Relationship

In the 1966 play, Lion in Winter, written by James Goldman, King Henry

and Queen Eleanor have a fascinating relationship. Their relationship consists of

dispute over which one of their three sons should be the next King. They despise

one another because of the evil deeds they have done to one another. Yet,

somehow they still love one another.

The quarrel over which son should be the next King is throughout the

entire play. Henry wants the youngest son, sixteen year old John, to become the

next King because he loves him more than his other sons. Eleanor wants

Richard to be the next King because she does not want Henry to have his way.

She even says, after Henry asked if she really cared who was King, “I care

because you care so much.” She cannot choose John because Henry has picked

him, and she cannot choose the middle son, Geoffrey, because there is nothing

important or interesting about him. Eleanor has to choose Richard becaus

. . .

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” Henry’s response was, “Still that? When

Rosamund’s been dead for seven years?” Eleanor also despises Henry because

of his mistress Alais. King Henry

and Queen Eleanor’s relationship as portrayed in, Lion in Winter, is one of the

most interesting relationship in all of literature. ” Henry responded, “You think there’s any chance of it?” Queen Eleanor

and King Henry may not directly admit their love for one another, but they show

their love every so often. They say that they hate one

another. The extent to which Eleanor will go to keep Henry

from having his way is shown by her promising to yield her territory, the

Aquitaine, to Henry if he lets Richard become King. ” This comment shows that the Queen

once loved her King Henry. He only lets

her out during Christmas, Easter and state occasions. Eleanor

said, “Henry’s bed is Henry’s province: he can people it with sheep for all I care. Henry says, “You know, I hope we never die. Their frustration is not taken out on their

children because they love them. Eleanor is jealous that she is no longer the principal woman

in Henry’s life. ” Eleanor did

admit to once loving the King.

King Henry and Queen Eleanor’s relationship can best be described as a

love-hate relationship.

King Henry and Queen Eleanor despise one another.

Approximate Word count = 662
Approximate Pages = 3 (250 words per page double spaced)

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