William Shakespeare is a playwright whose works include histories, tragedies, and comedies. Shakespeare's plays are of exceptional dramatic brilliance. For example, Richard III's play is centered on keeping everyone in the dark about everything. In the instance of Richard II, we are kept in the dark throughout the play. A conversation will be held about Richard III's clandestine character and moments in the plays, as well as Richard II's gloomy moments.
For a long time, Richard III has been regarded as one of England's terrible kings. Despite the fact many revisionists try to clear his name, evidence continues to reveal the conniving nature of Richard in his affairs which are personal as dictated by the history. Many of Richard’s predecessors were more conniving than him. Certainly, in the Richard III play, Richard was not the evil monster which is depicted by William Shakespeare. Richard’s reputation as an evil man has been contributed by killing of his nephews, the innocent princess inside the tower, and the defenseless seared the impression of being evil (Till, 2007, 15).
In the play, Richard in his attempt to make Lady Anne his wife, he uses denial, lies and even goes to a point where he uses charm to make himself appear as a person who is frantically in love and very passionate rather than an executor. Richard denies his killing of Lady Anne’s husband and forwards the blame to King Edward who is his brother. When Anne seems to accuse Richard, Richard takes Anne’s beauty into blame for all the deaths. Richard tells Anne that to win her hand; he had to kill. In the end, Richard won Anne’s hand who had hatred for him for killing her father-in-law and husband. Furthermore, he had done the action in front of Anne’s father-in-law bleeding body (Till, 2007, 16)
After the English civil war’s which happened to be in series, that is “The War of Roses” meaning wars between families of Lancaster and York., Edward the fourth, of the York house, undisputedly became the king. However, Richard his youngest brother, Duke of Gloucester, plans to seize the throne for himself by doing away with anyone who gets into his path. First, he creates discord between King Edward IV and George who is their other brother, Duke of clearance. George is put under arrest in the Tower of London. Richard attempts to make Lady Anne his wife by wooing her. Richard wins lady Anne against all the odds and clandestinely has his brother Clearance executed. The murder happens in the tower in spite of the decision by King Edward to Pardon Clearance (Till, 2007, 6).
King Edward gets ill and dies when he hears the death of Clearance. Richard is made as the Lord protector to protect the King Edward’s two sons who are young and the princess. Richard does so by having them locked in the tower in the argument that it is for their own safety. Grey and Rivers are the executed by Richard who is the son and brother of the widow of Edward IV. Lord Hastings questions Richard and is executed (Till, 2007, 6). The Duke of Buckingham becomes the conspirator and chief advisor of Richard. Popular support is gained by both, which results in crowning Richard as King Richard III. Buckingham is at the request by Richard to execute the two princes who are in the tower. Richard aims at solidifying his claim to the throne. Richard revokes his promise to Buckingham to give him an Earldom after Buckingham refuses to execute the princes. Other killers are found by Richard who executes the princes. Richard also arranges for his wife execution, and she is executed. He plans to marry the daughter of the late King Edward IV who is named Elizabeth with the aim of strengthening the throne’s claim.
Bloody actions by Richard drive many nobles who flee to France. In France, they join Earl of Richmond, Henry Tudor who is from the Lancaster house. Henry Tudor who is against Richard prepares an army for him. Buckingham also fears for his security and flees. Buckingham is unlucky he is captured and killed. Richmond arrives in England together with his army. A battle is prepared for the two armies at the field of Bosworth. Before the battle night, Richard’s victims visit him to inform of ghosts with a message to him which is “despair and die” (Till, 2007, 6). Forces are belonging to Richmond gain victory in the battle. Richmond kills Richard by himself and claims the Throne whereby he is crowned Henry VII. He makes his announcement to marry Elizabeth of York who is the daughter of the late King Edward IV. Finally, he makes unity in the in the house of Tudor which is new, to the two families of Lancaster and York who are warring.
In Richard III Shakespeare drama, the word citizen is highly used. Citizens in Richard III normally receive the attention which is at a glance. Citizens political sympathy is swayed away by elite members who are in the position of ruling at moments which are crucial. Citizens participate in an election process which is based on popularity. First, London citizens had refused to proclaim Richard as their England royal king. The mayor overturns it subsequently together with his companions in the first folio(Ann, 2013, 93).
