LESSON 6:Hastings Downfall

LESSON 6:Hastings’ downfall

Framework Objectives / Learning Objective
R14: Analyse the language, form and dramatic impact of scenes and plays by published dramatists
Wr3: Produce formal essays in standard English within a specified time, writing fluently and legibly and maintaining technical accuracy when writing at speed / To understand Hastings’ behaviour and motivation in the set scene, and his wider significance within the play

Starter

Ask students what the phrase ‘pride comes before a fall’ means. [if you are overconfident or believe you are superior to others, it is likely this will lead to something bad happening to you, and a loss of power, position or respect]

Introduction

Ask students: in what ways, is the phrase above true of Hastings? Students will need to look again at Hastings appearances in the play, and see if they can trace the roots of his downfall. Suggest they look at:

Act 1 Scene 1: Hastings has been released from prison: he supports the (ill) king, but not the Woodvilles (the Queen and her entourage) – this might be why he thinks he is safe when Rivers, Grey & Vaughan are all executed.

Act 1 Scene 3: Margaret curses Hastings, saying he did nothing to prevent the death of her son.

Act 2 Scene 1: Hastings appears to be ready to make peace with the Woodvilles, and continues his support of the unwell king, but Richard’s news about the death of Clarence seems to point the finger at the Woodvilles – once again, Hastings may think he is safe.

Act 3 Scene 2: A messenger reveals Stanley’s dream to Hastings but he ignores it. He also trusts Catesby, and takes pleasure in the news that Rivers, Vaughan etc are to die. He says he’ll refuse to support Richard as king.

Development

What sort of man is Hastings? Like many others in the play, he is one of those desperately trying to maintain his position and status at court, but he ‘takes his eye off the ball’, being too concerned about the Woodvilles and complacent about Richard.
Distribute Worksheet 7and ask students to decide what each quotation means and what impression we get of how Hastings feels from it.

Plenary

Finish off by looking over what students have suggested for each quotation. What should emerge is a man who thinks he is now untouchable and revels in his enemies’ downfall, and is then, at his own death suddenly aware of how badly he misjudged things.

Look at each of these quotations, decide what they mean and then explain what we learn about how Hastings is feeling as he speaks.

QUOTATION / EXPLANATION / HOW HASTINGS FEELS
….I shall live, my lord, to give them thanks
That were the cause of my imprisonment (Act 1 Scene 1) / Hastings tells Richard that he’ll survive long enough to get revenge on those who were responsible for his imprisonment / Angry and vengeful (with the Woodvilles)
Elizabeth (on the king’s request to make peace): There, Hastings, I will never more remember our former hatred, so thrive I and mine. (Act 2 Scene 1) / Elizabeth vows to forget how she hated Hastings as long as her family are unharmed.
(to the Messenger) Tell him (Stanley) his fears are shallow, without instance.
(Act 3 Scene 2)
(about Richard becoming king) I’ll have this crown of mine cut from my shoulders,
Before I’ll see the crown so foul misplaced (Act 3 Scene 2)
Think you, but that I know our state secure,
I would be so triumphant as I am? (Act 3 Scene 2)
Richard: If? Thou protector of this damned strumpet,
Talk’st thou to me of ifs? Thou art a traitor. Off with his head! (Act 3 Scene 4)
I, too fond, might have prevented this… (Act 3 Scene 4)
Oh bloody Richard, miserable England,
I prophesy the fearful’st time to thee
That ever wretched age hath looked upon (Act 3 Scene 4)

LESSON 7:Buckingham self-destructs

Framework Objectives / Learning Objective
R14: Analyse the language, form and dramatic impact of scenes and plays by published dramatists
S&L12: Use a range of drama techniques, including work in role to explore issues, ideas and meanings. / To understand Buckingham’s behaviourand motivation in the set scenes

Starter

Buckingham has been a willing partner to Richard in his attempt to get the throne, and is clearly part of many of the plans to rid Richard of challengers to him. Ask students to look briefly at the dialogue between Richard & Buckingham directly after Catesby’s exit at the end of Act 3 Scene 1.

-Does Buckingham know what Richard has planned for Hastings if he doesn’t support him?

-What reward does Richard appear to promise Buckingham?

Introduction

It’s important to trace the extent of Buckingham’s involvement in the set scenes. In the first, he has little involvement, although he clearly knows what Hastings’ fate will be. In Act 3 Scene 5, he is absolutely central to the tricking of the Mayor; in Act 4 Scene 2, it is undoubtedly the ‘crunch moment’ for Buckingham. How do Buckingham’s thoughts differ between, say Act 3 Scene 5, when he seems in control, and Act 4 Scene 2? First look at OHT 8Aand ask students to complete the bubbles. Then look at OHT 8B (based on Act Four Scene 2) and see if they agree with the though-tracking on the sheet.
Continue this process with the remainder of the dialogue before Buckingham leaves. This can be done in one of two ways – firstly, by copying the dialogue from the set scene and then annotating it as is shown. Or more actively, run this as a drama activity in groups of four. A takes the part of the speaking Richard; B takes the part of his thoughts; C is Buckingham; D is Buckingham’s thoughts. B & D should stand still, as if almost invisible, but A & C can move, act, gesture etc. B & D’s comments spoken aloud, should illuminate the motivations of these two characters.

Development

Show several examples of the thought-tracking role-play, or read aloud some of the written dialogues and thoughts. Ask the same groups to discuss:

-Does anything emerge about either Richard or Buckingham here?

-Who is the more surprised by the other’s response?

-How have things changed by the time Buckingham has returned? (how is the power/status between the two different?)

Plenary

This isn’t quite the last we see of Buckingham in the play, but how are we to judge his silence and request for time to think when he is asked to help murder the princes? Is this an ambitious man who is in too deep? Or an evil man outdone by someone who is even worse? Or someone who still has some morals?

OHT 8A: What I’m really thinking (Act 3 Scene 5)

OHT 8B: What I’m really thinking