Hubert de Burgh is a prominent character in William Shakespeare's play, King John. This historical drama depicts the reign of King John of England and the political turmoil that surrounds his rule. Hubert de Burgh, a loyal and trusted advisor to the king, plays a crucial role in the unfolding events of the play.
Hubert de Burgh, also known as Hubert Walter, is portrayed as a noble and virtuous character. He is depicted as a skilled diplomat and strategist, always putting the interests of the kingdom above his personal ambitions. As the play progresses, Hubert becomes an important figure in the power struggle between King John and the French prince, Philip the Bastard.
One of the most pivotal moments in the play is when King John orders Hubert to kill his nephew, Arthur, in order to secure his own power. This is a morally challenging task for Hubert, as he is torn between his loyalty to the king and his conscience. Despite his initial hesitation, Hubert ultimately cannot bring himself to carry out the order and instead stages Arthur's death, allowing him to escape.
Hubert's guilt over his involvement in the plot against Arthur becomes a major turning point in his character arc. He realizes the extent of his loyalty to King John and the consequences of his actions. Hubert's guilt pushes him to take a different path and become a force for good in the play.
In the final act of the play, Hubert aligns himself with the French prince, Philip the Bastard, in an effort to overthrow King John and restore justice to the kingdom. This unexpected alliance showcases Hubert's transformation from a loyal servant to a champion of righteousness.
Hubert's character is a representation of the internal struggle between personal loyalty and moral duty. His journey highlights the complexities of human nature and the power of redemption. Throughout the play, Hubert de Burgh's unwavering loyalty and eventual redemption make him a compelling and memorable character.