Buckingham execution happened in Salisbury. Apart from Grey, Vaughan, and Rives execution which happened at the castle of Pomfret, Richard III four acts which had happened first unfold about and in the city. London Street is the place where Richard Gloucester gives an opening speech where he comes into an encounter with first Clearance followed by Hastings before he intercepts Lady Anne who accompanies the hearse carrying Henry VI from St. Paul’s Cathedral. When Buckingham fails unexpectedly to persuade the citizens for the election of Richard as their King at Guildhall, Richard comes to launch his second attempt with the aim of securing the city’s support at the Castle of Bernard which is the former residence for the royal and a stronghold (Ann, 2013, 94).
Shakespeare Richard III is a reflection of the Tudor Myth. The myth held that the Roses wars were because of the divine curse that was purged finally by Henry Tudor. Later critics to reject the idea were generated, and the notion of the war of Roses and God’s will by Tudor which was widespread had its rejection. As for Shakespeare, Thomas More was the disseminator who influenced Richard’s bad character (Janis, 1999, 6). Thomas More is a contemporary of the father of Elizabeth (Henry VIII) and not an Elizabethan. More first identified Richard’s character as suitable for dramatizing by taking into consideration events that happened vividly in his reign. This enhanced his criminal tyrant reputation.
It is an open question as to whether More viewed the rule of Richard as punishment which is of a divine nature, though in the play by Shakespeare there is the absence of such interpretation. Queen Margaret articulates it by proclaiming Richard’s justice of turning against his own family. According to Margaret, crimes avenged because of murders earmarked by Richard, are acts which are of a specific nature taken by the house of York against her family and they are not political crimes which are of an ancestral nature. Margaret believes that Calvinism which grew in the era of Elizabeth, that historical events of an individual nature are God determined who is responsible for punishing evil with evil which is often in her view of Richard as the scourge of the Almighty. Again, an agent of providential nature is both limited and biased that is a representative of the part that means determined Richard to prove a villain (Janis, 1999, p. 6).
Richard is regarded by Margaret as God’s instrument for vengeance which is for the crimes committed against Lancaster’s, while Richard’s attribution of Margaret’s suffering is to the crimes she committed against the York’s a point which makes others agree with him. Shakespeare uses prophecies and such courses as dramatic devices which act as a representative to both York and Lancaster long conflict and the conflict that is of everybody against Richard as evidenced in Richard III. Historical determinism is an issue which is represented in the play which is inseparable in the times of Shakespeare and religion issues which is not an assertion, but an argument’s one side (Janis, 1999, p. 7)
Richard believes in the theory that the causes of human events are individual actions and not the providential will. He finds comfort in confiding his intentions to the public and then demonstrating how he can succeed in performing even the most difficult of them. He beats his chest upon accomplishing either of his intentions. He intends to make the audience adore and look at him with awe (Janis, 1999, p. 8). Richard woos not only his audience but also Anne in the play. His evil yet alluring is liked and hated in equal measure. Rather than Richard being related or compared to Machiaval, is also compared to Herod, a character in the Holy Bible. He is depicted as someone who can manipulate others so that they read from the same script.
Richard III believes that God is not entirely in control of every that happens to the human nature or the surroundings. Margaret, for instance, believes that God is responsible for her protection and provision. Richard III thinks otherwise. His character is that which can oppose nature. Shakespeare seems to be on Richard III’s side on the first three acts by narrating the play from his point of view. However, as he proceeds, he slowly swerves, and the audience moves its sympathy from Richard III to his victims, especially the female characters. The women in the play are linked to other characters in both classical and English plays. The primary intention by Shakespeare is to shift the attention from Richard III to the women (Janis, 1999, p.10).
There is time for everything and Richard III’s rise is about to come to a fall after the first of the two parts of the play. The audience is moved from his personality to his evil acts. This is followed by an exposition of the virtues personified in Richmond. As the play goes on, Clarence and the Second Murder are seen contemplating repentance, a sharp contrast from what Richard III believes. The Duchess, Clarence’s children, and the Queen complain and are visibly angered by the losses that they have incurred. The losses are solely Richard III’s actions. The Duchess, Elizabeth, and Anne soon learn that Richard III has held the prince captive and therefore might become the king. The three approach and lament at the tower in grief. The plot depicts the three women as having a destiny and on the right (Janis, 1999, p. 11). Shakespeare intends to detach the sympathy the audience had on Richard III as the three women interrogate him for his actions.
