OCR a Level English Literature Delivery Guide Learner Resource Edward II - Activity 1 The

Edward II - Activity 1. The divine right of monarchs

Introduction:in this task you are going to look at a key piece of context that gives an emotive charge to the play: the theory of the divine right of monarchs.

Student guidance:

First carry out some research on the theory, and share what you find with the class.

Next, fill in the table below. Some character names have been added to the first column. You can add more. Do they subscribe to the belief in the divine right of monarchs and their absolute authority? Write Yes or No in the second. Find evidence of their view. Next to the evidence, write some comments on the techniques and effects of the line you chose as evidence.

Read on in the play. Does the character stop believing in the absolute authority of Edward? Note your evidence, and the techniques and effects of this line too. In the final column, write down why you believe the character has a change of heart, or persists in believing in the divine right of monarchs. Include evidence.

In the final row of the table, try to synthesise your argument. What is Marlowe saying about the divine right of monarchs, through the play? Remember to comment on the techniques and effects on the audience, if you feel this is relevant.

Christopher Marlowe: Edward II

Character / Believes in the divine right and absolute authority of monarchs?
Y/N / Evidence / Techniques and effects / Stops subscribing to this view.
Y/N / Evidence / Techniques and effects / Motivation for change of heart + evidence
Edward
Isabellla
Prince Edward
Lancaster and other nobles / Yes / ‘Far be it from the thought of Lancaster/To offer violence to his sovereign’ (8:33) / Yes / ‘Tyrant, I scorn thy threats’ (13:21) / Emotive language / ‘Unto the walls of York the Scots made road,/And, unresisted, drave away rich spoils.’ (6:165)
Synthesis of argument

Christopher Marlowe: Edward II