King Speech Essay

Xiao Yu

The King’s Speech

Writing 2

Professor Cummings

        Responsibilities of a king are numerous, but above all, a king is there to protect and speak for the people.  Although the power a king has is limited in modern time, the king is still the face of the nation and represent the people.  The king must address the nation during important events such as the entering of a war.  In “The King’s Speech”, Prince Albert, Duke of York, is faced with speech difficulties that prevent him from making a suitable, public figure.  Prince Albert, also known as Bertie, visited many speech therapists but had seen little result in improving his “mechanical difficulties” (King’s Speech).  Elizabeth, the supportive wife, played by Helena Bonham Carter, sought out an unorthodox speech therapist, Lionel Logue.  Lionel, played by Geoffrey Rush, understood the circumstances with treating royalty, but knew it was necessary to step outside the standard edict in order to help Prince Albert conquer his stammer.

        The opening scene start with Bertie’s first broadcast at the closing season of the Empire Exhibition.  With his severe case of stammer, Albert struggles to make only a few orders during his speech; the scene makes it evident to the audience that the Duke of York was incapable of public speaking, none the less make important announcements.  Being the caring, worried wife, Elizabeth seeks the aid of Mr. Lionel Logue.

        After several sessions, Lionel realized that he must be seen as a friend in the king’s eyes in order for progress to take place.  During sessions, the king must see himself as an equal to Lionel; simple tactics such as identifying each other on a personal name basis were used to achieve improvement.  Through hard work and a strong friendship, the therapist explored the depth of Albert’s problem and guided the king toward conquering his speech impediment.  By the closing scene of the movie, King George VI was ready to define the nation’s stance on Germany and the war.

        As the scene begins with Bertie and Lionel in the broadcasting room, it seems rather small and calming.  After Lionel opens the windows for circulation, the viewers can see that there was a customized podium for Bertie; all décor was to provide the king with comfort.  With only twenty seconds until broadcasting, Lionel gives one last breath of confidence to Bertie; “Forget about everything else and just say it to me.  Say it to me, as a friend” (King’s Speech).  Before Bertie begins his speech, the camera is directed toward the script in his quivering hands.  The pages were marked specifically and tactfully to provide Bertie with notes on where to pause and when to emphasize.  Slowly the blinking light switches off and Bertie stares nervously into the microphone; his hands are shaking, throat is swelling, and neck is constricting.  People internationally were tuned in, listening closely with growing apprehension to the silence.  Lionel calmly looks at Bertie and tells him to breath.  Using Lionel’s contagious confidence, Bertie exhaled, remembering the techniques he had practiced, and the king was able to begin.

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