Shakespeare’s Royal Education

Host Dennis Leap discusses Act 2, Scene IV. Bolingbroke returns to England with a large army to take back his estate and wealth stolen by King Richard after his father, John of Gaunt, died. Richard is losing his war with the Irish, and the Welsh no longer support his war effort. Leading nobles and his Uncle York join Bolingbroke’s cause to depose Richard. King Richard must face Bolingbroke if he wants to save his crown.

Host Dennis Leap continues his discussion of Henry Bolingbroke’s surprise return to England. King Richard is away from England at war with the Irish. Act II, Scene 2 shows the confusion and terror among Richard’s friends left behind in England. Dennis discusses the leadership of the earl of Northumberland and his loyalty for Henry. However, Bolingbroke must face his Uncle York, whom Richard made governor of England during his absence.

Host Dennis Leap discusses Act II, Scene 1, which reveals the power of leadership of the earl of Northumberland. We also see Northumberland’s, Willoughby’s and Ross’s disgust over Richard II’s theft of Henry Bolingbroke’s estate and wealth. Willoughby and Ross fear Richard will seize their land and wealth as well; however, Northumberland reveals that Bolingbroke has already returned to England with 3,000 soldiers. The three lords rush to join Bolingbroke at Ravenspurgh.

Host Dennis Leap continues discussing Act II, Scene 1, revealing the importance of John of Gaunt’s younger brother, York. York assumes John of Gaunt’s dominant role in King Richard’s reign. Dennis also introduces a new character: Northumberland.

Host Dennis Leap discusses why King Richard attacks his uncle, John of Gaunt, and his cousin, Bolingbroke. King Richard was responsible for the execution of his uncle, Thomas, duke of Gloucester. John of Gaunt and Bolingbroke knew this, and they also knew Richard paid Thomas Mowbray to do the deed. To protect himself, King Richard set up a sham fight between Bolingbroke and Mowbray. He banished Bolingbroke from England for six years; Mowbray was banished for life. After Bolingbroke left England, King Richard taunts his Uncle John on his deathbed. After John’s death, Richard took over his lands and wealth to support his war with the Irish.