Compare the Downfalls of Richard II and King Lear – with whom do you sympathise with more and why?
Shakespeare is able to show the downfalls of both kings through the contrast between them at the height of their power and their dramatic downfalls. This is particularly effective because neither king is able to see or predict their eventual downfalls which may be a reason for the sympathy we feel for them. Both Kings make terrible mistakes which very quickly lead to their downfall however by then it is too late and they have already hit nadir. However the audience on the other hand can foresee this from the beginning of the play and so this is evoking of sympathy.
The first stage of King Lear’s downfall comes when he decides to make his daughters flatter him in order to see who will receive the most land.’’ When majesty falls to folly. Reserve they state; and, in thy best consideration, check this hideous rashness.’’
Lear cannot believe what he has just heard and thinks that Cordelia is being unbelievably disrespectful, ‘check this hideous rashness’ he simply takes what she has said at face value. Having looked past the message of Cordelia and as a sign of his ignorance and bad judgement he sends her away, one of the most loyal people that surround him, therefore leaving all of his land to his two untrustworthy daughters. We can begin to foresee his downfall now because he is getting rid of all those faithful to him and surrounding himself with those who flatter him.
A similar situation occurs in Richard II for Richard shows his bad judgement when he sends away Bolingbroke in order to gain his land when his father dies. ‘’ thy slow hours shall not determine, the dateless limit of thy exile. The hopeless word of never to return, Breathe I against thee, upon pain of life.’’
The king's decision can be seen as the first in a series of mistakes that will lead eventually to his eventual overthrow and death. This angers many, who accuse Richard of wasting England's money such as Gaunt who’s money has been taken away (which rightfully belongs to Bolingbroke) in
The first stage of King Lear’s downfall comes when he decides to make his daughters flatter him in order to see who will receive the most land.’’ When majesty falls to folly. Reserve they state; and, in thy best consideration, check this hideous rashness.’’
Lear cannot believe what he has just heard and thinks that Cordelia is being unbelievably disrespectful, ‘check this hideous rashness’ he simply takes what she has said at face value. Having looked past the message of Cordelia and as a sign of his ignorance and bad judgement he sends her away, one of the most loyal people that surround him, therefore leaving all of his land to his two untrustworthy daughters. We can begin to foresee his downfall now because he is getting rid of all those faithful to him and surrounding himself with those who flatter him.
A similar situation occurs in Richard II for Richard shows his bad judgement when he sends away Bolingbroke in order to gain his land when his father dies. ‘’ thy slow hours shall not determine, the dateless limit of thy exile. The hopeless word of never to return, Breathe I against thee, upon pain of life.’’
The king's decision can be seen as the first in a series of mistakes that will lead eventually to his eventual overthrow and death. This angers many, who accuse Richard of wasting England's money such as Gaunt who’s money has been taken away (which rightfully belongs to Bolingbroke) in