Richard II · Chapter
Scene II explained
The Duke of York recounts to his Duchess the contrasting receptions of Bolingbroke and Richard II as they entered London.
What happens
The Duke of York recounts to his Duchess the contrasting receptions of Bolingbroke and Richard II as they entered London. Bolingbroke is hailed with joy, while Richard is met with dust and scorn. Their son Aumerle arrives, and York discovers a conspiracy against the new king. Despite his wife's pleas, York resolves to expose the plot, prompting the Duchess to urge Aumerle to seek pardon before York can accuse him.
Themes in this chapter
Loyalty and Betrayal
York's discovery of Aumerle's conspiracy and his decision to expose his own son highlight the conflict between familial loyalty and allegiance to the new king.
Order and Chaos
The orderly triumph of Bolingbroke contrasts with the chaotic humiliation of Richard, and the conspiracy threatens the new political order.
Characters to notice
- Duke of York
Recounts the entry of Bolingbroke and Richard into London, discovers Aumerle's conspiracy, and resolves to inform the king.
- Duchess of York
Listens to York's account, pleads for her son Aumerle, and later urges him to ride ahead to beg pardon.
- Duke of Aumerle
Now called Rutland; enters carrying a document that reveals his involvement in a conspiracy against Bolingbroke.
- King Richard II
Referenced in York's description of his humiliating entry into London, where dust and rubbish were thrown on him.
- Henry Bolingbroke
Described as riding triumphantly into London, greeted with cheers and adoration from the crowd.
Key passages
“As in a theatre, the eyes of men, After a well-graced actor leaves the stage, Are idly bent on him that enters next, Thinking his prattle to be tedious; Even so, or with much more contempt, men’s eyes Did scowl on gentle Richard”
Just as a theater audience loses interest in the next performer after a beloved actor exits, the crowd showed contempt for Richard after cheering Bolingbroke.
York uses a theatrical metaphor to describe the public's shift in favor from Richard to Bolingbroke.
“But dust was thrown upon his sacred head; Which with such gentle sorrow he shook off, His face still combating with tears and smiles, The badges of his grief and patience”
Richard endured the dust thrown at him with a sorrowful dignity, his expression mixing tears and smiles as signs of his suffering and endurance.
York emphasizes Richard's patient and gentle response to public humiliation.
“Wilt thou conceal this dark conspiracy? A dozen of them here have ta’en the sacrament, And interchangeably set down their hands, To kill the king at Oxford.”
Will you hide this sinister plot? A dozen conspirators have sworn an oath and signed an agreement to assassinate the king in Oxford.
York reveals the details of the conspiracy to his wife, underscoring its seriousness.