The Rein of Richard II
Richard II considers the kingship a personal possession and ornament rather than a serious duty. This is shown by his inability to listen to the nobles trying to guide him, his belief that he is king by divine right and thus will not be displaced, and because he does not try or care to connect with the citizens he governs over. Throughout King Richard II, many nobles try to give Richard guidance, especially Gaunt and York. Richard, however, does not listen because he believes that the kingship gives him a right to do whatever he pleases. For example, when Gaunt lays on his deathbed and Richard comes to bid him farewell, Gaunt tries to impart his wisdom on his young nephew. Gaunt speaks of the beauty and wonder of England, emphasizing how it should and could be that way again, only if Richard stops his actions and becomes a true king. Instead of taking Gaunt's heartfelt advice, Richard calls Gaunt "a lunatic lean-witted fool/ presuming on an age's privilege" (II.i.115-116). Gaunt has the luxury of speaking the truth, an act unthinkable to most nobles if they wish to keep their heads, because
He does what he will benefit from, not that which his duty as king would demand. Because of this, Richard never tries to befriend the citizens over which he rules. Instead of listening to the noblemen who want to help him and befriending the people he governs, Richard thinks solely of himself. But as he believes to be better then them, they come to despise him, which eventually helps Bolingbroke usurp him as king. Take Hereford's rights away, and take from time" (II. York pleads with Richard to reconsider, as it was customary for each heir to rightfully claim the land and possessions he is entitled to, and no one, even a King, should interfere with this process. Although these goods should go to Gaunt's heir, Bolingbroke, Richard uses his position as King to disregard the law. It is Richard's selfish actions during his rein that leads to his eventual demise and Bolingbroke's assent to power. Richard views being king as his right, and thus does not believe he has to follow any rules or obligations to England, but instead can act as he chooses. York even warns the king that this action will alienate the nobles that stand by him, but Richard is so consumed with power that he again chooses not to listen to his friends, but do what he wants.
Common topics in this essay:
IIi121-123 Richard,
York Richard,
IIi192-195 York,
II Richard,
Richard II,
Gaunt Richard,
Iiv24 Richard,
IIi115-116 Gaunt,
Instead Richard,
God Richard,
king richard,
richard ii,
serious duty,
richard views,
duty king,
befriending people,
king richard ii,
king instead,
instead listening,
|
Acceptance Essays
