Chivalric Imagery In Peter C. Herman's Henry IV

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Peter C. Herman who has a PHD in English and comparative literature, starts off his essay by explaining the transition of the power from Henry VII to Henry VIII. Herman, as described throughout his essay to the readers, describes Henry VIII implementation of chivalric imagery to be a successful king over his father’s idea of leaving the court the same. I agree with Herman’s suggestion, that Henry VIII implementing of Chivalric Imagery is what made him a better king than his father as ill discuss in depth. Henry VII, after winning the civil battle against Richard III, main concern was holding on to his political power after the war ended. Henry decided that the court be ran as it had previously before so he could gain popular consent of the …show more content…
“This same is the fulfiller of the profecye”. (The pageant at Worcester, 1486). Thus, the reasoning for Henry VII naming one of his son’s Arthur. Henry chose not to be a spectate in public ceremonies, for that’s not how he wanted to be seen from the public. Henry didn’t think it was right or proper, so he avoided chivalric imagery. Chivalric imagery is displaying knightly qualities to gain favor or control of the public. A reason that may prove correct is Larry B. Benson suggesting that it was for one of England’s many political situations at the time. This of course was entirely different for Henry VIII’s reign. Henry was the complete opposite, for he implemented Chivalric imagery so he could gain favor of foreign diplomats. He also put forth in his court chivalric love. Aalluring game played by the men and women of the court, that used teasing and flirting to lead the women on. A passage from Herman’s essay best explains his reasoning. “Chivalry’s emphasis on the knight as warrior and the knight as lover also served the dual purpose of the reflecting both his bellicose policies and his youthful position vis-à-vis the more senior members of the

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