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Dramatic Irony
Act 1, Scene 2
Explanation and Analysis—Lorenzo and Horatio:
Throughout the play, Horatio and Lorenzo serve as foils for one another. They share some key characteristics: both are members of the Spanish court with a close relationship to Bel-Imperia (Horatio was her lover, and Lorenzo her brother) and both witnessed Andrea's death in battle. Despite these parallels, however, their behavior in the aftermath of the battle against the Portuguese army sets them apart. Their very different personalities are highlighted in a short conversation prompted by an enquiry by the King:
KING: But tell me —for their holding makes me doubt—
To which of these twain art thou prisoner?LORENZO: To me, my Liege.
HORATIO: To me, my Sovereign.
LORENZO: This hand first took his courser by the reins.
HORATIO: But first my lance did put him from his horse.
LORENZO: I seized his weapon and enjoyed it first.
HORATIO: But first I forced him lay his weapons down.
The King wants to identify the knight responsible for the defeat of Balthazar, a courageous act worthy of glory and reward. However, both Lorenzo and Horatio claim responsibility for the capture of Balthazar. Lorenzo, their conversation reveals, grabbed the reins of Balthazar’s horse and "seized his weapon.” Horatio, however, makes a parallel claim, arguing that he knocked Balthazar off his horse with a lance and forced him to lay down his weapons and submit.
Overall, their conversation implies that Horatio was the true hero of the story and that he defeated Balthazar with some assistance by Lorenzo. However, Lorenzo’s attempt to falsely claim credit for the victory emphasizes his role as a foil to Horatio. While Horatio fights bravely in battle to avenge his friend, Lorenzo tries to take credit for the achievements of others.
