Vying Kings and Competitive Princes

Vying Kings and Competitive Princes.

In Cymbeline, Cloten is depicted as the vying prince, and Cymbeline as the old king. As the play unravels, it is proven that the queen’s main intentions of marrying Cymbeline are to insure that Cloten will obtain the throne. In this way, the queen is also acting as the vying prince, attempting to help Cloten in his efforts to achieve the throne.

Although the theme of vying kings and competitive princes emerges in Cymbeline as well as other plays, such as King Lear, there is an opposite theme in King Henry IV Part 1.

King Henry represents the vying king as he wishes Hotspur were his son, and next in line to take the throne. While talking about how he respects Hotspur, the King proclaims “O, that it could be proved that some night-tripping fairy had exchanged in cradle-clothes our children where they lay, and called mine 'Percy' his 'Plantagenet'! Then I would have his Harry, and he mine” (1.1.85-89). Here the king admits that he wishes Hotspur were his son and not Harry. King Henry views Prince Harry as immature, since he spends his time robbing thieves and manipulating friends. In contrast, the King looks upon Hotspur as a noble prince who deserves the throne. As the play continues, the respectable side of Hotspur is questioned as he often “explodes” with temper outbreaks. For example, when his wife asks him where he is going, and why he hasn’t been himself, he responds “Away! Away, you trifler. Love, I love thee not. I care not for thee” (2.3. 82-84). Telling his wife he doesn’t love her or care for her is extreme, as she was only showing her love and consideration for him. This scene further demonstrates Hotspurs temper and unfavorable attributes.

It will be interesting to see how Hotspur and Prince Harry change in the eyes of King Henry, and if they continue to keep acting the same, or if they have a change in character. I think Prince Harry is going to “win” over Hotspur in the end. Because Hotspur begun being perceived as the noble one, and has started to decrease his own status, I think Prince Harry will begin to increase his status, seeming less immature and untrustworthy, consequently happily surprise everyone. I think King Henry IV Part 1 is rooting for the underdog. Although this statement is slightly ironic because it is expected that the “vying prince” should be the underdog, in this case, the next prince in line is the underdog. The theme of the vying character changes from Cymbeline to King Henry IV because in Cymbeline the vying price desires the throne, whereas the vying king wants a different prince. I predict that despite each vying character, all will work out in the end as the respectable character among Henry and Hotspur is revealed.