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Power And Kingship In Richard II And Henry II By William Shakespeare

Decent Essays
Richard knew what it was like to be king and to have his kingdom taken from him. He had power and he was always working to gain more power, but in the end, he lost it all. In result to Richard losing power, he has to hand over the crown to Henry. At this point, Henry now has gone from little power to ruling the kingdom. Henry’s son, Hal, also gets a taste of power. The power of Christ is also a focus that Shakespeare uses in his plays as he looks into the fate of each individual and how the power of God can change everything. Power and kingship have a great role regarding motives, in both Shakespeare’s plays, Richard II and Henry IV. Act III scene two is set on the coast of Wales, King Richard II, the Bishop of Carlisle, Duke of Aumerle, and soldiers have all gathered. King Richard expresses many audacious claims about his kingship, but on the other hand, he also seems very unsteady in his confidence. After concern is expressed by Richard, Carlisle reassures Richard by saying, “Fear not, my lord: that Power that made you king hath power to keep you king in spite of all” (Richard II, 3.2.27-28). Carlisle wants Richard to know that regardless what the people think, Richard holds the rightful place as king. Richard goes on to fall back with “Not all the water in the rough rude sea can wash the balm off from an anointed king; the breath of worldly men cannot depose” (Richard II, 3.2.54-56). Richard is saying that nothing, not even Bolingbroke will be able to take away his power
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