Lord Maltravers/Earl of Arundel Character Analysis in Edward II

Maltravers is a noble who initially remains loyal to Edward II, delivering the king's request that he be allowed to see Gaveston before the latter is executed. At some point, however, Maltravers switches sides and allies himself with Mortimer Junior, at which point he becomes one of the deposed king's jailkeepers. In this role, he not only torments Edward with taunts and insults, but also allows Lightborne to murder the king. Maltravers' actions thus underscore his treacherous nature and suggest that Edward, who had trusted him, is not a particularly good judge of character.

Lord Maltravers/Earl of Arundel Quotes in Edward II

The Edward II quotes below are all either spoken by Lord Maltravers/Earl of Arundel or refer to Lord Maltravers/Earl of Arundel . For each quote, you can also see the other characters and themes related to it (each theme is indicated by its own dot and icon, like this one:

Sex, Lineage, and the Natural Order Theme Icon

).

And there in mire and puddle have I stood
This ten days' space; and lest that I should sleep,
One plays continually upon a drum.
They give me bread and water being a king,
So that for want of sleep and sustenance
My mind's distempered and my body's numbed,
And whether I have limbs or no, I know not.

Related Characters: Edward II (speaker), Lord Maltravers/Earl of Arundel , Gourney

Page Number and Citation: 5.5.58–64

Explanation and Analysis: