One day I will read more about Shakespeare’s life and how these plays came to be produced and printed. Ironically, Shakespeare's dramatically themed portrait of Richard II has largely overshadowed the historic persona. Be on the lookout for your Britannica newsletter to get trusted stories delivered right to your inbox. Henry subsequently imprisons him in Pontefract castle. A synopsis of Shakespeare's Richard II Read More. Shakespeare shows Richard quite openly preparing to take his country's wealth to spend on a foreign war and also hoping for an early death for the venerable old Gaunt. ― William Shakespeare, Richard II. Within Shakespeare’s “Richard II” the tragic hero of the play, King Richard, displays a great feeling of pride regarding his belief that he is God's anointed deputy and this absolute faith elevates him. Discover more about our previous productions of Shakespeare's Richard II Read More. By signing up for this email, you are agreeing to news, offers, and information from Encyclopaedia Britannica. This royal throne of kings, this sceptred isle… This blessed plot, this earth, this realm, this England. When Henry hears that his father has died and that Richard took his inheritance, he returns from exile with an invading army. Weep thou for me in France, I for thee here; Better far off than near, be ne'er the near. The commoners and nobles are already critical of Richard. What makes Richard II such a brilliant play was Shakespeare’s effort to find the larger meanings behind the historical events. Now as Henry IV, Henry imprisons Richard, and Richard is murdered in prison. Richard II Act 2, scene 1. Instead Richard chooses to exile both Henry and Mowbray. The play is the first in a sequence of four history plays (the other three being Henry IV, Part 1, Henry IV, Part 2, and Henry V) known collectively as the “second tetralogy,” treating major events in English history of the late 14th and early 15th centuries. (Its sequel plays are Henry IV, Parts 1 & 2, and Henry V.) Richard II, set around the year 1398, traces the fall from power of the last king of the house of Plantagenet, Richard II, and his replacement by the first Lancaster king, Henry IV … QUEEN Then whither he goes, thither let me go. Richard II Act 2, scene 1. Richard II, chronicle play in five acts by William Shakespeare, written in 1595–96 and published in a quarto edition in 1597 and in the First Folio. KING RICHARD II Ay, hand from hand, my love, and heart from heart. Act 1, Scene 3: The lists at Coventry. Richard II. With David Tennant, Elliot Barnes-Worrell, Antony Byrne, Sean Chapman. Richard II is a 2012 British television film based on William Shakespeare's play of the same name.It is the first of four television adaptations of Shakespeare's second history tetralogy commissioned by BBC Two under the series title The Hollow Crown. Character Analysis Richard II As a king, Richard is supposedly divine and all powerful; as a man, he is an ordinary mortal and prey to his own weaknesses. 10 likes. Corrections? Richard II, chronicle play in five acts by William Shakespeare, written in 1595–96 and published in a quarto edition in 1597 and in the First Folio of 1623. Summary Read a Plot Overview of the entire play or a scene by scene Summary and Analysis. Henry marches through England, gathering his willing forces. Synopsis: John of Gaunt, knowing that he is dying, speaks plainly to Richard about his deficiencies as king. Shakespeare began his career with a history play, and he wrote eight major history plays in the 1590s; all concerned with English history, the kings, queens and historical events ranging from about 1377, when Richard II assumed the throne, to about 1485, when Richard III was deposed and the rule of … Our editors will review what you’ve submitted and determine whether to revise the article. They welcome Henry in the north, led by the powerful Earl of Northumberland, Henry Percy. Celebrating Shakespeare is at the heart of everything we do. Character Analysis Richard II As a king, Richard is supposedly divine and all powerful; as a man, he is an ordinary mortal and prey to his own weaknesses. That character, however rooted in history it may be, is ultimately a construct in which history is subservient to Shakespeare's dramatic purpose. Get exclusive access to content from our 1768 First Edition with your