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Similes
Act 5, Scene 4
Explanation and Analysis—My Friends Advance:
In a soliloquy saturated with situational irony, Mortimer reveals his plans to rule England as a King in a manner similar to his predecessor, King Edward II. Preparing to establish Edward’s son as a puppet-ruler under his control, Mortimer states:
The queen and Mortimer
Shall rule the realm, the king, and none rule us;
Mine enemies will I plague, my friends advance,
And what I list command, who dare control?
Maior sum quam cui possit fortuna nocere;
And that this be the coronation day
It pleaseth me and Isabel the queen.
Previously, Mortimer opposed King Edward for his favoritism, granting great rights and privileges to his “favourites” and neglecting the nobility. Ironically, Mortimer plans to rule England much as Edward did, stating, “Mine enemies will I plague, my friends advance.” Further, Mortimer anticipates having complete control of the Kingdom, as all will have to obey his “command” and none “dare control” a King. His belief in the absolute power of the King is ironic, given his own role in overthrowing the previous King; if a King really holds such unquestioned power, then Mortimer himself would not stand behind the throne. This soliloquy suggests that his newfound power has corrupted his earlier ideals and that his reign over England would simply replicate the political issues that once justified his rebellion.
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