John of Gaunt, 1st Duke of Lancaster

Defective Rulers in Henry IV and Richard II      It has been shown again and again throughout history and literature that if there is a perfect human he is not also the perfect ruler.  Those traits which we hold as good, such as the following of some sort of moral code, interfere with the necessity of detachment in a ruler.  In both Henry IV and Richard II, Shakespeare explores what properties must be present in a good ruler.  Those who are imperfect morally, who take into account only self-interest

Important Issues of Leadership in William Shakespeare's Richard II Richard II was one of Shakespeare's political works depicting the rise and fall of King Richard II. Richard became king of England as a boy at 10 years of age, although his advisors made most of the political decisions of the kingdom until he matured. During this maturation period, Richard was more interested in learning about aesthetic things in life rather than things more responsible to the monarch. He had very little experience

Book of the Duchess was written as a commemorative poem to honour the death of the wife of one of Chaucer’s patrons. As such, the poem was written as an occasional poem, dedicated to the tragic early death of the Blanche of Lancaster, the wife of the duke of Lancaster John of Gaunt, who was left grieving over his loss (Palmer 255). The poem was Chaucer’s poetic response to a problem that confronted him following the death of his patron’s wife. Faced with the task of comforting her grieving husband,

acknowledges that he was rightfully convicted of treason by Richard II and that it would be wrong to return to England before the term of his banishment had been served. However, since his father’s death left Bolingbroke with the position of the Duke of Lancaster, he has a responsibility to serve and protect his people. Bolingbroke’s pure ambition for justice and prosperity for his people leads him to conquer Richard II and secure the throne as king. The two conflicting and complete opposite personalities

this authoritarian quandary at great length. In particular, John of Gaunt's "other Eden" monologue (2.1.31-68) delves into the perilous nature of unfettered autocracy. Gaunt proclaims that King Richard should

Political Drama in Henry IV and Henry V        The contention that Shakespeare’s histories are in fact political drama appears to fall uneasily on the ears of modern readers.  One reason for this could be the fact that we, as a society, have blurred the connotation of politics to the vaguest of notions – narrow at times, yet far too inclusive.  A young reader is likely to view politics as election and debate, a sort of ongoing candidacy.  Indeed, this may be a valid modern definition, if somewhat

William Shakespeare often examines the personal transformation of characters in his works. His frequent illustrations of changing players most likely suggests that he is a true believer in the idea of people being able to emotionally grow. Moreso, the author essentially endorses the thought of developing humanity as a living being. Parallel to King Richard in Richard II, he illustrates many characters throughout his works whom undergo similar personal growth. Oftentimes these personal changes

Gloucester and that he tried to kill Richard’s uncle John. Mowbray and Bolingbrook have a heated argument and they challenge each other to a duel Bolingbroke’s father John tries to make them stop but they don’t because it is a matter of honor. Everybody gathers to wait for or Bolingbroke and Mowbray to see if they can come to peace. Bolingbroke’s father has a visit from the Widow of his brother and she’s angry about her husband’s death and tells gaunt to revenge his death because maybe he’s next But

The Deposition of Richard II in Richard II by William Shakespeare Richard II is the first play of Shakespeare's four-part History Tetraology. It tells the story of Richard II's deposition and Bolingbroke's rise to power. There are numerous reasons for Richard's fall. He went off to war and left his kingdom vaulnerable. Richard disregarded the advice of his elders. He even went so far as to steal Bolingbroke's inheritance. As Richard lost the support of the nobles and lords

John of Gaunt is very sick and will die soon as Act 2, Scene 3 begins. Gaunt feels as though he is a prophet from God since is he so close to death. Gaunt considers Richard to be a weak-minded King. Gaunt knows he will be dying soon and wants to express his thoughts of the world with Richard ruling. Gaunt wants to express how unfavored Richard is and what others think of him. Gaunt wants Richard to know that he and others see him as a selfish King that only is King because his bloodlines; however