49 pages • 1 hour read
Richard II
A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.
Book Brief
300
Play • Fiction
England • 14th century
1597
Adult
16+ years
Super Short Summary
Richard II by William Shakespeare portrays the last two years of King Richard II's life, focusing on his ineffective leadership and growing unpopularity, which lead to his overthrow by Henry Bolingbroke, who ascends as Henry IV. As Richard's reign collapses, he exhibits profound self-reflection, bringing pathos to his downfall and raising questions about corruption, legitimacy, and identity.
Mysterious
Contemplative
Melancholic
Dark
Bittersweet
Reviews & Readership
25,703 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
William Shakespeare's Richard II is praised for its lyrical prose and exploration of the complexities of power and kingship. Critics highlight the depth of Richard's character and the play's historical significance. Some find it less action-packed compared to Shakespeare's other histories, potentially making it less engaging for some audiences. Overall, it remains a compelling study of authority and identity.
Who Should Read Richard II?
Readers who relish historical drama, intricate political intrigue, and profound explorations of power and identity will appreciate William Shakespeare’s Richard II. Fans of Hilary Mantel’s Wolf Hall or Robert Bolt’s A Man for All Seasons will find Shakespeare's portrayal of regal downfall and the human condition particularly compelling.
25,703 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
300
Play • Fiction
England • 14th century
1597
Adult
16+ years
Continue your reading experience
Subscribe now to unlock the rest of this Study Guide plus our full library, which features expert-written summaries and analyses of 8,000+ additional titles.