King Richard the Second

King Richard the Second is a history play by William Shakespeare believed to have been written in the late 1590s. The play tells the story of the reign and downfall of King Richard II of England who ruled from 1377 to 1399. The play explores the themes of power legitimacy and the nature of kingship as well as the complex relationships between the monarch and his nobles. It also features some of Shakespeares most poetic language particularly in the speeches of Richard and his nemesis Henry Bolingbroke. The play opens with Richards extravagant and extravagant lifestyle and his decision to seize the lands and wealth of his cousin Henry Bolingbroke. This sets off a chain of events that leads to Richards downfall as Bolingbroke returns from exile and gains the support of the English nobles. King Richard the Second is notable for its exploration of the idea of the divine right of kings as well as its depiction of a monarch who is more concerned with his own pleasure than the well-being of his kingdom. It is also known for its use of allegory and symbolism as well as its exploration of the nature of language and performance.