This essay concentrates on the characteristics and behaviours of the banished Henry in King Richard II, in fact on his personal attributes that he shows to return from exile and seize the throne from his cousin Richard as the young and ambitious Duke of Lancaster. By and large it researches which image Henry presents of himself in Shakespeare’s King Richard II. Are there certain ethnical values recognisable in his behaviour that are really important to him? In which way is he dealing with his allies and his enemies? Are there any characteristics noticeable that were clearly necessary for his success against Richard? What are his actual intentions?
Table of Contents
- Introduction
- Henry Bolingbroke's Leadership Qualities
- Henry Bolingbroke's Personal Relationships
- Henry Bolingbroke's Revolt and the Seizure of the Throne
- Conclusion
Objectives and Key Themes
This paper aims to analyze the self-presentation of Henry Bolingbroke in Shakespeare's Richard II. It examines how Bolingbroke portrays himself through his actions, words, and interactions with other characters, exploring the ethical values he embodies and the strategies he employs to achieve his goals.
- Henry Bolingbroke's leadership qualities and their evolution throughout the play.
- The nature of Bolingbroke's relationships with key figures, including his father, Richard II, and his allies.
- The justification and consequences of Bolingbroke's revolt against Richard II.
- The shifting presentation of Bolingbroke's character as the play progresses.
- The impact of power on Bolingbroke's personality and morality.
Chapter Summaries
Introduction: This chapter introduces Henry Bolingbroke as a central character in Shakespeare's history plays, focusing on his portrayal in Richard II. It outlines the paper's objective: to analyze the image Bolingbroke projects of himself, examining his ethical values, interactions, and motivations. The chapter establishes the methodology of interpreting his actions and words, along with analyzing how others perceive him, to construct a comprehensive image of his self-presentation.
Henry Bolingbroke's Leadership Qualities: This section details Bolingbroke's display of strong leadership qualities, such as bravery, strength, battle readiness, and self-confidence. His immediate recourse to violence rather than diplomacy is highlighted, showcased through his confrontation with Mowbray. His youth, energy, and calculated strategies are analyzed, emphasizing his strategic use of timing in his rebellion against Richard II. The chapter analyzes how these attributes, coupled with his charisma and intelligence, contribute to his popularity among the English people, turning them against Richard's autocratic rule. The chapter touches on the duality of his persona, hinting at a more sensitive side revealed through his interactions with others.
Henry Bolingbroke's Personal Relationships: This chapter delves into Bolingbroke's relationships, particularly his affection for his father, John of Gaunt. The deep respect and love he displays are evident in his heartfelt words, revealing his filial devotion and the influence of his family on his actions. His patriotism is also examined, showing his connection to England and his distress at being banished. This section contrasts this familial affection with the complex and multifaceted relationship he has with Richard II, highlighting Bolingbroke's dual role as both loyal subject and rebellious opponent, exploring his justifications for revolt and his pursuit of justice rather than power. His interactions with his other family members, particularly the Duke and Duchess of York and Aumerle, are analysed as examples of his changing morality in the face of his growing power.
Henry Bolingbroke's Revolt and the Seizure of the Throne: This section analyzes the critical turning point in Bolingbroke's character development – his seizure of the throne. The chapter discusses his violation of the law, the conflict between his earlier pursuit of justice and his later ambition for power, and the consequences of his actions. The narrative analyses the impact of his success on his character, highlighting his changing behavior, moral ambiguities, and the loss of his previous consistency. The events at Flint Castle and the aftermath are crucial to illustrating this shift, analyzing the imprisonment of Richard II and the ambiguous circumstances surrounding his death. This section shows the erosion of his moral certainty and the emergence of indecisiveness and despair as the new king.
Keywords
Henry Bolingbroke, Richard II, Shakespeare, History Plays, leadership, rebellion, power, justice, family, morality, self-presentation, character analysis, usurpation, ethical values.
Frequently Asked Questions: Analysis of Henry Bolingbroke in Shakespeare's *Richard II*
What is the overall purpose of this document?
This document provides a comprehensive preview of a scholarly paper analyzing Henry Bolingbroke's self-presentation in Shakespeare's Richard II. It includes a table of contents, objectives and key themes, chapter summaries, and keywords.
What are the main themes explored in the paper?
The paper examines Henry Bolingbroke's leadership qualities, his personal relationships (particularly with Richard II and his father), the justification and consequences of his revolt, the evolution of his character, and the impact of power on his morality. The central focus is on how Bolingbroke presents himself throughout the play.
What aspects of Bolingbroke's leadership are analyzed?
The analysis explores Bolingbroke's bravery, strength, strategic thinking, charisma, and the calculated use of violence and timing in his rebellion. It also examines the duality of his persona, hinting at both strength and sensitivity.
How are Bolingbroke's relationships examined?
The paper explores the deep affection between Bolingbroke and his father, John of Gaunt, contrasting this with the complex and evolving relationship between Bolingbroke and Richard II. It also analyzes his interactions with other key figures like the Duke and Duchess of York and Aumerle, showing how his relationships shift as he gains power.
What is the focus of the chapter on Bolingbroke's revolt?
This chapter analyzes the pivotal moment of Bolingbroke seizing the throne. It examines the conflict between his earlier pursuit of justice and his later ambition for power, the violation of the law, and the consequences of his actions. The impact on his character, including moral ambiguities and the erosion of his initial certainty, is a key focus.
What methodology is used to analyze Bolingbroke's self-presentation?
The analysis interprets Bolingbroke's actions and words, considering how others perceive him to build a comprehensive understanding of his self-projected image. The paper examines his ethical values and motivations, and how these change throughout the play.
What are the key words associated with this analysis?
Key words include: Henry Bolingbroke, Richard II, Shakespeare, History Plays, leadership, rebellion, power, justice, family, morality, self-presentation, character analysis, usurpation, ethical values.
What is the intended audience for this document?
This document is intended for academic use, supporting the analysis of themes in a structured and professional manner.
What is included in the "Chapter Summaries" section?
This section provides concise summaries of each chapter, outlining the key arguments and points of discussion within each part of the paper.
- Citation du texte
- Manuel Hoffmann (Auteur), 2014, Which image does Henry Bolingbroke present of himself in William Shakespeare’s Richard II?, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/421634
