The Relationship Between Richard II and The Myrroure for Magistrates Es

The birth Between Richard II and The Myrroure for Magistrates The relationship between Richard II and The Myrroure for Magistrates is considered here preponderantly in the context of the differences between the two texts.1 The function of each text is discussed initially, the didactic purpose of the Myrroure contrasted with the function of Shakespeares play as, primarily, theatrical entertainment. The conflicting accounts of certain events from Richards reign are looked at subsequently and the air in which they reflect the opposite function of the texts. Finally, consideration is given to the different way in which the Myrroure and Richard II each reflect upon the theme of exponentship by means of their portrayal of Richards reign. In relation to each of these points of banter, it is argued that Richard II delivers a more complex, multi-dimensional portrayal of character, events and themes than the Myrroure. The Myrroure is imbued with moral did acticism and Richard IIs reign is assiduous to encourage rulers to govern virtuously and lawfully. Rulers must abide by full and lawe (l. 32), observe faythful counsayle (ll. 35) and beware false Flatterers (l. 33). Richard, however, is portrayed as a king who ruled all by lust (l.31), passing not a straw (l. 35) to those who sought to counsel him. He himself recounts how I set my top dog to feede, to spoyle (l. 37) and my realme I polde (l.41), as a result of which he was brought to care (l. 30). The assortment of the poem reinforces its didactic function. The use of a single voice results in a largely one-dimensional portrayal of Richard, no allowance make fo... ... Johnson (eds.), A Shakespeare Reader Sources and Criticism, Macmillan Press Ltd., London 2000, pp.7-9. Throughout this discussion the verbalize is referred to as the Myrroure. 2 Telling refers to the technique of having a narrator telling what happens enchantment showing permi ts the reader to realize the character act and speak. For a discussion of these two terms, applied in the context of Jane Austens Pride and Prejudice, see Pam Norris, Reading Pride and Prejudice, in Dennis Walder, The Realist Novel, Routledge, London 1995, pp. 33-34. 3 See Margaret Healy, Richard II in Kiernan Ryan (ed.), Shakespeare Texts and Contexts, Macmillan Press Ltd., Basingstoke 2000, p. 50. 4 Ibid., p. 53. 5 See Katherin Eisman Maus, Richard II in The Norton Shakespeare, p. 948. 6 Ibid., p.943.