Henry VI, Part 2

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Bolingbroke

Who is Bolingbroke in Henry VI, Part 2?

In "Henry VI, Part 2", Bolingbroke, whose full name is Roger Bolingbroke, is a minor but significant character. He is a clerk and necromancer who becomes embroiled in a plot involving the Duchess of Gloucester, leading to dire consequences for himself and others.

Historical Context

Set during the reign of King Henry VI in the 15th century, this play depicts a period of political instability in England. The historical Roger Bolingbroke was indeed involved in a scandal with Eleanor Cobham, Duchess of Gloucester, in 1441. Shakespeare dramatizes these events, using them to illustrate the power struggles and intrigues of the time.

Bolingbroke's Role in Henry VI, Part 2

Roger Bolingbroke's character serves several important functions in the play:

  • Catalyst for Plot: His involvement in necromancy sets off a chain of events that affect the main characters.
  • Representation of the Occult: He embodies the fear and fascination with magic in medieval society.
  • Political Pawn: His actions and fate demonstrate how lower-ranking individuals could be caught up in and destroyed by noble intrigues.
  • Symbol of Corruption: His practices highlight the moral decay in the court and society at large.

Key Events Involving Bolingbroke

Bolingbroke's appearances in the play, though limited, are crucial to the plot:

  1. Summoning Spirits: He participates in a séance with Southwell and Margery Jourdain, attempting to foretell the futures of the king and nobles.
  2. Arrest and Accusation: He is arrested along with his accomplices and accused of treason.
  3. Confession and Punishment: Bolingbroke confesses to his crimes and is sentenced to death.
  4. Execution: His execution is reported, serving as a warning to others and furthering the play's themes of justice and power.

Memorable Moments and Quotes

While Bolingbroke has limited lines, his most significant moment comes during the séance scene:

"The duke yet lives that Henry shall depose;
But him outlive, and die a violent death."

This prophecy, which Bolingbroke helps to conjure, sets in motion the events that lead to his own downfall and that of the Duchess of Gloucester.

Significance in the Play

Despite his minor role, Bolingbroke's character is significant to "Henry VI, Part 2" in several ways:

  • Plot Device: His actions drive forward key elements of the plot, particularly the downfall of the Duchess of Gloucester.
  • Thematic Importance: He embodies themes of ambition, the supernatural, and the dangers of political intrigue.
  • Historical Reflection: His character reflects the real historical events that Shakespeare drew upon, adding depth to the play's exploration of English history.
  • Social Commentary: Through Bolingbroke, Shakespeare comments on the intersection of superstition, politics, and justice in medieval England.

Conclusion

Roger Bolingbroke, while a minor character in "Henry VI, Part 2", plays a pivotal role in the unfolding drama. His involvement in necromancy and the subsequent political fallout serve as a catalyst for larger events in the play. Through Bolingbroke, Shakespeare explores themes of ambition, superstition, and the volatile nature of power in medieval English politics. His fate serves as a stark reminder of the dangerous games played by those in and around the corridors of power.