Is Richard Ii About Bolingbroke’s Ambition or Richard’s Incompetency?

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Is Richard II about Bolingbroke’s ambition or Richard’s incompetency? At the core of William Shakespeare’s allegorical play Richard II, the disparities between the abilities of Bolingbroke’s ambitions and Richard incompetence are explored in depth. Shakespeare’s prime impetus was to investigate a warning and voice concerns to the reigning monarch Queen Elizabeth I, that there could be catastrophic consequences if the Great Chain of Being was disrupted. Shakespeare projects Richard as a conniving and calculating character who overestimates his authority to such an extent that he fails to fulfil the duties of kingship. Richard shows a dangerous capacity for poor judgment and fascination with luxury, which deviate from the expectations of royalty. The servile followers that Richard is surrounded by also play an integral role in his incompetence. Moreover, there is mirrored imagery when Shakespeare discusses Bolingbroke’s determination to depose Richard with the Earl of Essex’s rebellion to overthrow Queen Elizabeth. However, the Earl of Essex’s rebellion was unsuccessful, as his supporters had deserted him before arriving at London whereas Bolingbroke’s uprising was successful due to the support of the nobles. Bolingbroke strives to preserve his family honour and retrieve his rightful land, thus his ambitions prove him to be a competent co-ordinator. It is Richard’s irresponsible and puerile ruling mentality, and Bolingbroke’s ability to impose his powers and be an effective leader that led to Richard’s abdication. The Christian moral society in which Richard II is set, believed implicitly in ‘The Divine Right of Kings.’ This is governed by the ‘The Great Chain of Being,’ which is the hierarchical ordering of society and the power of a king as they are supposed to be ordained by God. Shakespeare portrays Richard as one who has
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