1. Richard II, Act 5
Tragic Endings for All

2. Act 5, scene 1
Queen Isabella waits for Richard on his journey to the Tower of London
What is her attitude towards Richard? Towards the divine right of kings?
Richard advises her:
Learn, good soul,
To think our former state a happy dream;
From which awaked, the truth of what we are
Shows us but this. (17-20)
Ralph Fiennes (Richard II) and Emilia Fox (Queen Isabella), Almeida Theatre Company, 2000

3. Separation
Notice how Isabella emphasizes Richard’s role as king, but he erases his identity as a monarch and suggests that she do the same; She tells him:
The lion dying thrusteth forth his paw
And wounds the earth, if nothing else, with rage
To be o’er-powered; and wilt thou, pupil-like,
Take the correction, mildly kiss the rod,
And fawn on rage with base humility,
Which art a lion and the king of beasts? ( )
What is Isabella suggesting should be Richard’s response to his deposition?
Despite his weakness, Richard does prophesize Northumberland’s later discontent with Henry
Isabella asks that they be banished together to France; Northumberland rejects this idea for obvious reasons; Why does Richard also discard this idea?

4. Act 5, Scene 2
The Duchess of York describes the treatment of Richard as he journeyed to London; what does this image remind you of?
York compares his treatment to that of an actor leaving the stage and being forgotten due to his “tedious” talking, but even though he seems sad he believes that “heaven hath a hand in these events” (5.2.36)
William Chubb as York and Sarah Woodward as the Duchess in the Globe production, 2015

5. Aumerle’s Treason
Notice that because Aumerle supported Richard he has lost his title and a significant part of his identity (he is now called Rutland)
Changes of Names mark changes to identity throughout the play (i.e. Hereford►Lancaster►Henry IV; Richard II►no title, no identity)
After discovering a sealed letter in his son’s possession, York learns that Aumerle is involved in a conspiracy against Henry
What are the reactions of Aumerle’s parents?
What do their differing reactions tell us about their understanding of family? Is this a gendered response to family ties?

6. Act 5, Scene 3
Henry mentions his dissatisfaction with his son, Prince Hal (who will later become Shakespeare’s Henry V)
Despite the prince’s less than princely conduct, the new king believes “I see some sparks of better hope” in Hal
From this father-son relationship we switch to the case of Aumerle, who has beaten his father to the king and begs for pardon
Both of his parents soon arrive—York demands his execution and the Duchess begs on her knees for his pardon

7. Aumerle Pardoned
Why does Henry claim that: “Our scene is altered from a serious thing, / And now changed to ‘The Beggar and the King’”? Is this scene comedic?
This scene is often omitted from productions of Richard II, as directors find that it is inconsistent with the serious tone of the rest of the act
Why does Henry agree to pardon Aumerle, yet determine to kill other traitors? Is it the power of the Duchess’ argument? Is something else at play?
Arden Shakespeare Gild Production, 2014

8. Act 5, Scene 4
Henry has asked “Have I no friend will rid me of this living fear?”
His followers interpret this question as a call to murder Richard; did you read the question this way?
Henry’s words are very close to those attributed to Henry II before the murder of Thomas a Becket in Canterbury Cathedral: “Will no one rid me of this turbulent priest?”

9. Act 5, Scene 5
Richard’s final soliloquy suggests that he is living solely within his own mind
He tries to create an entire world in his prison, causing his brain and his soul to mate and people his small world with thoughts
He claims that his life has been like theatre and states : “Thus play I in one person many people”; Is this true? How many people has he played?
What is Richard’s reaction to the music he hears? Why does it pain him?

10. What is Richard’s reaction to the music he hears? Why does it pain him?
For early modern people, music not only enhanced emotions, it also served to signify the cosmological order
Richard also compares himself to a clock—he is like parts of the clockwork, as the body of the king represented the action of the clock, yet, his clock is running out
George Mount as Richard, Seattle Shakespeare Company, 2014

11. Richard’s Death
Although earlier Richard stressed his desire to become nothing, when brought a meal he refuses to eat it unless it is tasted and lashes out against his captors
Film: The Hollow Crown (Act 5, scene 5)
When watching this scene, think carefully about the way it is filmed and the images used
From The Hollow Crown

12. Scholars often debate Richard’s final actions
Some scholars believe that Richard’s passive presentation was only a disguise for his lack of self-control and narcissism
Others believe that Richard finally acts bravely as a king should, but that it is too late
Note: Historically Richard probably died by slow starvation rather than the dramatic way Shakespeare has him kill two murderers before being himself killed by Exton

13. The Final Scene
Henry presides over a court that hears news of the executions of rebels
Exton enters with Richard’s body
Henry seems furious and appalled and banishes Exton (likening him to Cain)
Is Henry really upset by Richard’s death? Is his guilt genuine?

14. A few final thoughts
Did you gain sympathy for Richard as the play progressed? If so, how did Shakespeare secure your sympathies?
How much does the play tell us about Henry? Does he grow as a character throughout the play?
Is there a sense of closure at the end of the play?