Metaphors In Cardinal Wolsey's Speech

Shakespeare uses metaphors, allusions to the bible, and a bitter tone to convey Cardinal Wolsey’s response to his dismissal from the court and the loss of his pride.
Cardinal Wolsey begins the speech by discussing the state of himself when he began his job by using metaphors to describe them. “Tender leaves of hopes” is the figure of speech Shakespeare uses to describe the initial aspiration held by Cardinal Wolsey when starting his job. He then goes on to say “to-morrow blossoms” showing that his job looked secure for the future. He finally uses the phrase “And bears his blushing honors thick upon him” showing the pride and the honor which he held with such a position. The tone of the metaphors then change to say that once his greatness began, it “nips his root” and a “killing frost” began. By continuing the same metaphoric tone of nature, Shakespeare shows that the greatness Cardinal Wolsey once held in his position is suddenly and

“When he falls, he falls like Lucifer.” A direct reference to the bible, Lucifer is the fallen angel of God who then becomes the leader of the underworld. By using such a strong allusion, Shakespeare is trying to send a clear message about Cardinal Wolsey and what will become of the king with the loss of Wolsey’s place in the court. Wolsey seems to be implying that without his help the king will be left “never to hope again”. The use of Lucifer as an allusion for the king can also be taken into some meaning of what has become of Cardinal Wolsey. Similar to himself, Lucifer once has an esteemed position as the right-hand man of God, who was banished from the kingdom to become worthless and unimportant. This can be described as Cardinal Wolsey’s position too, who held an important position in the court only to become worthless to the Courts and also to the