Anonymous described Henry VI and the Lancastrian dynasty in a very negative way. This manifested itself in the designation of the illegitimacy of the power of Henry and the Lancastrians, the negative characterization of this king companions (the “rebels”), of their methods of struggle for power, the lack of a related characteristic of the monarch, and also in general the definition of Henry’s claims to the throne and everything that was associated with it as something unnatural. Accordingly, the image and deeds of Edward IV, from the point of view of the author of the chronicle, are described positively in order to prove the validity of his claims to power. All this proves the propagandistic orientation of this work. The chronicler uses the method of repetition to reinforce the propaganda orientation. Throughout the exposition, Anonymous refers to Henry as nothing more than a “usurper”, “called a king”, “who seized the regalia”, and the king’s supporters are called “rebels”. Anonymous uses this method of propaganda to convince the readers of his chronicle of the illegality of the power of Henry and the Lancastrian dynasty. The author of the Chronicles makes use of another propaganda technique — exaggeration, noting the unconditional love and devotion of Edward’s “true servants” and people to their true king. Anonymous also uses the method of analogy to show the moral superiority of Edward IV, as well as his companions, over his enemies. The anonymous chronicle is an example of propaganda and is directed to the supporters of the Yorks to prove the legitimacy of Edward IV’s claim to the English throne.
For citation:
Evseev V.A., Filippova A.I. Рropaganda of the age of the Rose Wars. Images of two kings in the anonymous chronicle “The story of the arrival of king Edward IV in England”, Ivanovo State University Bulletin, Series: Humanities, 2023, iss. 1, pp. 65—76.