Shakespeares illustrations of Kingship in Richard II and Henry IV pts. I ; II Essay Example

Shakespeares illustrations of Kingship in Richard II and Henry IV pts. I ; II Essay In these plays there is an interesting blend of perspectives towards the issue of kingship. The first is that of Richard II whose claim to the throne is considered just but whose ability to lead is poor; in effect he may be regarded as the complacent king. We then look through the eyes of Henry IV whose claim to the throne in terms of the laws of succession is unstable but who, as a man, has won the support of the people on merit. Finally there is the perspective of Hal. In many respects he has had the benefit of the experience of both his predecessors. He is at once the son of a man who has usurped the throne, but at the same time the son of a man who has earned his crown on merit. Moreover he is at least the legal successor to his father. In these plays Shakespeare embraces these various perspectives and takes us through the pros and cons of each kingà ¯Ã‚ ¿Ã‚ ½s position. In order to establish Shakespeareà ¯Ã‚ ¿Ã‚ ½s views on kingship it is helpful to examine various aspects of the issue in turn. The concept of a king as Godà ¯Ã‚ ¿Ã‚ ½s minister on earth is most prevalent in Richard II since he is the only king who we shall dicuss who fills this role. It is still an important issue in relation to Henry IV but this time in terms of how having usurped the crown, and consequently not inheriting this role, destabilizes Henryà ¯Ã‚ ¿Ã‚ ½s claim to the throne. Let us look then at some of the ways in which Shakespeare examines the belief in the divine rights of kings and how adherence to the belief effects the management of the country. From the start of Richard II we are made aware of the contemporary relationship between king and subject when Bullingbrooke refers to Richard as his à ¯Ã‚ ¿Ã‚ ½loving liegeà ¯Ã‚ ¿Ã‚ ½ (1.1.21). We will write a custom essay sample on Shakespeares illustrations of Kingship in Richard II and Henry IV pts. I ; II specifically for you for only $16.38 $13.9/page Order now We will write a custom essay sample on Shakespeares illustrations of Kingship in Richard II and Henry IV pts. I ; II specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer We will write a custom essay sample on Shakespeares illustrations of Kingship in Richard II and Henry IV pts. I ; II specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer This at once compresses the idea of a king as a feudal lord but one who supposedly loves his subjects. Yet this is not enough to illustrate the position of authority the monarch would have enjoyed. Mowbray comes somewhat nearer the truth when, in an attempt to flatter the king, he refers to the place Richard should duly occupy in heaven; à ¯Ã‚ ¿Ã‚ ½Until the heavens, envying earthà ¯Ã‚ ¿Ã‚ ½s good hap,/Add an immortal title to your crown.à ¯Ã‚ ¿Ã‚ ½ (1.1.23-4). It was certainly the contemporary belief of Richard and many of his followers that the monarch was Godà ¯Ã‚ ¿Ã‚ ½s representative to the people: this is his relationship with his subjects. It is for this reason, for instance, that John of Gaunt, when talking to his brotherà ¯Ã‚ ¿Ã‚ ½s widow, refuses to avenge his brotherà ¯Ã‚ ¿Ã‚ ½s death in spite of his suspicions about Richardà ¯Ã‚ ¿Ã‚ ½s part in the murder;