Passage 1: Duke of Gaunt. Richard II 1.2
In this passage, John of Gaunt is discussing the murder of the Duke of Gloucester with his widow. She wants him to exact revenge for the murder. Gaunt says that he cannot, because he would need to act against his king to do so. In this way, it is revealed that Richard II is behind the murder. Others believe that the king is not responsible for the murder. It would be treason to act against the king though. In this passage, the Duke tells the widow that heaven must repair the fault; it lies in the hands of a person whom they cannot accuse or hold to justice. There is no higher justice than the king in England; this is a problem when the king is the one guilty of murder. This is why the passage is crucial in the work. It allows the audience the ability to discern the true character of Richard II.
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Passage 2: King Richard II IV.1
In this small passage, King Richard speaks. He reflects on the difficulties of being a king. He had his serious crimes as a king (including murder). However, he notes that the challenge of being a king is that someone may remove all of his glories, but not his troubles. He might lose his crown and the glory that goes with it. However, when a person removes a crown from the king’s heads, his trials and tribulations remain. He cannot overcome the grief of what occurred in his life; this includes the murders and crimes he commits. This passage serves to humanize Richard II. It indicates that he is not heartless, but rather worries about his actions.
Passage 3: Richard II 2.1
In this passage, John of Gaunt refers to England’s famous watery and naval history. England, it must be remembered always, is an island. As such, this influences her history and her culture. John of Gaunt speaks these words on his deathbed. It is his fervent desire that he can advise the foolhardy young Richard II not to ensue with a dangerous path. This path is, of course, war and violence. He recognizes that it is part of England’s culture to engage in wars with surrounding countries. However, he hopes that the young king will listen to him with regards to the challenges of this.
Passage 4: Richard II V.6
This is at the end of the play. Bullingbroke discusses his feelings about the situation. It acts, in part, as a summary of the action and the related feelings. The words in the speech are meant to be ambiguous. Bullingbroke manages to admit that he is quite happy that Richard II is dead. However, he denies any culpability in the murder. In this way, the speech sums up how many feel. They could not outright wish harm upon their king; however, they are not sorry to see him dead. Bullinbroke acknowledges that he hated King Richard II; therefore, he loves to see him as the victim. If he admitted to regicide though, he would be put to death. He therefore walks a thin line of acknowledgement with his feelings. This also serves to indicate how difficult it can be to work with a king; one must always be on guard.
Passage 5: Macbeth 5.8
In this passage, Macduff speaks. He is talking to Macbeth. He tells Macbeth that he does not want to be charmed. He also warns Macbeth that he might be the one whom the witches prophesized about early in the play. The witches told Macbeth that he should fear someone who was not of woman born. Macduff tells him that he was born by a C-section. Therefore, he technically was not born from a woman, but torn from her womb. It is a way for the audience to realize who is a threat.
Passage 6: Macbeth 1.6
In this passage, Macbeth speaks about a possible murder. This quote is important because it indicates that Macbeth is not a steady character. He is full of self-doubts. His wife is the one who pushes the action. Macbeth discusses how even the thought of committing a murder is difficult for him. This is fear and apprehension; not ambition. While Macbeth is noted for his role in the murders of the play, it must be noted that he is not always to blame. His wife pushes him to do this. This is one of the important passages in which the audience learns that Macbeth is full of self-doubt; he could not commit his crimes unless he was pushed to do so by someone much more ruthless, namely Lady Macbeth.
Passage 7 The Twelfth Night 1.5
In this passage, Malvolio, the straight man, speaks with Olivia. Malvolio announces that she has a visitor. He describes the visitor, a young man/boy, who is actually a female in disguise. Malvolio is surprised by the size and lack of manhood that the visitor possesses. The audience understands why this is so; it is a young female. She would never be able to appear as strong as a man. Malvolio realizes that something is amiss, but cannot say what, other than comment on the age and size.
Passage 8 The Twelfth Night 2.4
In this passage, Viola discusses desire and her love for her master. She is disguised as a boy, so he does not realize that she is female and in love with him. Her master, Orsino, loves Olivia, a beautiful, aristocratic woman. Viola tries to explain to Orsino that another woman, namely herself, might love him as he loves Olivia. She cannot reveal her true identity to him at this time. Therefore, she desires him from afar, despite being next to him at all times. Desire is one of the most important themes in the play.
