Henry VI Part 1 Memory and the Past Quotes

How we cite our quotes: (Act.Scene.Line)

Quote #1

GLOUCESTER
What should I say? His deeds exceed all speech.
He ne'er lift up his hand but conquerèd. (1.1.15-16)

Well the English sure have some awesome memories of the recent past—it sounds like Henry V was amazing. Is the past going to encourage the English to great deeds, though, or make them feel stuck, like they can never get anywhere?

Quote #2

EXETER
We mourn in black, why mourn we not in blood?
Henry is dead and never shall revive.
Upon a wooden coffin we attend,
And death's dishonorable victory
We with our stately presence glorify,
Like captives bound to a triumphant car. (1.1.17-22)

Memory may not be so great for the English after all. If all they've got is the memory of Henry V, they're kind of in trouble, like prisoners of war being hauled along by Death.

Quote #3

GLOUCESTER
Cardinal, I'll be no breaker of the law,
But we shall meet and break our minds at large.
WINCHESTER
Gloucester, we'll meet to thy cost, be sure.
Thy heart-blood I will have for this day's work. (1.3.80-83)

Long memories among the aristocracy are also a problem because they keep quarreling with each other. Forgive and forget does not seem to be a popular plan, and both Gloucester and Winchester predict this quarrel coming up again. If this were an idle threat, it would be fine, but it's all too real.