The Colorful Language Of Shakespeare's King Richard II Analysis
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The Colorful Language of Shakespeare’s King Richard II
A great portion of Gaunt’s dialogue throughout the play makes strong reference to God. For instance, his philosophical, holy dialect in the play is first evident in the conversation between the Duchess of Gloucester as her emotions are heightened in regard to her husband’s death (Bevington, 2014). Gaunt then speaks more in-depth about Richard’s incompetent ways of ruling in a conversation with York, and he describes Richards leadership in England by utilizing a colorful analogy of a garden and the ways of nature. The conversation between Gaunt and York along with the biblical imagery that Gaunt conveys throughout the play has brilliant meaning to it beyond what is palpable on the surface.
Gaunt’s speech begins with him asking York if Richard will visit him before Gaunt dies so that he may lecture him on the amateurish ways he has been ruling England (Bevington, 2014). Gaunt believes that since he is on his deathbed that he may actually get through to Richard and help him to change the manner in which he leads. However, York warns Gaunt to refrain from wasting his time, that Richard will not obey either way. York tells Gaunt that Richard only listens to those who follow and “flatter” him. Yet, Gaunt is determined to get through to Richard, explaining how he believes that he is a “prophet”. He says to York, “His rash fierce blaze of riot cannot last, For violent fires soon burn out themselves”, meaning that if Richard