Henry VI Part 1 Memory and the Past Quotes

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

Quote #7

MORTIMER
Henry the Fourth, grandfather to this King,
Deposed his nephew Richard, Edward's son,
The first begotten and the lawful heir
Of Edward king, the third of that descent;
During whose reign the Percies of the north,
Finding his usurpation most unjust,
Endeavored my advancement to the throne. (2.5.63-69)

Mortimer has to go three kings back to tell his story, but he sure hasn't forgotten. In fairness, he's been in prison a long time for trying to become king, which would probably give anyone a long memory. But his story of the past clearly haunts the present. If the current king's family got the throne unlawfully, there are implications for his right to rule.

Quote #8

PLANTAGENET
Well, I will lock his counsel in my breast,
And what I do imagine, let that rest.— (2.5.118-119)

Richard also plans to remember what Mortimer has said about the crown. What is he imagining here, anyway? Is he already thinking he might want the kingdom for himself some day? Memory can be pretty dangerous.

Quote #9

GLOUCESTER
Think not, although in writing I preferred
The manner of thy vile outrageous crimes,
That therefore I have forged or am not able
Verbatim to rehearse the method of my pen. (3.1.11-14)

Apparently Gloucester remembers everything he has against Winchester, without having to write it down (though he did for Parliament's convenience). Winchester doesn't appear to have any trouble recalling the past either. These two just do not let things go.