Repentance by Richard is a must, or he loses everything, but he refuses to repent just like Dr. Faustus of Marlowe. Richard’s victims whom appear inform of ghosts to Richard, and they give orders for him to ‘despair and die.' These are the very same words that Faustus recites to himself on abandoning hope in scene 12. Richard ignores to despair despite the orders given by the ghosts. Richard shakes off momentarily the dilemma from the theology of despair versus repentance and veers to self-overhearing as called by Harold Bloom (Janis, 1999, p. 12). According to Bloom's suggestion, some of the Shakespeare characters overhear speeches of their own and ponder those expressions.
Richard confronts the repentance possibility which is unexpected, “have mercy Jesu!”, And then confirms his earlier acts. The choice is made as an assertion of will and not despairs. Richard finds no sympathy in himself and therefore asks for none not even from the Almighty God. Richard hates himself to the extent that he has no tender feelings for himself. Anne once made a prediction that Richard will at one time hate himself, take revenge against himself and this was evident in the battle day when Richard overhears himself, and the results are the same as for if he had despaired. In the determinism face, Richard insists on free will. Coriolanus does not suffer banishment passively, instead banishes Rome. Richard assumes his own choice and a predestined identity which is his. The opening monologue gives the paradoxical pun which is the play’s final gloss and interior moment (Janis, 1999, p. 14). Richard’s determination to prove a villain he does not surrender at all in his part of the pun to cosmic determinism from human determination. Tragic heroism is what Richard partakes in his gesticulation against fate whereby he has got no choice but chooses to make one.
Richard regains ruthless courage which he possesses following his monologue at Bosworth in the morning, and he dies bravely. A female character who aided in distancing the audience from Richard vanishes from the play. The characters ritualized association and formality with Providence in the play (Janus, 1999, 14). Curiously, a flat triumph by Richmond is the result obtained. Richmond promises peace, pardons Richard’s soldiers and asks after young George Stanley which he does not forget. Richard’s tragic defiance is what we mourn for, and space for such mourning is provided for in Richard III at the end. Jones points out that the play from its outset supports determinism by repeatedly reminding us of what is known and not dealing with events which are of a historical nature.
Richard III died on the battlefield, and he was the last England King to die on a battlefield. The name Richard has not been chosen by any other English monarch even today, this is due to the surrounding controversy of Richard III. If Richard III had won the battle at the field of Bosworth, what England would have been history will never get an answer. With his two-year short reign, victory was unobtainable by Richard and gaining time to solidify his reign in the time needed. Propaganda and inaccurate history have transformed a tyrannical monster from a monarchy which is complicated.
The Richard II play
John of Gaunt who is the uncle to King Richard II both tries to settle a dispute between Thomas Mowbray Duke of Norfolk and Bolingbroke who is Gaunt’s son, the Duke of Hereford. They both accuse each other of murder and intriguing Gloucester’s death. Each of them throws a gage and to duel they resolve. Mowbray plotted John of Gaunt who is Bolingbroke’s father the Duchess of Gloucester prods to revenge Gloucester’s death. Gaunt and Gloucester are two of Edward II three sons who are surviving. Richard is a nephew to them. Gaunt cannot cross the King by asking God to substitute Richard, Richard’s deputy whose anointing was in his sight and led to his death (Khan, 2007, p. 24).
No sooner does Mowbray and Bolingbroke start a fight than Richard banishes them and sentences them to life and ten years respectively. He intently does this to prevent the land from being soiled with blood which it fostered. Later on, reduced the latter’s term to six in orders to lessen his father’s despair. King Richard discusses with his advisors Bolingbroke’s popularity with the people and comes up with ways to raise money for fighting the Irish.
Gaunt, Bolingbroke’s father, falls sick and talks with his brother York of how England has lost its former glory and a pale shadow of its former self after leasing land to others. Afterwards, he dies, and Richard takes possession of his property, which should have gone to Baling broke. Northumberland, Willoughby, and Ross plan to meet Bolingbroke after hearing that he is coming back to England, describe how Richard robbed the country and even overtaxed them.
Bushy and Bagot offer comfort to the Queen upon Richard’s departure. Consequently, Green announces that Bolingbroke has arrived at Ravenspugh together with his troop. York contemplates assembling a force to fight Bolingbroke’s men even though many of them are in support of Bolingbroke, whereby Bushy and Green plan to escape, while Bagot considers joining Richard. Bolingbroke is now in England and later meets Northumberland and his son Harry. Bolingbroke informs them of how Worcester has absconded his official duties and moved to Ravenspurgh to throw his weight to the growing rebelling-force. Bolingbroke promises to help Ross and Willoughby after thanking Percy. Just in time, York arrives and alleges that Bolingbroke is acting traitor. Bolingbroke, however, dismisses him and tells him that he is only after what belongs to him. He can persuade him to join his force and reluctantly gives in.
