How does Gaveston And Edward Set The Tone of The Play?
In the beginning of the play 'Edward II', a letter is being read by Gaveston. The letter is from 'The King'. The letter seems quite romantic and amorous but from reading Gavestons response, to whom the letter was to, it becomes apparent that Gaveston could use this whole scenario to his advantage. "What greater bliss can hap to Gaveston, than live and be the favourite of a king". The fact that Gaveston says "a king" and not Edward makes it seem as though he simply wants to use Edward to gain material possessions from being the "favourite of a king". Edward mentions "And share the kingdom with thy dearest friend" which in a sense indicates that Edward is himself willing to give up some of his power to Gaveston and from what I have mentioned Gaveston is well aware of this and wants to seize the opportunity of gaining power. From the first speech Gaveston says it does become quite obvious that Gaveston is out to gain as much as he possibly can and it also is apparent that Edward is wiling to give up what he has for Gaveston. The king is the most powerful person in the country - but if only he rules the country properly, that us something Edward fails to do. King is meant to rule his kingdom yet he is will
ing to share it with Gaveston. "Come Gaveston, And share the kingdom with thy dearest friend". The lords and nobles are the next most powerful people who usually tend to advise the king but from the start of the play Edward seems to take all of his advice from Gaveston. Gaveston is not a lord or a noble but this supposed instant high status he has gained seems to drive a wedge between the king and the lords and nobles. This is something the lords and nobles themselves will not be happy with, as Gaveston believes he is superior to them. "Me knee shall bow to none but to the king". This is odd as Gaveston is not superior to the lords or nobles but he believes he is simple because he is the kings favourite. The king has no problem with this, and this is what seems to cause tension between the king and the lords and nobles. The lords reciprocate the feelings Gaveston has toward them, which causes much more tension and conflict. The lords don't see what Edward sees with Gaveston. All they can see is how he is manipulating the king to get what he wants and the king may not be aware of this which may be true to some extent although some of Gavestons feelings for the king actually seem genuine. Gaveston himself seems a little bit selfish and stuck up. He is not really of high status like the king or even the lords and nobles but acts like he is of high status. It seems that he feels that because the king has befriended him he has instantly gained a much higher status. In response to the letter the king sent him Gaveston says "Farewell, base stooping to the lordly peers; my knee shall bow to none but the king". Anyone of lower status than the lords and nobles is expected to bow to the lords and nobles. It is a sign of respect but Gaveston here is announcing that since he has become a lover of the highest figure he feels he no longer has to bow to them, In a way I think he might believe that he is now higher status than the lords and nobles but in reality he is not. Gaves
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Approximate Word count = 1342
Approximate Pages = 5 (250 words per page double spaced)
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