The Relationship Between Richard II and The Myrroure for...

The Relationship Between Richard II and The Myrroure for Magistrates The relationship between Richard II and The Myrroure for Magistrates is considered here predominantly in the context of the differences between the two texts.[1] The function of each text is discussed initially, the didactic purpose of the Myrroure contrasted with the function of Shakespeare’s play as, primarily, theatrical entertainment. The conflicting accounts of certain events from Richard’s reign are looked at subsequently and the manner in which they reflect the different function of the texts. Finally, consideration is given to the different way in which the Myrroure and Richard II each reflect upon the theme of kingship†¦show more content†¦His message can be contradictory, for he does see his murder as ‘causeles’ (l. 116) and his opponents as ‘traytrous’ (l. 114). Yet the overwhelming force of his own argument is that his reign was characterised by ‘vices’ (ll. 2 34), and that he ‘fell / to make the li ving wise’ (l.23). The strict, consistent rhyme scheme drives home the didactic message of the poem, as does the repeated use of alliteration, such as ‘shame sueth sinne’ (l.18). Shakespeare’s Richard is a more complex, contradictory character, reflecting the theatrical purpose of the play. Richard is ‘shown’ as well as ‘told’ which, particularly during the first two Acts, results in conflicting impressions of him. In Act 1 Scene 1, he appears as the regal, ‘impartial’ (1.1.115) king, ‘not born to sue, but to command’ (1.1.196). The following scene begins to undermine this, as ‘God’s substitute’ (1.2.37) is implicated by Gaunt in the death of the Duke of Gloucester. Richard’s appearance in the richly formal third scene reinforces his initial, regal portrayal but subsequently, his expressed desire for Gaunt’s ‘physician†¦ / To help him to his grave immediately’ (1.4.58-59) and Gaunt’s own violent indictment of this ‘unstaid youth’ (2.1.2) finally and fatally undermine the ‘showing’ of Richard as a majestic, benevo lent