Richard II
When Kings the sword of justice first lay downThey are no King, though they possess they crown.Titles are shadows, crowns are empty things,The good of subjects is the end of Kings." Daniel DefoeThere is a fine line between compromising the essence of a Kings power and failing to heed the desires of his subject. Indeed to get the balance correct is the sign of a competent King. The theory of the divine right of a King to govern is greatly exploited and many aspects are explored throughout Shakespeare's political play, "Richard II". My introductory quote clearly exemplifies the thinking of King Richard and his associate's at the time. For my coursework, I have decided to investigate the doctrine of kingship and argue extensively that lineage is not necessarily the best determinant of good government. This so called right is based on the law of God and of nature, by which previous sovereigns rule by virtue of their birth alone and with authority passed from each generation to the next. In order to achieve this, I will explore the play, focusing on Richards's character, his overall demeanour as King of England and how others perceive him. I also feel it necessary to make comparisons between Richard and his arch nemesis Hen
When Bolingbroke is banished, as he rides away he takes time to greet and show courtesy to the common people. Richard realises that throughout his life he has wasted time "I wasted time, and now doth time waste me" but he also realises time now wastes him away as re rots in the castle and he knows his death is near. " Yet York knows in his heart who would be the better King. He is a weak, poetic man immensely caught up in performance and the glamour of a Kings role rather than actually carrying out the duties of a King. " He coldly dismisses his uncle and his next act paves the way for this abdication. " In Act three, Bushy and Green pay the price for their misleading of the King as Bolingbroke has them beheaded. The last confrontation between Richard and his dying uncle is very important as it gives us an insight to the true King. In one sense, his intervention can be regarded as being scrupulously planned, one that does not demonstrate his weaknesses but on the contrary shows his fortitude and compliance to demonstrate his distinct power as King by superseding the inclinations and privileges of medieval aristocracy. He also adds "great King" which is perhaps a hint of sarcasm as it is abundantly clear that Richard truly is not in the eyes of his uncle. Richard shows himself to be quite a compassionate King when seeing John of Gaunt's sad face. Gaunt says to Richard "Since thou dost seek to kill my name", Gaunt is referring to the banishment of his son Henry. Once again Gaunt is prophesying but also challenging the audience and those present to question if England's sickness is due to the mismanagement by Richard. " And "Dear earth I do salute thee with my hand. He transforms into a practical, ambitious man and potentially a great King of England. He believes the quarrel is over "eagle-winged pride" "sky aspiring and ambitious thoughts" and "rival-hating envy".
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common people richard,
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Acceptance Essays