subscription. He banishes Mowbray for life. Folger Shakespeare » Shakespeare’s Plays, Sonnets, and Poems » Richard II » Act 2, scene 1 » Richard II. The insult to himself and his father and the urging which he receives from his peers are the determining factors in his effort to depose Richard. Explore information and resources for teachers and learners on Richard II Find out more. The independent charity that cares for the world’s greatest Shakespeare heritage sites in Stratford-upon-Avon, and promotes the enjoyment and understanding of his works, life and times all over the world. Join WNYC and The Public Theater as we bring Free Shakespeare in the Park to the airwaves with William Shakespeare's RICHARD II. Act 1, Scene 2: The DUKE OF LANCASTER'S palace. As the tournament begins, the uncertain and impulsive Richard stops the contest. This is rather bold characterization, somewhat melodramatic, and more typical of Shakespeare's early plays than his later ones. The play ends with Henry inquiring about his own wastrel son, Prince Hal, and swearing to make a pilgrimage to the Holy Land to atone for his part in Richard’s murder. Richard’s last surviving uncle, Edmund of Langley, duke of York, serves as regent while the king is fighting in Ireland. York’s son, the Duke of Aumerle, remains loyal to Richard despite his father’s change of allegiance. Richard II was king 1377-1399, and this play covers the last couple of years of his reign, and his deposition. With mine own tears I wash away my balm, With mine own hands I give away my crown. This history play by William Shakespeare, which is believed to hav In view of the insurrections against him, King Richard is persuaded to step down in favour of Henry Bolingbroke, now King Henry IV. Richard II was directed by Rupert Goold, who adapted the screenplay with Ben Power. His nobles are dismayed, not only because of the waste of the kingdom's money but also for fear over the security of their own estates. Richard's queen is sent home to France. © 2020 Shakespeare Birthplace Trust Registered Charity Number 209302, Read the latest about our response to Covid-19 The private tragedy of the play, for Richard, is in his being forced to face this duality. For a discussion of this play within the context of Shakespeare’s entire corpus, see William Shakespeare: Shakespeare’s plays and poems. KING RICHARD II So two, together weeping, make one woe. Like “My dear dear lord, The purest treasure mortal times afford Is spotless reputation: that away, Men are but gilded loam or painted clay. One of Shakespeare’s history plays, Richard II is a cultured and charming man, but a failure as King. Others have been executed on Henry's orders. Shakespeare began his career with a history play, and he wrote eight major history plays in the 1590s; all concerned with English history, the kings, queens and historical events ranging from about 1377, when Richard II assumed the throne, to about 1485, when Richard III was deposed and the rule of Henry VII began. Richard II is a play by William Shakespeare that was first performed in 1597. You can buy the Arden text of this play from the Amazon.com online bookstore: King Richard II (Arden Shakespeare: Third Series) Entire play in one page. The play was entered into the Register of the Stationers Company on 29 August 1597 by the bookseller Andrew Wise. Some lords join in a plot against Henry but York, the father of one of the nobles, relates their machinations to Henry. Looking for Richard II quotes? Synopsis. This version of the play was then reprinted in 1615 (Q5). Richard II takes place during two years of the life of England’s King Richard II, who reigned from 1377 to 1399. A story of power and plotting, Richard II is the first of Shakespeare's four plays about the House of Lancaster. Bolingbroke, now King Henry IV, performs his first royal act (and displays his pragmatic approach to governing) by acquiescing to the Duchess of York’s pleas for Aumerle’s life while the zealous York demands his “disloyal” son’s execution. Act 1, Scene 4: The court. Ben Whishaw stars as the titular Richard II of England. Richard IIis a grand, lyrical allegory and a poignant exploration of character. Shakespeare wrote and published ‘Richard II’ around 1595 but the first editions of the play were printed without an important scene: the Parliament scene or ‘abdication episode’ which shows Richard II resigning his throne. Free Shakespeare on the Radio: Richard II FROM OPEN AIR TO ON THE AIR! The play was popular during the 1590s and early 1600s, and may have also been performed at the Curtain and the Swan. He exiles two feuding noblemen, Thomas Mowbray and Henry Bolingbroke, seemingly because Mowbray has been implicated along with Richard himself in the murder of Richard’s uncle Thomas of Woodstock, duke of Gloucester, while Bolingbroke, Richard’s first cousin, is a threat to the king because he is intent on avenging the death of Gloucester. Shakespeare’s Richard II presents a momentous struggle between Richard II and his cousin Henry Bolingbroke. Read our selection of the very best quotes from Richard II, along with speaker, act and scene. Born the grandson of Edward III and a member of the Plantagenet family, Richard II inherited the throne as a child. Education. King Richard II banishes Henry Bolingbroke, seizes noble land, and uses the money to fund wars. Unable to defeat Bolingbroke militarily, Richard reluctantly agrees to surrender and abdicate the throne. The private tragedy of the play, for Richard, is in his being forced to face this duality. Synopsis: John of Gaunt, knowing that he is dying, speaks plainly to Richard about his deficiencies as king. Richard II was seen as a politically suspect them… Editor of. Our year-long exploration of ‘our scepter’d isle’ will take us on a journey through history via Henry IV, Henry V, Henry VI, and Richard III. Act 1, Scene 1: London.KING RICHARD II's palace. Richard II details the reign of the historical Richard II of England, who sat on the throne from 1377 to 1399, and his usurpation by Henry Bolingbroke, later King Henry IV. Richard's posthumous reputation has been shaped to a large extent by William Shakespeare, whose play Richard II portrayed Richard's misrule and his deposition as responsible for the 15th-century Wars of the Roses. In 1608, the play was printed again (Q4), this time including what we now refer to as the deposition scene (4.1.160–331). Richard II belongs to William Shakespeare's history plays. by Shakespeare, William, Dawson, Anthony B., Yachnin, Paul (ISBN: 9780199602285) from Amazon's Book Store. It was almost certainly revived at the Globeon 7 February 1601, when a performance was commanded by one of the Earl of Essex’s supporters shortly before his rebellion. York, however, recognizes that change is inevitable and swears allegiance to Bolingbroke. And responding to Henry's father Lancaster's pleas, he limits Henry's exile to six years. Henry claims innocence, blaming Exton for misunderstanding his intentions. Ben Whishaw stars as the titular Richard II of England. See all formats and editions Hide other formats and editions. While much of the play is true to the facts of Richard’s life, Shakespeare’s account of his murder rests on no reliable authority. Richard II takes place during two years of the life of England’s King Richard II, who reigned from 1377 to 1399. https://www.britannica.com/topic/Richard-II-by-Shakespeare, The Complete Works of William Shakespeare - Richard II, William Shakespeare: Shakespeare’s plays and poems. A story of power and plotting, Richard II is the first of Shakespeare's four plays about the House of Lancaster. Gaunt is taken offstage and word comes that he has died. The White Hart ("hart" being an archaic word for a mature stag) was the personal badge of Richard II, who probably derived it from the arms of his mother, Joan "The Fair Maid of Kent", heiress of Edmund of Woodstock.It may also have been a pun on his name, as in "Rich-hart". The first performance of Richard II was probably during the autumn of 1595 by Shakespeare’s company the Lord Chamberlain’s Men, most likely at James Burbage’s Theatre. To make matters worse, Richard leaves on an expedition to Ireland. Find out more. Merchandise. Let us know if you have suggestions to improve this article (requires login). Richard expresses his fury. But it re… Omissions? In the presence of King Richard, Henry Bolingbroke (who would eventually be Henry IV) accuses Thomas Mowbray (Duke of Norfolk) of embezzling crown funds and of plotting the death of his uncle, the Duke of Gloucester. He brings the body to London. When John of Gaunt, Bolingbroke’s father, dies, Richard seizes his properties to finance