The second set of history plays (which precede the first four in historical date but proceed them in writing date) offer a fascinating character study of what it means to be king. They share with the audience (and reader alike) the lives of three kings of England: Richard II, Henry IV, and Henry V. When “Richard II” opens, we are set upon with a king too concerned with worldly possessions, fashion, and cronies, and not …showed first 75 words of 1391 total…

…showed last 75 words of 1391 total…empty and his office lonely. He has given up a bit of his soul to take what was given to him, and even though he had no choice, it makes him less likable as a person. To this I do not fault him, but rather admire him for he cross he must bare, and the way he chooses to bare it. His is a life I would not want, gold, power and fame be damned.