In the meantime, Richard’s forces are deserting him to the ever-growing force led by Bolingbroke. He captures Green and Bushy, accuses them of treason and quickly executes them. Richard arrives in England only to be met by sad news of Bush and Green’s death, men deserting to Bolingbroke’s troop and general revolt. Bolingbroke sends Northumberland to Richard with the message that he will only lay down his weapons and intentions only after Richard has repealed his banishment and returned his property. Richard unwillingly gives in to Bolingbroke’s demands, even though he knows that by doing so, he is also surrendering his power to him. The Queen later hears that Richard is deposed. At Westminster, Bolingbroke asks Bagot who the killer of Gloucester is and he, in turn, points the finger to Aumerle. Bolingbroke announces that he will bring Mowbray to try him, but he is informed that he is already dead. York arrives to inform Bolingbroke that Richard has given him the scepter, which he warmly accepts. The Bishop of Carlisle opines that rebellion will soon come to rule England and is immediately arrested for his utterances. Northumberland asks Richard to list his crimes publicly, and he refuses to do so. Bolingbroke condemns Northumberland for his idea and orders Richard to be conveyed to the tower (Khan, 2007, p. 21). These occurrences lead to the Bishop, Aumerle, and Abbot of Westminster plotting of a rebellion against Bolingbroke.
Richard meets the queen to say goodbye for the last time. Northumberland arrives to tell Richard that he will be taken to Pomfret and the Queen will be taken to France. A warning is directed to Northumberland by Richard informing him that Henry will be in suspicion of him being rebellious and that is what happens in part one of Henry IV. The Duchess of York who is the wife of York is told by her husband how Richard was thrown dirt at by the people and how they greeted Henry (Kaegi, 2013, p. 91). Their son Aumerle makes an arrival whereby York discovers his son is in possession of a letter whose content is to overthrow Henry. York departs to inform the king. Aumerle and the Duchess follow York to stop him. It is a lamentation by Bolingbroke on how Hal has been frequenting the taverns, and his son has been absent to him. On arrival, Aumerle requests for a pardon without saying what it is the reason behind it (Khan, 2007, p. 112). York arrives and informs Henry on the plot made by his son. Duchess on arrival goes down on her knees and pleads on behalf of her son Aumerle. Aumerle is pardoned by Henry and Henry declares a putting together a force that will aid in capturing and killing all the other traitors.
Exton’s Sir Pierce informs a servant his overhearing of the King’s wish for the for Richard to die. He says that he is the King's friend and he will ride his foe. At the castle of Pomfret, Richard monologues of the prison becoming his world (Khan, 2007, p. 2). Service to Richard is pledged by a stable boy who makes his arrival. Exton murders Richard on Exton’s arrival. From Fitzwater and Northumberland, the news of victory against the rebel forces gets to Henry. Henry vows to reward both Fitzwater and Northumberland. Northumberland, a son by the name Hotspur, arrives with Carlisle captured, and Henry says that through an enemy, he has proved to be noble and therefore grants his life. Richard’s coffin is brought by Exton (Khan, 2007, p.44). Lamentation of Richard’s murder is made by Henry who pledges to make a pilgrimage to the land which is holy to wash away the blood which is in his hands.
In the history of the English land, a dark period is marked by the Roses wars. The houses of York – Plantagenet family and Lancaster who are both descendants of King Edward the third are the centers of conflict due to opposition by the sides fighting for the crown’s possession. War of the Roses is a name coming from the red rose which is traditionally used to symbolize Lancaster and for the white rose to symbolize House of York. The conflict is dramatized by Shakespeare in an eight-play series. In 1455, the war’s first battle was officially fought and a question of succession in the year 1377 can act as a trace to the roots of the war (Khan, 2007, p.4). In the same year, that is 1377, King Edward III died, and at a tender age of ten, Richard II became the King.
Four out of Edward III seven sons were outlived by King Edward III which included Edward who was the eldest. Black Prince was the nickname given to young Edward at his consequent in Europe continent. For England, young Edward won lands and overpowered armies. Edward III should have been succeeded by the Black Prince according to Divine Right (Khan, 2007, 4). Edward III got sick and passed on due to the grief which strikes him after his eldest son died. Richard was the son of the Black Prince who inherited the throne despite the fact that Edward III had surviving sons. Richard succession was through primogeniture where the rights of succession are possessed by the deceased descendants. Assuming the throne by Richard was opposed by some noblemen who claimed that his age was tender hence unwilling give up on the throne. Many were in support of the decision one of the adult uncles of Richard who were Duke of Lancaster, Duke of York, Edmund of Langley, John of Gaunt, Edward III fourth and Fifth sons to inherit the throne.
