Divine Right of Kings Implied in the Bishop of Carlisle's Speech in Richard II

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Divine Right of Kings Implied in the Bishop of Carlisle’s Speech in Richard II

Shakespeare’s Tragedy of King Richard II drips with references to the divine right of kings and the appropriate response of passive obedience by a king’s subjects, as it explores the implications of Richard’s involvement in the murder of Thomas of Woodstock, Duck of Gloucester, and Bolingbroke’s revenge for that murder: the overthrowing of King Richard II.  Numerous characters speak of the strong parallel between God and the king, but none approach the subject quite as directly as the Bishop of Carlisle does in his speech condemning Bolingbroke’s acceptance of Richard’s invitation to ascend the throne in Act IV, scene 1 of the play.

After meeting with Bolingbroke at Flint Castle and agreeing to return his land and inheritance to him, King Richard asks Bolingbroke if he must return with him to London.  Bolingbroke says yes, and Richard understands that he must resign the throne.  The Duke of York returns to Westminster Hall, declaring that Richard has resigned the throne to Bolingbroke.  Upon hearing this, Bolingbroke consents, “In God’s name, I’ll ascend the regal throne” (IV.i, 114).  This infuriates the bishop, who begins his dialogue.

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The speech begins with an oath, “Marry,” a strong indication that the bishop feels very strongly about the subject at hand.  He continues, explaining that despite of his low rank and because of his position as a clergyman, he is most suited to address the actions at hand: “Worst in this royal presence may I speak, / Yet best beseeming me to speak the truth” (116-117).  This proclamation demonstrates that the position he is taking is a moral position, one that should be addressed to Christians by church officials.  In fact, Bevington informs in his introduction to Richard II that parishioners ...

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