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Richard Ii

Richard II: Monarchy at Its Worst
Richard II sets the stage for a struggle for the monarchy by pitting two very different men against each other. However because Richard is so easily conquered, the play becomes more about the exploration of his character than political intrigue.
Richard holds the upper hand in the beginning of the play. He is the rightful king; ruling by divine right and the grace of God. The problem is he is an irresponsible and unjust ruler. He seems to have no concept of general welfare. He surrounds himself with horrible advisors and makes decisions so abruptly and with so little thought-it is no wonder he spirals into an abyss. His frivolous spending has already alienated the commoners, and he plans to tax them further to pay for his Ireland excursion. He shows his egotistical and autocratic manner by cheering his uncle’s death. He says:
Now put it, God, in the physician’s mind  
To help him [Gaunt] to his grave immediately!  
The lining of his coffers shall make coats  
To deck our soldiers for these Irish wars. (1. 4. 58-62)
He knowingly takes land and inheritance that the law states go to Bolingbroke, Gaunt’s son. This shows his inability to make sound judgments and his lack of respect for justice. With Gaunt’s wealth in his pocket he jaunts off to Ireland. He has angered many nobles and is advised against the action by York. He fails to take good advice when offered.   He feels as the king it is his right and that God is on his side. He says:
The breath of worldly men cannot depose  
The deputy elected by the Lord:  
For every man that Bolingbroke hath press’d  
To lift shrewd steel against our golden crown,  
God for his Richard hath in heavenly pay  
A glorious angel: then, if angels fight,  
Weak men must fall, for heaven still guards the right. (3. 2. 53-59)
Richard has set up his own downfall with the confiscating of Gaunt’s lands. When Bolingbroke, whom Richard banished, learns of this injustice he returns to England...