a war against the Irish. Richard begins the play as an extravagant, self-indulgent king. Richard gives in to their demands to work out their differences in one-on-one combat at Coventry. Read on below for the most well known and significant Richard II quotes: Both of these monetary acquisitions have helped him to fund wars with Ireland. Everyday low prices and free delivery on eligible orders. One of Shakespeare’s history plays, Richard II is a cultured and charming man, but a failure as King. The quarto edition omits the deposition scene in Act IV, almost certainly as a result of censorship. Richard II, written around 1595, is the first play in Shakespeare's second "history tetralogy," a series of four plays that chronicles the rise of the house of Lancaster to the British throne. Richard II was first printed in 1597 as a quarto (Q1) and then reprinted twice in 1598 (Q2 and Q3). NORTHUMBERLAND That were some love but little policy. “This royal throne of kings, this sceptered isle, This earth of majesty, this seat of Mars, This other … Some more of Richard's friends have also betrayed the King's cause. The seizure gives Bolingbroke an excuse to invade England with his own armies; he insists that his return in arms is solely to regain his illegally seized dukedom. Richard II was first printed in 1597 as a quarto (Q1) and then reprinted twice in 1598 (Q2 and Q3). Henry's father, Gaunt, dies, finally broken by his son's banishment, and by the state of the kingdom under Richard's rule. Richard II was directed by Rupert Goold, who adapted the screenplay with Ben Power. After taking refuge at Flint castle, Richard surrenders and agrees to go to London, where the lords will decide what should happen next. By focusing on the very end of Richard's reign and the thematic undertones of the play, Shakespeare manipulated the story to create a poetically tragic character. A monarch ordained by God to lead his people. QUEEN Banish us both and send the king with me. The play ends as King Henry banishes Exton, orders a funeral for Richard, and swears to make reparation for his cousin's death by going on a pilgrimage to Jerusalem. In the presence of King Richard, Henry Bolingbroke (who would eventually be Henry IV) accuses Thomas Mowbray (Duke of Norfolk) of embezzling crown funds and of plotting the death of his uncle, the Duke of Gloucester. But he is also a man of very human weakness. It turns out that he has also been leasing out royal land. Past productions. Richard II is a 2012 British television film based on William Shakespeare's play of the same name.It is the first of four television adaptations of Shakespeare's second history tetralogy commissioned by BBC Two under the series title The Hollow Crown. Furthermore, his cousin, Duke of York, unable to prevent Henry's triumphant return, has joined him instead. Directed by Gregory Doran. TL;DR: Richard wastes money, steals land, and kills political rivals; people are angry and rebel; Henry becomes king. Folger Shakespeare » Shakespeare’s Plays, Sonnets, and Poems » Richard II » Act 2, scene 1 » Richard II. From this moment of truth, he rediscovers pride, trust, and courage, so that, when he is murdered, he dies with access to strength and an ascending spirit. Henry implies to Exton that he would like to be rid of his threats, and Exton then murders Richard. Richard takes possession of Gaunt's land and money. Act 2, Scene 2: The palace. King Henry IV's rule (and his dealings with his son, Hal, who eventually becomes King Henry V) are the subject of Shakespeare's plays, Henry IV Part 1 and Henry IV Part 2. The most important moment in the play was the deposing of the king where Richard actually resigned the crown and gave it to his cousin Henry. Amazon Price New from Used from Kindle Edition "Please retry" £0.49 — — Due to this, Shakespeare took many information about the circumstances of the king's deposition from chronicles written by Raphael Holinshed and Edward Hall which helped him to present the events in a greater detail. Richard hands over his crown in a ceremony. A complete summary of William Shakespeare's Play, Richard II. He is keenly aware of the magnitude of the crime which he is embarking on, and he quickly learns the tediousness of being a ruler, as is particularly evident in the scene which precedes Richard's prison cell monologue. Richard