Hypocrisy, Religion, and Bad Politics

As I read through Richard II, the hypocrisy of the lives of 14^th century nobles glares outward at me.  King Richard II and his nobility all seem to hide behind this idea of their divine enthronement. Richard II refers to god numerous times throughout the play while being involved in murdering a member of his own family and destroying the life of Bolingbroke. Richard exhibits little emotion towards the death of his own uncle, John of Gaunt. Richard essentially decides to steal Bolingbroke entire inheritance, merely so he is able to spend lavishly while at war with Ireland. The Duke of York even tells Richard that he has gone too far by stealing Bolingbroke’s estate to use for war, to little affect: “Did not the one deserve to have an heir?/Is not his heir a well-deserving son?”(2.1.194-195). Richard is disgusted with the way Bolingbroke seems to treat the lower classes with respect, as indicated in the following: “What reverence he did throw away on slaves/Wooing poor craftsmen with the craft of smiles/And patient under bearing of his fortune,/As ‘twere to banish their affects with him.” (2.1.26-29). All of the aforementioned things are in direct conflict with any kind of religious teachings that King Richard would have had at the time. I think it is interesting how many of these characters clearly have a belief and fear of god, yet only live by certain principles when it is most convenient for them. Richard seems to be completely out of touch in regards to having respect for his elders, the lower class, and his own family. His own hubris has left him completely blinded to the fact that one cannot treat others with so little regard and expect to receive zero negative consequences.

I believe that Shakespeare is using this negative behavior of Richard not only as commentary on a code of conduct for kings, but is also describing the dangers religion may have if misconstrued by people in power. This is a reoccurring theme throughout history; we have often seen leaders destroying or neglecting the lives of their citizens under the grounds of religious zeal. Although Richard does not murder thousands, he still commits many atrocious acts against his own family.  Shakespeare may also be commenting on the dangers of absolute power. The old saying “absolute power, corrupts absolutely” comes to mind to me throughout the play. This poses an important question that I believe Shakespeare is encouraging the reader to take a look at: Can any one man truly handle that much power for period of time? If history or this play tells us anything, the definitive answer is no.