KIng Charles III - questions about one plotpoint

[henrikegerman]

Posted: 12/7/15 at 2:29pm

Saw it this weekend and loved it but didn't at all get..... SPOILERS...

Harry's choices in the final scenes

Beginning with why he is signing the papers.  At first I thought, ok, he's formally coming back into his royal auspices, but why exactly has he made this choice?  And, in any event, why would that decision be a part of the same document?  And culminating with his choice to leave Jessica.

Either the play doesn't provide a full explanation of what exactly is motivating these choices or, in the midst of everything else going on in this very fine play, I missed it.  It seemed to me as if a very major piece of the fabric of this story had been edited out.

Anyone have any thoughts?
 

[trpguyy]

Posted: 12/7/15 at 3:43pm

I assumed he signed the paper as a legal witness. And his decision in the final scene, well, he explained that he didn't want to go against his brother's wishes.

[indytallguy]

Posted: 12/7/15 at 5:32pm

trpguyy said: "I assumed he signed the paper as a legal witness. And his decision in the final scene, well, he explained that he didn't want to go against his brother's wishes."

This was my take as well.  It seemed Harry also was resigning himself to returning to the life he had been trying to escape.

[henrikegerman]

Posted: 12/7/15 at 6:00pm

Clearly but why?  What changed?  Do you agree it was, as he says, simply because William asked him to come back?  Is that a satisfying resolution to his character arc?  Or do you, like me, feel that something was missing to tie his through line together?

[Baiseur82]

Posted: 12/7/15 at 6:34pm

I took it as he was honoring the oath that was discussed earlier in the play to always help each other (I don't remember exactly how it was worded)  I assumed William would have asked Harry for his unwavering support publicly and Harry felt he could not say no. It was a "for the good of the monarchy" kinda thing 

or I could be way off lol

[indytallguy]

Posted: 12/7/15 at 9:36pm

henrikegerman said: "Clearly but why?  What changed?  Do you agree it was, as he says, simply because William asked him to come back?  Is that a satisfying resolution to his character arc?  Or do you, like me, feel that something was missing to tie his through line together?"

 

Hmm. I'd almost need to see it again as the change did not bother me that much. I actually found Charles acceptance of Harry's request to be "set free" more unlikely at face value.

 

What I recall feeling was that Harry was reclaimed by the sense of duty that comes with being part of the Royal Family. Duty stands out as one of the themes running throughout the show. Charles was certainly immersed in it. Kate used it on Will. The Prime Minister used it as a weapon with Charles. Etc.

 

[henrikegerman]

Posted: 12/7/15 at 10:01pm

I found Charles's acceptance of Harry's request to be clear and persuasive.  He was completely moved by Harry's ardor for freedom and passion for Jessica.  To say no would be to block Harry's actualization in the way he had felt blocked in his desires to marry Camilla so many years earlier than he did.  The scene was staged with the two couples mirroring each other across the great steps.

I get it.  Harry was reclaimed.  But what was missing for me was why.  I agree now that Bartlett was likely playing on the boys' oaths to always help each other, and William having worked - offstage - that duty obligation on Harry, but I wish the script would have given us a little more to tie that together.

A relatively small complaint.  As I said, I really loved the play.

Updated On: 12/7/15 at 10:01 PM

[indytallguy]

Posted: 12/7/15 at 10:08pm

henrikegerman said: "I found Charles's acceptance of Harry's request to be clear and persuasive.  He was completely moved by Harry's ardor for freedom and passion for Jessica.  To say no would be to block Harry's actualization in the way he had felt blocked in his desires to marry Camilla so many years earlier than he did.  The scene was staged with the two couples mirroring each other across the great steps."

 

That's a great take on that scene that didn't hit me that way as it unfolded, but you're right, it makes perfect sense. Thanks.

[henrikegerman]

Posted: 12/8/15 at 12:00pm

You're welcome and thanks to you and everyone who took time to weigh in on my questions.  Very helpful.