In his chapter "The Final Paradox," Irving Ribner seems to believe that Shakespeare was addressing and returning to the theme of damnation, feeling that he has shown this in his earlier plays. Ribner continually refers to both Antony and Cleopatra's actions throughout the play as both sinful and evil for they were not acting, as he terms it: Morally. ... Ribner give the impression of being a heavily religious man, as he seems to be able to relate almost every "immoral" occurrence in the play back to the ultimate destruction of man and civilization. ... Damning his soul, I've had a ha...

• Word Count: 797
• Approx Pages: 3
• Grade Level: Undergraduate

The play is full of noble speeches, heroic battles, and valiant English underdogs fighting their way to victory against all odds. ... The gift offends him, and could imply the French think he is still a boy and should be playing games rather than trying to conquer lands. ... According to traditional thinking, King Henry is the brave and majestic hero of the play. ... But he is also the most successful king in Shakespeare's History plays. ... The play is full of patriotic speeches that show how proud you should be to be English. ...

• Word Count: 3298
• Approx Pages: 13
• Grade Level: Undergraduate