Richard II - The Tudor Myth

The thought of ?the Tudor Myth? may have been dismissed by some in Richard II. However, it was the people of the country and the subordinates of King Henry the Fourth that were to reap what was sown after the death of Richard II. It is proclaimed that the King of England is appointed by God Almighty and is therefore not to be disputed. This means that the killing of Richard II would be not only blasphemous in the highest respect but also the cruelest act of treason. ?The Tudor Myth? is proven true in Henry IV through the witnessing of civil war, more treason, and mass confusion in England through Richard?s successor, Henry IV.

Civil War in England starts as soon as Richard is dethroned and later murdered. Richard is not present when Carlisle states his prophesy of doom upon the country but reinforces it when he is killed by Sir Pierce Exton. Upon being struck by Exton, Richard says:

That hand shall burn in never-quenching fire /

That staggers thus my person. Exton, thy fierce hand /

Hath with the King?s blood stained the King?s own land. (RII. V. v. 108?110).

In saying this, Richard is prophesizing that by killing the King, one appointed by God as the supreme representative, that Exton has stai

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Prince Hal?s generosity leads readers to believe that he will be a good king and rule fairly while at the same time being able to fight for the best interest of England. It is at this time when Prince Hal chooses to step up from his dishonorable behavior and show his father, himself, and the country what kind of leader and king he will eventually be. Although Hotspur has fought well in order to please the King, Henry cannot help but feel disappointed and a sense of failure that his own son, Prince Hal, is not an equal to Hotspur. The Percys wish to reclaim land rightfully theirs, and other nations wish to gain land and power too. Civil war and feuding is seen already taking effect at the end of Richard II and is seen throughout Henry IV part 1, Henry IV part 2, and Henry V.

This shows that Henry is disappointed in his son and wishes that Hotspur were his son rather than Prince Hal. The Bishop of Carlisle was correct in saying that after Richard II was executed, England would suffer.

Approximate Word count = 1037
Approximate Pages = 4 (250 words per page double spaced)

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