In the play Richard II, King Richard thinks of being a king as a powerful position that give him all rights to rule as a gift passed down by his father. Moreover, he also feels almost like he is above the regular man, above mortally due to he views himself as a chosen one here on earth to be God’s representative. These feelings of empowerment in Richards head make him not a good fit for kingship. Throughout the play he demonstrates these true colors of his character first by forcing a duel, then instead banishing the two men, one of which is Henry Bolingbroke for ten years. “We were not born to sue but t command; Which since we cannot do to make you friends, Be ready, as your lives shall answer it, At Conventry upon Saint Lambert’s day. …show more content…
334) During this time King Richard goes to visit Henry’s father, John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster. Gaunt tries to talk some sense into Richard telling him that is doing harm to his country by doing this and by leaving himself to go to Ireland. Richard didn’t take well to this talk and once Gaunt dies he steals all of this wealth, and thinks this is rightful with his holier-than–thou attitude he seems to have. All of this and more, results in nobles not being happy and finding support to bring Henry back; back to take the crown of king from Richard, as King Henry IV. Henry felt, as I think most do, that the right to rule is a privilege granted to them due to their talent and leadership abilities as mortals, not above them. Henry was more than willing to come back, be crowned as king, and get rid of the man who stole his dad’s fortune, by imprisoning him. This is where Richard is killed by Sir Pierce of Exton, in turn getting him banished by the new King Henry, who is showing true leadership skills unlike Richard. Reference Bevington, D. (2014). The necessary Shakespeare. Fourth edition. Published by Longman. Retrieved from