An execution is an odd thing, the definitively dividing line between life and death. This line is also reflected in rebellion. Both are delicate things, not easily walked by the common man. Although the condemned may not have much time left, in that window they are still human. Their tongues, though burning with limited wick, can speak truths no other can. These times are rare, and cannot be taken lightly. BB's part in these executions is a difficult one to play, but he does it masterfully.
Bolingbroke starts his short speech with a disclaimer, a very tactical move. To rid himself of any further blame or guilt, he splits his disclaimer into two parts: what he isn't going to do, and what he is. In saying "I will not vex your souls" (line 2), …show more content…
if actions speak louder than words, why not just do something? Everyone there (except the prisoners) is completely fine with the execution taking place, why bother wasting breath saying something already known? More than anything, this is a formality. In repeating the crimes out loud, for all to hear, BB clears all possibility of understanding. Without a declaration of cause, some ill-doing audience member could claim that the trial was unfair, and BB executed two innocent men. This also fivers BB a place to say whatever things he wants to the prisoners. No one would fault him for passionately reading the crimes against his king. The severity of the crimes lend a stage for BB to truly speak his mind. In the next 20 lines, Henry not only reads the crimes, but does so with a fire that lets him bleed his true emotions. Within the bounds of his rebellion court, there are certain things that are considered acceptable. Barring his emotions to the world would not be considered acceptable. Burying those same emotions in a diplomatic speech, though, is fair game. Henry realizes that, and he also realizes that a rebellion is a dangerous and fragile thing. One wrong move and he could be executed by his followers. However much he wants to get mad at the men that have done him wrong, he cannot risk it. This speech is not only a display of BB's real emotions, it is one of his incredible temperament, control, and diplomacy, showcasing his ability to be an effective
Bolingbroke starts his short speech with a disclaimer, a very tactical move. To rid himself of any further blame or guilt, he splits his disclaimer into two parts: what he isn't going to do, and what he is. In saying "I will not vex your souls" (line 2), …show more content…
if actions speak louder than words, why not just do something? Everyone there (except the prisoners) is completely fine with the execution taking place, why bother wasting breath saying something already known? More than anything, this is a formality. In repeating the crimes out loud, for all to hear, BB clears all possibility of understanding. Without a declaration of cause, some ill-doing audience member could claim that the trial was unfair, and BB executed two innocent men. This also fivers BB a place to say whatever things he wants to the prisoners. No one would fault him for passionately reading the crimes against his king. The severity of the crimes lend a stage for BB to truly speak his mind. In the next 20 lines, Henry not only reads the crimes, but does so with a fire that lets him bleed his true emotions. Within the bounds of his rebellion court, there are certain things that are considered acceptable. Barring his emotions to the world would not be considered acceptable. Burying those same emotions in a diplomatic speech, though, is fair game. Henry realizes that, and he also realizes that a rebellion is a dangerous and fragile thing. One wrong move and he could be executed by his followers. However much he wants to get mad at the men that have done him wrong, he cannot risk it. This speech is not only a display of BB's real emotions, it is one of his incredible temperament, control, and diplomacy, showcasing his ability to be an effective