Richard II Monologues & Audition Scenes

The Duke of York confronts King Richard II regarding the unlawful seizure of the banished Bolingbroke's inheritance. He warns the King that by violating the laws of succession, he undermines his own right to the throne and risks losing the loyalty of his subjects.

The dying John of Gaunt uses his final moments to confront King Richard II, offering a scathing critique of the King's mismanagement of England and his vanity.

John of Gaunt attempts to comfort his son, Henry Bolingbroke, who has just been banished from England by King Richard II. Bolingbroke rejects his father's stoic advice, arguing that imagination cannot soothe the pain of real suffering.

King Richard II addresses his council and the combatants Bolingbroke and Mowbray, decreeing their banishment to prevent civil war and the shedding of English blood.

Thomas Mowbray defends himself against accusations of treason and embezzlement brought by Henry Bolingbroke. He admits to a past plot against Lancaster but denies the murder of Gloucester, ultimately demanding a trial by combat.

The dying John of Gaunt delivers a scathing rebuke to King Richard II, accusing him of being a 'landlord' rather than a king and destroying the reputation of England through poor counsel and greed.

Henry Bolingbroke returns from exile to claim his rightful inheritance, confronting his uncle, the Duke of York, who accuses him of treason. Bolingbroke argues that he returns not as a rebel, but as the rightful Duke of Lancaster seeking justice for his seized property.

Henry Bolingbroke returns from exile to confront his uncle, the Duke of York, arguing that he has come to reclaim his rightful inheritance as the Duke of Lancaster after the King seized his father's lands.

King Richard II asserts his divine right to the throne, comparing his majesty to the rising sun that exposes the treachery of Bolingbroke. He declares that no earthly force can depose a king anointed by God.

The deposed King Richard II confronts his successor, Bolingbroke, using a mirror to reflect on his loss of identity and power before being sent to the Tower of London.

The Bishop of Carlisle delivers a powerful and prophetic protest against the deposition of King Richard II, warning that crowning Bolingbroke will lead to generations of civil war and bloodshed.

King Richard II addresses Northumberland and Bolingbroke's forces from the walls of Flint Castle, asserting his divine right to rule and prophesying a bloody civil war if his crown is usurped.

The Duke of York describes the humiliating public entry of the deposed King Richard II into London, contrasting the crowd's adoration for Bolingbroke with their cruelty toward Richard.

The Duke of York describes to his wife the contrasting receptions of the usurping Bolingbroke and the deposed King Richard II as they entered London. York explains his new-found loyalty to Bolingbroke while mourning the humiliation of Richard.