Richard II

Description

Richard II by William Shakespeare

Richard II is one of Shakespeare’s great history plays. It is a prelude to his three Henry plays: Henry IV, part 1, Henry IV, part 2, and Henry V. Richard II is based on the life of the English king Richard II, who ruled in England from 1377 to 1399. The play details his last days as king, and his subsequent murder.

At the onset of the play, Richard II is the content ruler of England, when he is called to judge a dispute between his cousin, Henry Bolingbroke, and a man named Thomas Mowbray. Bolingbroke has accused Mowbray of wrongfully spending money given to him by the King to be spent on the King’s soldiers. Bolingbroke also insinuates that Mowbray is behind the murder of his uncle, the Duke of Gloucester. Richard tries to appease both men but is persuaded to preside over a duel. However, as soon as the tournament is about to begin, Richard stops the proceedings and banishes the two contestants from England.

Soon after, Bolingbroke’s father, John of Gaunt, dies, and Richard confiscates the noble man’s riches and land, using them to fund his extravagant war against Ireland. Richard leaves to monitor the war and Bolingbroke seizes the opportunity to form an army and invade northern England. Richard has left himself vulnerable, and Henry Bolingbroke seems set to become the next king, King Henry IV, of England.

First performed in 1601, Richard II is a fascinating play that is less popular than other of Shakespeare’s historical plays, including Richard III and Julius Caesar. Great actors that have played Richard II include Frank Benson and Kevin Spacey.
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