scene 2 of Henry V :: essays research papers

In what ways does Shakespeare build up dramatic tension in Act 2 scene 2 of ?Henry V Act 2 is broken into three major parts. Henry decides to play a game which will set the trap for the traitors. The next part is when Henry explodes, expressing his anger. The last part is when Henry turns positive and changes the subject and looks towards France. But in scene 1 we meet the common characters. These would have been the sort of people that Henry would of socialised with when he was younger. This is a huge contrast to which Henry is during scene 2.As he is very serious and cunning. Act 2 scene 2 starts with the entrance of the three Lords. Exeter, Bedford and Westmoreland. This immediately shows us that we are going to expect seriousness and significance within this scene. Bedford starts by saying ?Fore God his grace is bold to trust these traitors.? This is a reference to the Divine Right Of Kings. The idea that a king's right to rule comes from God and that he is answerable to God alone. But with this reference the audience would worry about Henry Iv?s Interruption. After Edward III died the reign passed on to Richard II. But he quickly became un popular. People accused him of being cursed. Richard II exiled Henry IV for 6 years but when he returned he over threw Richard and became King. He then had a son Named Henry V. But this interrupted the Divine Right of Kings. Everyone would think that he would have the same problem. But once Henry IV died, Henry Became King and showed great leader ship and courage. ?Henry V? was written to inspire and to convey a message that would prevent civil war in Britain, as Elizabeth I was old and dying without an heir and so civil could break out and manipulate the country with out control. The theatre would be a place of spreading political and opinionated ideas around the country . So Shakespeare has written a play to inspire and warn the audience about the consequences it could have. So as there wasn?t many newspapers it was a good place to convey a moral or a story. Shakespeare uses several techniques. To keep the audience in suspense, Shakespeare uses machiavellianism. Machiavellianism is a word which describes a persons tendency to deceive or to manipulate.