Richard II Lesson Plan

What does Shakespeare show about Richard's grasp and perception of power in this opening scene?

One of the great ironies of Richard II is that Richard is unable to arbitrate the opening dispute since he is himself guilty of the crime. The Duke of Gloucester had been entrusted to Mowbray, but it is likely that Richard ordered Mowbray to kill the duke. Thus Mowbray cannot accuse the true culprit, and he is understandably outraged at being called a traitor.

The opening scene serves as a direct challenge to Richard's power, a challenge that will build throughout the play. Mowbray and Bolingbroke become so impassioned that Richard orders them, "Wrath kindled gentlemen, be...