TRAGEDY GENRE

1. TRAGEDY GENRE antagonist: a character ( or institution or group of characters) that opposes the protagonist malcontent: a character who is dissatisfied because of some unfair treatment, often as a result of a decision made by the protagonist

2. As you have read and studied Richard II through the lens of tragedy, the AOs must necessarily be connected to that genre throughout the exam response.

3. THE DIVINE RIGHT OF KINGS & QUEENS During Elizabeth's reign the English people was required to hear the sermons on obedience to the monarchy. The ruler (King or Queen) was God's lieutenant on earth; no subject, however exalted, had the right to actively oppose him. To do so was a sin against religion, punishable by suffering here and now and by eternal damnation after death. Even if the ruler were a tyrant, the subject had no right to oppose him, for the head of state ruled with God's sufferance. In support of this doctrine, appeals were made primarily to biblical scriptures which reference the importance of obeying the authority on leaders on earth.  DIVINE RIGHT: the idea that kings and queens are anointed by God; this was reinforced by the religious order in the coronation ceremony.

4. William had defeated the English army lead by Harold but he had to gain control of all of England before he could be truly called king of England. He was a foreigner who had forced his way to London. He was not popular with the people of England and he had to use force to maintain his control on England. William could not rule every part of the country himself - this was physically impossible. Not only was travel difficult and slow in the eleventh century, he was also still Duke of Normandy and he had to return to Normandy to maintain his control of this land in France. Therefore, he had to leave the country for weeks at a time. He needed a way of controlling England so that the people remained loyal. William divided up England into very large plots of land - similar to our counties today. These were 'given' to those noblemen who had fought bravely for him in battle. William argued that those noblemen who were willing to die in battle for him, would also be loyal to him. The land was not simply given to these nobles. They had to swear an oath of loyalty to William, they had to collect taxes in their area for him and they had to provide the king with soldiers if they were told to do so. In the eleventh century, a sworn oath on the Bible was a very important thing and one which few men would dare to break as it would condemn them to Hell. The men who got these parcels of land would have been barons, earls and dukes. Even these pieces of land were large and difficult to govern.  The barons etc. had to further divide up their land and these were 'given' to trusted Norman knights who had also fought well in battle. Each knight was given a segment of land to govern. He had to swear an oath to the baron, duke or earl, collect taxes when told to do so and provide soldiers from his land when they were needed.

5. HISTORICAL CONTEXT OF RICHARD II’S REIGN • A king relied upon the aristocratic establishment (nobles) to govern his country and they swore oaths of allegiance to him in return for land and favour. • The nobles considered it is their natural right share in the governing of the country. • Richard II succeeded to the throne at a young age, and endured many years of John of Gaunt’s control. • As Richard grew older he gained the support of younger nobles who helped him gain more personal control during John of Gaunt’s temporary absence. • In 1388 five powerful lords, enraged by Richard’s increased gain in power, move against the king and even threatened to depose him. • When Richard attempted to resist, the Duke of Gloucester (Richard’s uncle), Henry Bullingbrook, Duke of Hereford (Richard's cousin), and Thomas Mowbray, Duke of Norfolk combined forces and defeated the king’s army. • Richard had to watch while his supporters were accused, imprisoned and executed, helpless to save them. • Richard waited eight years, while he quietly began rebuilding his personal power and influence, most notably by creating a distinctly flamboyant royal image. • In 1397, three of the lords were arrested, one was executed, one banished and the Duke of Gloucester died in suspicious circumstances. • In Parliament, a nervous House of Lords granted Richard powers greater than any English king had ever held before. • Some historical sources claim that Mowbray told Richard of another political coup intended by Bullingbrook, Gloucester and himself. Richard arrested Gloucester and he mysteriously died in prison under Mowbray’s charge.

6. ACT 1 SCENE 1 Where does the play open and what is the significance of this setting? What is the dramatic impact of Richard’s opening speeches? Consider the context they establish, mood atmosphere etc. What accusations does Henry Bolingbroke, Duke of Hereford, bring against Thomas Mowbray, Duke of Norfolk? Pages 3-4 In what ways do Bullingbrook and Mowbray’s references to the king reinforce their respect for his position and his divine right to rule as a representative for God. Consider the use of biblical allusions and religious imagery and positive language or comparisons. What kingly qualities or behaviour does Richard demonstrate in Act 1 Scene 1. Consider how deals with the proceedings (the formality etc.) and his motivations behind any of the decisions he makes. What is significant about his closing speech in Act 1 Scene 1? Is this a Sign of strength or weakness?

7. That he did plot the Duke of Gloucester's death, Suggest his soon-believing adversaries, And consequently, like a traitor coward, Sluic'd out his innocent soul through streams of blood; Which blood, like sacrificing Abel's, cries, Even from the tongueless caverns of the earth, To me for justice and rough chastisement; And, by the glorious worth of my descent, This arm shall do it, or this life be spent. In what ways is the relationship between Richard and Henry established? Consider references to blood and kinship. What relationship between Richard, Henry and the Duke of Gloucester is established in the passage above?

