Comparing the Humility of Kings in Shakespeares Richard II through Henry V :: comparison compare contrast essays

The Humility of Kings in Richard II through Henry V Though Shakespeare was a conservative, he believed in the humility of Kings. The plays Richard II through Henry V assert Shakespeares idea that a King moldiness understand the communal man to be a good ruler. These quad plays chronicle the history of three Kings aptitude to recognize, relate to, and be dower of the humanity he rules. Shakespeare advocates his belief with the falling of Richard II, who could non or would not understand his subjects the constancy of Henry IV, whose combined humility and strength win him the puken and Hal, whose raucous behavior led his father to worry and his dry land to victory. King Richard II is Shakespeares example of a king who removes himself from the reality of the common people. Richard views his position as a source of amusement. His cares as King, other than an opportunity for an agreeable audience, are merely a burden. Instead of investigating the accusations of duplicity from Henry and Mawbrick, he exiles some(prenominal) men as an easy federal agency out. Richard was born a King, and knows no life other than that of royalty. Unfortunately the lesson that must know men to rule them costs him the thrown. Richards lesson influences his usurper and his usurpers heir to the thrown, demonstrating to them both the value of humility. afterward exiling Henry, Richard takes the opportunity to criticize his courtship to the common people. His address at first awaits to merit Henry for his sociability, but it quickly becomes absolve that, to Richard, commoners are not fit for royal consumption How he did seem to dive into their hearts With humble and familiar courtesy, What reverence he did throw away on slaves, Wooing poor craftsmen with the craft of smiles (I.iv.25-8) Shakespeare is of course establishing Henrys ability to gather support from the masses, the very key to his victory over Richard posterior in the play. The speech also clarifies Richards posi tion on the subject to accent this contrast between the two men. To fine tune Richards character, Gaunt gives a revealing and unbridled description of Richard to his face just before dying. After Richard exiles the soul heir to his estate, Gaunt is bitter and fed up with his tripping and pompous qualities A thousand flatterers sit within thy crown, Whose compass is no bigger than thy head,