arrives back after the Irish war to find that his Welsh allies have dispersed. Henry returns to England to reclaim his land, gathers an army of those opposed to Richard, and deposes him. ; he kills political rivals. David Tennant stars as the doomed Richard II in Greg Doran’s critically-acclaimed Royal Shakespeare Company production, available for the first time online across the world. Find out more. Buy Richard II: The Oxford Shakespeare (Oxford World's Classics) Critical ed. Born the grandson of Edward III and a member of the Plantagenet family, Richard II inherited the throne as a child. He toys with his subjects, exiling Bolingbroke for six years. Phyllis Fay Horton Distinguished Service Professor Emeritus in the Humanities and Chair of Theatre and Performance Studies, University of Chicago. A man whose vanity threatens to divide the great houses of England and drag his people into a dynastic civil war that will last 100 years. David Tennant stars as the doomed Richard II in Greg Doran’s critically-acclaimed Royal Shakespeare Company production, available for the first time online across the world. In 1608, the play was printed again (Q4), this time including what we now refer to as the deposition scene (4.1.160–331). Richard II Starring David Tennant The first part of his history tetralogy, Shakespeare’s interpretation of the deposed king is brought to life in this richly detailed production from the Royal Shakespeare … A jewel in a ten-times-barr'd-up chest Is a bold spirit in a loyal breast. Richard is the legitimate king; he succeeded his grandfather, King Edward III, after the earlier death of his father Edward, the Black Prince. The play opens in King Richard's court, as Henry Bolingbroke, son of Gaunt (the Duke of Lancaster), challenges Thomas Mowbray, Duke of Norfolk. World authority on Shakespeare. Find out more about his poor rule as king, his loss of the crown and his eventual murder Summary of William Shakespeare's Richard II: Richard wastes money, steals land, and kills political rivals; people are angry and rebel; Henry becomes king. This version of the play was then reprinted in 1615 (Q5). Thank you for your support to help care for the world's greatest Shakespeare heritage and keep his story alive. Presented in three weekly episodes, Richard II tells the timely story of the downfall and overthrow of a despotic and mercurial King, by the opposing forces of the banished Henry Bolingbroke who ascends the throne to become Henry IV. Modern historians do not accept this interpretation, while not exonerating Richard from responsibility for his own deposition. ; he kills political rivals. Powerful earls, especially the Earl of Northumberland and his family, support Bolingbroke because of their intense disapproval of Richard’s invasion of baronial rights. This presents some memorable dialogue and wonderful quotes as the play progresses – from both the King, and his subjects. In prison—lonely, miserable, and forgotten—he soliloquizes on the meaning of his suffering. Richard expresses his fury. The story of Richard II was taken mainly from Raphael Holinshed’s Chronicles. Act 2, Scene 1: Ely House. Richard II marks the beginning of a cycle of history plays that will provide a unique opportunity to rediscover how Shakespeare perceived ‘this blessed plot, this earth, this realm, this England’. Henry spares the son of York, but he is now aware of his tenuous position as king. Richard II is the first play in a tetralogy (a group of four plays) commonly referred to as the “Henriad.” This set of plays depicts the historic struggles for the English throne, and, along with Shakespeare’s other tetralogy, the changes of power that eventually led to the rule of Queen Elizabeth I, the monarch of England during the first part of Shakespeare’s career. The play is the first in a sequence of four history plays known collectively as the ‘second tetralogy.’ Yet Richard is also seen by many as a tyrant. Updates? Henry accuses Mowbray of being involved in the recent death of the King's uncle (who is also Henry's uncle; Henry and the King are cousins). In line with his customary behaviour, Richard is misled by his friends into poor government of the country. Gaunt is … Richard II (Shakespeare, Signet Classic) Mass Market Paperback – 15 May 1963 by William Shakespeare (Author) 4.3 out of 5 stars 51 ratings.