King Edward III powerful Lords and a group of wealthy advisors who make up the Privy Council arose to the decision of crowning the boy that is Richard II and for the uncles to be the primary advisors or regents (Khan, 2007, p. 4). Lancaster and Dukes of York concurred with the decision and maintained the regent status till Richard’s adulthood. King Richard II in his 30s begun to rule England and he did not succeed to appease the English Lords who were frequenting feuding. Unrest and chaos were created by frequent battles and political squabbles. The ruling ability by Richard II was put to doubt by his privy council eventually. Usurping the crown by York and Lancaster descendants was taken into consideration due to the negative opinions that arose from the King’s ability to rule.
Henry Bolingbroke who is Richard’s cousin, enemies at the court who were many and battling noblemen confronted unpopular Richard at this point in history whereby Shakespeare Richard II was begun. Henry, the son of John Gaunt Richard's uncle, the Duke of Lancaster, had his accusation on Mowbray, Duke of Norfolk whom they are not related to the opening of the scene. Henry accuses Mowbray of treason. He claims Richard’s uncle (the Duke of Gloucester) execution is the responsibility of Mowbray despite the suspicion of Richard ordering the execution by himself which is very widespread. The response by Richard to Henry’s accusation was an order of the two to fight. This fight was supposed to be a fight to the death in settlement of the disagreement. Later on, Richard has a change in his mind whereby he decides to exile them both (Khan, 2007, p. 13).
John Gaunt, the father of Henry, dies while Henry is in exile. Unfairly and illegally, Richard for himself claims Henry’s inheritance. Henry the Lancastrian returns in the claim of his inheritance back in England. Henry garners large support which is huge enough to seizure the inheritance and furthermore throne itself. Richard is imprisoned after being deposed. Richard’s claim to the throne was strong compared to Henry’s, Henry’s claim to the throne is tenuous. Richard dies childless though heirs remain who have got the right superseding that of Henry to the throne (Khan, 2007, p.16). Divine Right is defined by Richard’s removal from the monarchy.
It is the belief of many citizens that King Henry IV who is the newly crowned went against the will of God by removing Richard. The citizens believe that God will take revenge eventually. After the elapse of fifty years, it is seen by many citizens as a prophecy come true whereby the war of the roses begun (Khan, 2007, p. 24). People and historical events which are true is the basis of Richard II as it is with all the other plays by Shakespeare history. However, the stories are made interesting theatrically by taking into consideration and simplifying events, with chronology taking liberty and characters alteration ages and actions to tell a story which is compelling. This has made it possible to capture the reader’s attention and make him view the play as interesting and understandable. Real events that happened in the English land have been unleashed.
Conclusion
Our discussion has been based on two single plays by William Shakespeare that is Richard III and Richard II. An observation has been made from the two plays that William Shakespeare basis his play from past events which unfolded in the Monarchial leadership in England. Scrutiny and analysis have been made in the discussion about Shakespeare and the history play. In the Richard III play, we notice that the audience is kept from the secret of everything. Major secrets in the play have been brought clear in the discussion above whereby we can identify and point them out one by one. In the play of Richard II, it is a play where the audience is put in the dark in the whole play permanently and not for a portion. In the discussion made, one has been put into light by understanding the facts which are brought out clearly. Hunger for power is observed from some characters in the play whereby they go to the extent of doing crazy actions in which some are unthinkable.
Bibliography
Eisenberg, B., Rathfon, C., Tillman, T., Venning Dan., 2007. Richard III. In: Tillman, T., ed. 2007. Teachers guide, Volume 1, pp 2-36.
Kaegi, A., 2013. ‘What says the citizens’ in Shakespeare Richard III. Journal of early modern studies, Volume 2, pp 91-116.
Khan, M., 2007. Richard II, Teacher curriculum guide, Volume 1, pp 1-10.
Lankford, D., 2013. Machiavellian Monster or Misunderstood Monarch?: Richard III and the Battle for the English Throne. Journal of early modern studies, Volume XX, pp 30-51.
Lull, J., ed., 1999. King Richard III. United Kingdom: CambridgeUniversity press
