Act 1, Scene 2

Question 1

Overall what happens in this scene?

Answer 1

Gaunt refuses to avenge Gloucester’s murder.

Question 2

What does John of Gaunt do in this scene?

Answer 2

Refuses the pleas of the Duchess of Gloucester to avenge the murder of her husband.

Question 3

How does the Duchess of Gloucester respond to John of Gaunt?

Answer 3

She argues that not only it is owed by Gaunt to his father and brother but that his own self-interest should prompt it.

Question 4

What does Gaunt reveal in this scene?

Answer 4

That Richard was implicated in Gloucesters death and asserts that no subject may judge God’s deputy on Earth.

Question 5

What is the significance of this play?

Answer 5

Intimate and heartfelt dialogue, it does serve to contrast in manner and tones with the pageantry of both ACT1SCENE1 and ACT1SCENE3.
It discloses Richard’s involvement in Gloucester death.

Question 6

What kind of imagery is apparent?

Answer 6

Blood.

References to Edward III.

Question 7

What kind of scene is this ?

Answer 7

Private scene between gaunt and duchess

Question 8

Key ideas ?

Answer 8

Divinity and true sovereign

Can’t avenge Richard as he’s gods minister on earth - pitty for gaunt