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Ambivalence Personified by the Duke of York
It’s funny that when I first read Richard II, I thought the Duke of York was a great patriot. It appeared, at first glance, that York is a true believer in the sanctity of England’s throne. I felt truly sorry for York when he was “forced” to choose between Richard II and his adversary, Bolingbroke! ... I even “grieved” along with York when I found out his son had committed treason. Surely, the Duke of York is an honorable man for giving such good counsel to his king. Sure, isn’t it York who humbly acquiesces the kingdom to traitors in order to save the life of his sacred king? ...
Of course, I had missed an entire side of the equation--What is York’s driving motivation? York couldn’t possibly be motivated by his patriotism. ... The Duke of York isn’t a patriot at all!
As an unknown source has stated, “York. ... calls our attention to the ambivalence upon which the play is structured.” York is the personification of the ambivalence of the play. ... The Duke of York, as he is depicted in both the recorded history of the late 1300s and in Shakespeare’s theatrical interpretation, allows the insurrection against Richard II to prevail. After Henry IV takes over, York turns his loyalties toward the new king. Furthermore, York serves as a satire for the superficial disposition of all English nobles. He provides a great avenue for Shakespeare to highlight the ambivalence of the entire play. ... York is sent to Portugal to aid in the invasion of Castile. In appreciation of York‘s presence in Portugal, the princess of Portugal is betrothed to York’s son, The Duke of Aumerle. Unfortunately, nothing goes right for the Duke of York, then called earl of Cambridge and the “war“ against Portugal and Castile never takes place.
Approximate Word count = 1478
Approximate Pages = 5.9
(250 words per page double spaced)
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