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 humbleness of Kings. The plays Richard II through Henry V assert Shakespeares idea that a King must understand the common man to be a good ruler. These four plays chronicle the history of three Kings ability to recognize, allude to, and be part of the humanity he rules. Shakespeare advocates his belief with the falling of Richard II, who could not or would not understand his subjects the constancy of Henry IV, whose combined lowliness and strength won him the thrown and Hal, whose raucous behavior led his sky pilot to worry and his country to mastery. King Richard II is Shakespeares example of a index who removes himself from the reality of the common people. Richard views his position as a source of amusement. His cares as King, opposite than an opportunity for an agreeable audience, are merely a burden. rather of investigating the accusations of treachery from Hen ry and Mawbrick, he exiles both men as an easy way 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 supplanter and his usurpers heir to the thrown, demonstrating to them both the value of humility. After exiling Henry, Richard takes the opportunity to criticize his wooing to the common people. His speech at first seems to merit Henry for his sociability, scarcely it quickly becomes clear that, to Richard, commoners are not fit for royal custom How he did seem to dive into their hearts With humble and familiar courtesy, What fearfulness he did throw away on slaves, Wooing poor business dealsmen 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 later in the play. The speech also clarifies Richards position on the subject to underl ine this contrast between the two men. To fine crinkle Richards character, Gaunt gives a revealing and unbridled description of Richard to his face but before dying. After Richard exiles the soul heir to his estate, Gaunt is bitter and feed up with his weak and pompous qualities A thousand flatterers sit in spite of appearance thy crown, Whose compass is no bigger than thy head,