In this speech Cardinal Wolsey tells how he felt after his sudden downfall from his position as an advisor to the king in the play Henry VIII. Shakespeare used figurative language comparing and describing his feelings after being dropped from his position. Allusion is used giving multiple comparisons from a character in the Bible. He seems to be depressed and confused about it all; Yet, in wonder of what to do next. This speech seems like a tragedy, Wolsey being the protagonist, is going through somewhat a disastrous time.
Shakespeare’s use of figurative language was shown using similes, exposition, and soliloquy. He used similes when stating “I have ventur’d like little wanton boys that swim on bladders”. Wolsey compares his anger inside to heavy bladders to state that he’s ready to explode with rage. Exposition was used at the very beginning of the speech. For example, “So farewell—to the little good you bear me”. That line from the play indicated that the character came to some type of downfall, but not yet identifying the situation at hand. “My high blown pride at length broke under me, and now has left me weary”. That is an example of soliloquy. He say “now has left me weary” stating that he’s exhausted from work, but without a home.
Allusion was used when stated “When he falls he falls like Lucifer”. Lucifer refers to a character in the Bible, making it a somewhat religious reference. Wolsey compares his self to Satan as