King Richard II; revealed on stage
...hen entering a room he pauses for a moment in order to draw the attention of both those on stage and the audience members. This makes Richard II appear desperate and unsure of his political disposition. He does little to gain the respect of his fellow statesmen, but rather looks to those who are more likely to follow him on the basis of his title. For instance, upon entering the scene in Act I, Richard II pauses to eye both Bullingbrook and Mowbray, trying to determine which he will provide him with the flattery and shallow support that he is looking for. The viewer can easily pick up on this and see the image of powerlessness that becomes the king. His followers also help to reinforce his image as a decadent monarch. They pose as they enter in his wake, showing off their clothes and their aristocratic features. This serves as a buttress to the audiences’ belief that the Richard II is a king of style rather than substance. Richard II is a character of words, using his eloquent speeches and poetic language to disguise his inability to effectively rule his country. While those around him are enchanted by his affluence, his countrymen are neglected as he stays disconnected with his land and its people. Richard’s power with words is unmatched by any other character in the play. For instance, he often makes grandiose metaphors (such as the comparison of England to a garden and its king to a lion or to the sun), which captivates the audience. His ability to speak so beautifully questions whether Richard II is not simply an artist fulfilling the life of a dictator, or a man who evades his responsibilities by mesmerizing others with his poetic language. Regardless of how one personally interprets Richard’s obsession with words, the conclusion of the viewer is that Richard II is an ineffective ruler who takes more concern with his speech than his country. Richard’s movements also add to the externalization of his character. When in control of the situation and people around him he moves about on the stage with an aura of confidence, walking with a steady pace and maintaining eye contact with his accompaniment. However, Richard II runs from adverse situations, losing his confidence and becoming very childlike in his mannerisms. When John of Gaunt asks Richard II to be landlord of England (Act II) he turns away, unable to face Gaunt. Gaunt has made him look foolish, so he searches for reassurance in his followers who he trusts not to expose his imperfect treatment of his kingdom. Richard II fears both the realization that he is not a good king, and that others will b...