An examination of several contextual considerations within the literature of and surrounding Shakespeare’s, (1610-11/2014), work in “The Tragedy of King Richard the Second” can reveal insightful catalysts regarding Richard’s leadership failures within this production (1.1-5.6, pp. 331-369). Readers can find cascading implications accompanying various allegorical allusions characters signify to gain a comprehensive understanding of the forces that influence Richard’s incapacity to render sound leadership decisions. This paper argues how Gaunt and York’s medieval mentorship fail to successfully influence Richard’s leadership decisions while Bolingbroke’s Machiavellian retribution catalyzes leadership failures leading to his deposition. Furthermore, Richard’s choices concerning his delegation of authority and contingencies for effective communications with his tactical staff during the campaign in Ireland foster failures beyond his strategic disregard for societal change and political risks. Influences of the Medieval and Machiavellian Paradigms In exploring contextual considerations of Richard’s inadequacies as a decision-maker, readers must recognize the forces at work on a larger scale to grasp a clear understanding of his failures. “The late sixteenth century finds England caught in a moment of …show more content…
“Green mentions a rebellion causing trouble in Ireland, and Richard commits them to a military expedition there, and while he is off fighting the rebels, York will be named Lord Governor of England” (Hacht, 2007, pp, 691-692). A leader cannot succeed if critical elements of information fail to reach intended recipients promptly. Successful leaders must select delegates beyond reproach regarding their propensity to act in self-interest or to support competing agendas. Failures to Effectively Communicate and