![Book Cover of The Tragedy of King Richard II](/image/book/the-tragedy-of-king-richard-ii.webp)
The Tragedy of King Richard II
'The Tragedy of King Richard II' Summary
The play spans only the last two years of Richard's life, from 1398 to 1400. It begins with King Richard sitting majestically on his throne in full state, having been requested to arbitrate a dispute between Thomas Mowbray and Richard's cousin, Henry Bolingbroke, later Henry IV, who has accused Mowbray of squandering money given to him by Richard for the king's soldiers and of murdering Bolingbroke's uncle, the Duke of Gloucester. Bolingbroke's father, John of Gaunt, 1st Duke of Lancaster, meanwhile, believes it was Richard himself who was responsible for his brother's murder. After several attempts to calm both men, Richard acquiesces and it is determined that the matter be resolved in the established method of trial by battle between Bolingbroke and Mowbray, despite the objections of Gaunt.
The tournament scene is very formal with a long, ceremonial introduction, but as the combatants are about to fight, Richard interrupts and sentences both to banishment from England. Bolingbroke is originally sentenced to ten years' banishment, but Richard reduces this to six years upon seeing John of Gaunt's grieving face, while Mowbray is banished permanently. The king's decision can be seen as the first mistake in a series leading eventually to his overthrow and death, since it is an error which highlights many of his character flaws, displaying as it does indecisiveness (in terms of whether to allow the duel to go ahead), abruptness (Richard waits until the last possible moment to cancel the duel), and arbitrariness (there is no apparent reason why Bolingbroke should be allowed to return and Mowbray not). In addition, the decision fails to dispel the suspicions surrounding Richard's involvement in the death of the Duke of Gloucester – in fact, by handling the situation so high-handedly and offering no coherent explanation for his reasoning, Richard only manages to appear more guilty. Mowbray predicts that the king will sooner or later fall at the hands of Bolingbroke.
John of Gaunt dies and Richard seizes all of his land and money. This angers the nobility, who accuse Richard of wasting England's money, of taking Gaunt's money (belonging by rights to his son, Bolingbroke) to fund war in Ireland, of taxing the commoners, and of fining the nobles for crimes committed by their ancestors. They then help Bolingbroke to return secretly to England, with a plan to overthrow Richard. There remain, however, subjects who continue to be faithful to the king, among them Bushy, Bagot, Green and the Duke of Aumerle (son of the Duke of York), cousin of both Richard and Bolingbroke. When King Richard leaves England to attend to the war in Ireland, Bolingbroke seizes the opportunity to assemble an army and invades the north coast of England. Executing both Bushy and Green, Bolingbroke wins over the Duke of York, whom Richard has left in charge of his government in his absence.
Upon Richard's return, Bolingbroke not only reclaims his lands but lays claim to the very throne. Crowning himself King Henry IV, he has Richard taken prisoner to the castle of Pomfret. Aumerle and others plan a rebellion against the new king, but York discovers his son's treachery and reveals it to Henry, who spares Aumerle as a result of the intercession of the Duchess of York while executing the other conspirators. After interpreting King Henry's "living fear" as a reference to the still-living Richard, an ambitious nobleman (Exton) goes to the prison and murders him. King Henry repudiates the murderer and vows to journey to Jerusalem to cleanse himself of his part in Richard's death.
Book Details
Language
EnglishOriginal Language
EnglishPublished In
1595Author
![William Shakespeare image](/thumbs/image/author/william-shakespeare.webp)
William Shakespeare
United Kingdom
William Shakespeare was born on April 23, 1564, in Stratford-upon-Avon. The son of John Shakespeare and Mary Arden, he was probably educated at the King Edward VI Grammar School in Stratford, where he...
More on William ShakespeareDownload eBooks
Listen/Download Audiobook
- Select Speed
Related books
![The Trail to Yesterday Cover image](/thumbs/image/book/the-trail-to-yesterday.webp)
The Trail to Yesterday by Charles Alden Seltzer
This is a gripping tale set in the rugged and untamed American West. In this sweeping frontier saga, where justice is as elusive as the whispers of th...
![The Crossing Cover image](/thumbs/image/book/the-crossing.webp)
The Crossing by Winston Churchill
This is a compelling historical novel that takes readers on an extraordinary journey through the American Revolution. Published in 1904, this captivat...
![The Snarl of the Beast Cover image](/thumbs/image/book/the-snarl-of-the-beast.webp)
The Snarl of the Beast by Carroll John Daly
It is an exciting and suspenseful crime fiction novel suitable for young readers. Written by the influential author Carroll John Daly, this book takes...
![The Tale of Billy Woodchuck Cover image](/thumbs/image/book/the-tale-of-billy-woodchuck.webp)
The Tale of Billy Woodchuck by Arthur Scott Bailey
In the enchanting world of Whispering Hollow, where animals possess the power of speech, a thrilling tale unfolds. This is a captivating adventure tha...
![Curlie Carson Listens In Cover image](/thumbs/image/book/curlie-carson-listens-in.webp)
Curlie Carson Listens In by Roy J. Snell
It is an exciting and engaging mystery book a renowned author known for his thrilling stories, this book takes readers on a captivating journey. Firs...
![The Lords of Ellingham Cover image](/thumbs/image/book/the-lords-of-ellingham.webp)
The Lords of Ellingham by Henry Spicer
Join the thrilling quest in The Lords of Ellingham, an enthralling book crafted by the talented author Henry Spicer. In this captivating tale, readers...
![Silver Pitchers: and Independence, A Centennial Love Story Cover image](/thumbs/image/book/silver-pitchers-and-independence-a-centennial-love-story.webp)
Silver Pitchers: and Independence, A Centennial Love Story by Louisa May Alcott
The picturesque landscape of Harmony, where the year is 1876, and the nation is celebrating its centennial anniversary. Louisa May Alcott weaves a mes...
![Harriet Lummis Smith Cover image](/thumbs/image/book/pollyannas-debt-of-honor.webp)
Harriet Lummis Smith by Harriet Lummis Smith
Step into the world of Pollyanna as she navigates a newfound sense of responsibility and faces unexpected challenges in "Pollyanna's Debt of Honor" by...
![The Loot Of Cities Cover image](/thumbs/image/book/the-loot-of-cities.webp)
The Loot Of Cities by Arnold Bennett
The bustling streets of early 20th-century London, a city of contrasts, ambitions, and secrets. Written by the acclaimed author Arnold Bennett, this g...
![The Story of a Monkey on a Stick Cover image](/thumbs/image/book/the-story-of-a-monkey-on-a-stick.webp)
The Story of a Monkey on a Stick by Laura Lee Hope
This is an engaging children's book filled with delightful adventures. The book offers an entertaining and educational experience for young readers. O...
Reviews for The Tragedy of King Richard II
No reviews posted or approved, yet...