Prince Escalus Flashcards
Act 1, Scene 1
“Will they not hear?”
“You men, you beasts!”
“Pernicious rage”
“On pain of torture”
Pernicious: becomes increasingly damaging and destructive as it continues
When questioning to himself, “Will they not hear?”, Prince Escalus remarks that the men involved are so preoccupied with their hatred that they no longer respect power and authority. Potential obstinance and arrogance.
They are still fighting and are not listening to him. Rhetorical question to the audience.
The prince repeats himself, despite being in authority. Does not have a true impact on the people. Law and order cannot function if the people do not respect it.
Zoomorphism with the word “beasts” reduces the men to lesser beings due to uncivilised behaviour.
Threatens to punish violence with “torture” and more violence.
