Figurative Language In Henry Viii

In the soliloquy from Shakespeare's play, Henry VIII, Shakespeare’s use of elements represents complex Wolsey’s reaction from dismissal of the court that grows from a conceited tone that developes into one of self pity. Every piece of writing contains the author's tone, this tone could be approving, formal, solemn or playful. It conveys what the author wants the characters to portray in a piece of dialogue such as Wolsey's soliloquy. In the beginning of the soliloquy Wolsey portrayed conceded nature by saying, “ farewell? a long farewell to all my greatness!” after being dismissed from the court. Wolsey is trying to display his independence from the court, and the court’s dependence on him. This expresses how in this moment Wolsey is still filled with high thoughts about himself. After many stages of his complex reaction Wolsey finally reaches one of self-pity. This tone is conveyed when Wolsey realizes he is no longer in hold of a great deal of power, and “when he [fell] he [fell] like Lucifer, never to hope again”. Wolsey’s is processing how he is back to
Shakespeare uses many examples of this in Wolsey’s soliloquy by describing his journey using nature. Wolsey describes his journey of power and how he flourished, but on “the third day comes a killing frost….[which] nips his root”. Wolsey is describing the king in a metaphor as a killing frost who has led him to his downfall. Shakespeare included this simile in Wolsey’s soliloquy to ensure the audience is fully aware of how Wolsey is feeling after just having his world turned upside down. In the end of the soliloquy Shakespeare expresses his complete cycle of emotion by having Wolsey realize his “high-blown pride at length broke under [him], and how has [left him]”. Wolsey finally is getting over his conceited nature and is beginning to feel defeated. He no longer has the pride he had days