FUCK YOU KR

Question 1

Succession/Inheritance

Answer 1

Richard believes he’s king because of divine right, but Bolingbroke challenges this belief by claiming the throne for himself.

This creates political turmoil and familial conflict. Richard’s loss of power also leads to an identity crisis. It’s a complex exploration of power dynamics, family relationships, and personal identity.

I don’t see this being an overlapping theme in the other two plays

Question 2

The divine right of kings

Answer 2

*The idea that monarchs are chosen by God to rule.

Richard’s belief in this divine mandate shapes his understanding of power:
- leading him to act with impunity and disregard for the concerns of his subjects.
- This belief is challenged by Bolingbroke’s rebellion, which suggests that rulers must govern justly and responsibly, rather than relying solely on claims of divine authority
- Raises important questions about the nature of power and the responsibilities of those who wield it, highlighting the dangers of unchecked authority

Not present in other two plays

Question 3

The King’s two bodies

Answer 3

The body politic: Nation or state for which they are monarch, ruler, or representative

The body natural: Actual physical being

Question 4

Blood

Answer 4

• Represents legitimacy of rulership, tied to the idea of divine right and royal lineage
• embodies the violence inherent in political power struggles, reflecting the bloodshed and turmoil that accompany such conflicts
• serves as a symbol of sacrifice, particularly in Richard’s tragic death, highlighting the consequences of his actions and the responsibilities of leadership

Comedy of errors:
- blood ties between family members, particularly the bonds between twins separated at birth, serve as a background element reinforcing the theme of identity and reunion

Question 5

Instability (political, religious, etc.)

Question 6

Light/sun/darkness

Answer 6

• Richard’s authority is often likened to sunlight, signifying his divine right to rule
• darkness symbolizes political turmoil and moral corruption, particularly as Richard’s reign unravels
• This contrast underscores the transient nature of power and the inevitable cycle of rise and fall in human affairs

Can’t think of it being present in the other two plays

Question 7

Authority/changing identity

Answer 7

Richard, once a confident monarch, sees his power challenged and ultimately stripped away, leading to a profound shift in his sense of self. This transformation highlights the delicate nature of power dynamics and the profound impact they have on individuals and society

Much Ado: the case of Hero’s mistaken identity leads to significant turmoil within the play’s romantic plotline

Comedy of errors: mistaken identities form the basis of the plot. The characters’ identities are constantly in flux.

Question 8

Loyalty/ treason

Answer 8

• King Richard expects total loyalty, but many nobles plot against him
• Bolingbroke, who betrayed king Richard had to face the same threat when he assumed the throne

Much Ado About Nothing:
- Hero’s loyalty to Claudio is called in to question