8. Mowbray, impartial are our eyes and cars. Were he my brother, nay, my kingdom's heir, As he is but my father's brother's son, Now by my sceptre's awe I make a vow, Such neighbour nearness to our sacred blood Should nothing privilege him nor partialize The unstooping firmness of my upright soul. He is our subject, Mowbray; so art thou: Free speech and fearless I to thee allow. How does Richard try to claim his impartiality? Consider how this foreshadows Henry’s actions later in the play.

9. How does King Richard decide to settle the conflict between Bolingbroke and Mowbray? Explore the importance of honour based on the exchanges between Richard, Bullingbrook and Mowbray. How could you accuse Richard’s attempts to solve the situation as half-hearted? Page 7

10. Richard describes the accuser, Henry Bullingbrook and the accused, Thomas Mowbray: ‘The accuser and the accused freely speak. High-stomach'd are they both and full of ire, In rage, deaf as the sea, hasty as fire.’ Explain this reference. Bearing in mind Richard’s description above, what might account for their differences in temperament? pages 2-3 Consider how Mowbray may have shown his loyalty to Richard before this moment. How do Mowbray and Bullingbrook seem to swap places as accuser and accused through the opening of scene 1. Comment on how they echo each other’s language and why Shakespeare presents them as equally adamant of their accusations or self-defence.

11. ACT 1 SCENE 2 Who does John of Gaunt blame for the Duke of Gloucester’s murder? Consider how John of Gaunt’s references to Richard reinforce his divine right as king. Why does the Duchess of Gloucester refer to the ‘seven vials’? How does Shakespeare reveal her personal grief in this scene?

12. ACT 1 SCENE 3 How does this scene demonstrate Richard’s like for formal displays of pageantry and the opportunity for demonstration of his power and position? (formal introductions, affection shown to Richard and his response to cousin, Henry). What features of dialogue and language are most noticeable at the start of the scene? What is their dramatic impact? Consider their affect on the mood/atmosphere created. What signal does the King give to halt the combat between Bolingbroke and Mowbray before it begins? Why do you think Richard lets the proceedings reach this point? Do you think it was as shrewd political move or spur of the moment?

13. ACT 1 SCENE 3 What penalties does King Richard initially impose on Bolingbroke and Mowbray? Give possible reasons for Richard deciding to halt the trial by combat and decide to impose banishment as a punishment instead. Comment on the difference in length and Richard's decision to lessen Henry’s years. Consider the political implications for Richard. Page 15 How does Mowbray react to Richard’s decision? Why do you think this is? Explore Richard’s lack of compassion and seeming impatience towards both Mowbray. Why does Richard make Henry and Thomas Mowbray take an oath? Why is this ironic? What dramatic effect does Mowbray being called back have, similar to combatant of arms being called off?

14. KING RICHARD: Uncle, even in the glasses of thine eyes I see thy grieved heart. Thy sad aspect Hath from the number of his banish'd years Pluck'd four away. [To BOLINGBROKE] Six frozen winters spent, Return with welcome home from banishment. BOLINGBROKE: How long a time lies in one little word! Four lagging winters and four wanton springs End in a word: such is the breath of Kings. How does Bullingbrook establish the power Richard has as a king? Consider whether this genuine compassion considering events that follow in Act 1 Scene 4 and Act 2 Scene 1. How does Gaunt response establish there is a limit to the powers held by a king? Comment on the significance of the end of Act 1 Scene 3 and Henry’s final words.

15. ACT 1 SCENE 4 Comment on Richard’s true feelings towards Henry Bullingbrook, revealed in this scene. What are the sate of affair for England financially, politically and what does this scene reveal of Richard II’s rule? How do we know that Bolingbroke is popular among the common people? What is King Richard’s response when he learns that John of Gaunt is seriously ill? How does Richard’s private image presented here contrast with that of his public image in Act 1 Scene 1 and Act 1 Scene 3?

16. For each question write an extended ‘exam style’ response. Use tragedy terminology where relevant. OVERVIEW OF ACT 1 In Act I, Shakespeare alternates public and private scenes. Discuss the behaviour of Richard in each of these scenes, both positive and negative aspects character. Examine the ways in which Shakespeare reveals Gaunt’s loyalty to the crown. Explore Shakespeare’s frequent use of blood imagery in the first act. How does Shakespeare use this imagery to contribute to establishing the importance of royalty and violence in the play? Richard’s character- some words you may find helpful- not an exhaustive list. insincere weak capricious arrogant contemptuous lofty haughty disingenuous shrewd

17. Peripeteia: the reversal of fortune experienced by the tragic protagonist.. megalopsychia: ‘greatness of soul’. -error committed by a tragic hero or heroine that sets his or her reversal of fortune in motion, leading to their downfall. - excessive pride or self-confidence which leads to a tragic character to commit hamartia. Anagnorisis: in which he recognises what he has done wrong. -purification of mind and body brought about by the release of emotions.