Comparing King Richard II And King Henry IV

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King Richard II and King Henry IV both share similar qualities in being a ruler. They both share the qualities of the Divine right of kings. It all come does down to power with each of them. They believe that they were selected by the Lord to become ruler of their people. I believe King Henry IV is a better ruler because he is not as power hungry as King Richard II. Throughout the play King Richard II illustrates the privilege of sanctity of a person. According to our notes the sanctity of a person means “No man could raise his hand against him, or even disparage him in speech or thought” King Richard II believed he was handpicked by God to be a ruler. He saw himself as holy. “We will ourself in person to this war: And, for our coffers, with too great a court And liberal largess, are grown somewhat light, We are inforced farm our …show more content…

(1.4.5)” Richard is terrible at handling his money and cannot fund the war in Ireland. The people do not have right to get rid of him because he believes he was chosen by God. This also ties into the next privilege of absolute power. King Richard II believes everyone should obey without question. The only way they can question his leadership if he contradicts God’s Law. Another example of King Richard’s II hungry for power is when John of Gaunt dies Richard helps himself to his land and his money. King Richard is starting for power and will do anything to fill that that hunger pain. Another duty of a ruler is they have right to enfornce the law. According to the notes "In civil matters the avenging of evil, which God has strictly forbidden to private individuals is office and duty of the ruler and his subordinates”. King Richard has a duty to fulfill of enforcing the law for is people. Another privilege that is seen through his actions is the right of using of using extraordinary means. He uses extraordinary measures when banished Henry

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