Henry V And the Merchant

¶ … Henry V" and "The Merchant of Venice" by William Shakespeare. Specifically, it will discuss parent/child relationships within the two plays. Both of these plays delve into the parent/child relationship, and in "The Merchant of Venice," it is one of the minor themes of the play. Difficulties with parent/child relationships have been common themes for centuries, and it seems that was no different in Shakespeare's time. Many of Shakespeare's works include some sort of relationship between parent and child at odds. Often, this relationship is the catalyst that alters the play's plot and outcome (think of Romeo & Juliet, and the family feud between the Capulets and the Montegues). These two plays indicate parent/child relationships can be amicable, such as the relationship between Lancelot Gobbo and his father Old Gobbo, or they can be acrimonious, such as the relationship between Jessica and her father, Shylock. The lives of these characters indicate the strong bond between parent and child that, if not careful, can turn into a form of bondage and great discontent. Both plays illustrate difficult parent/child relationships and the ability of parents to mold and influence their children's lives, even after death.

In "Henry V," the theme of familial relationships is buried (literally), but it is certainly there. Young King Henry V is surely a product of his dead father, and shows his true strength and mettle when he decides to invade France. He bases his decision to declare war on old, indistinct family ties to the French monarchy, which adds another depth of family relationships to the plot. King Henry's father never appears in the play, but his son certainly feels his influence throughout it as Henry contemplates his options with France and his new role as leader of his country. He shows that even if he appeared weak and rowdy at first, he is really a strong and viable leader for his men and his country. Surely, his father's blood and legacy creates this leader when it is most necessary. In fact, in the first act, the Archbishop of Canterbury even notes that Henry has settled down during his father's death, calling him "Hydra-headed" and willful before his father's death, and "reformed" afterward. Henry has gained maturity as he gained a country, and proves his father's legacy is not misplaced. He becomes a great leader and a great warrior - single-minded when he decides to conquer France. His relationship with his father may have been strained at times, but it was the catalyst he needed to change and grow. This is the case with many of Shakespeare's characters, who use the foundation of their family to grow and change their own lives. Jessica even does this to an extent in "The Merchant of Venice," although her motives seem more selfish and self-serving.

In "The Merchant of Venice," the familial relationships are more convoluted and more perplexing. While it is not a major aspect of the play, the relationship between Lancelot Gobbo and his father, Old Gobbo is touching and amusing, and creates a great contrast between the acrimonious relationship between Jessica and her father Shylock. The interaction between father and son takes place in Act II, Scene ii, with a teasing display of affection where Lancelot fools his father into thinking he is dead, and then asks for his help in leaving Shylock's employment. His father, an old blind servant, supports his son and urges Bassanio to hire his son. The unconditional love between father and son is quite clear in this funny yet touching scene. This is in direct contrast to the relationship between Jessica and Shylock. Jessica despises living in her father's house and hopes to elope with her love, Lorenzo. She finds her father stingy and live in her home is "hell." She despairs when Lancelot leaves, and determines to leave as well. Both she and Lancelot chafe at Shylock's ways, but her relationship with her father is strained at best. The healthy relationship between Lancelot and his father only serves to point out the difficulties between Shylock and his daughter, and serve to show the importance Shakespeare placed on family relationships in his work. Eventually, Jessica denounces her father and her family religion, and hopes to become a Christian, which is the ultimate rejection of her Jewish father and his way of life.