Richard 2, Importance On Thomas Of Woodstock

The significance of Thomas of Woodstock, the Duke of Gloucester in Shakespeare's Richard II

The story of Richard II is driven by references to past events. The death of The Duke of Gloucester, Thomas of Woodstock, occurs before Shakespeare's historical tragedy begins and the entire play transpires as a result of this murder. King Richard II commanded the imprisonment and murder of his Uncle Gloucester and these actions would haunt Richard throughout the remainder of his controversial reign. Richard's fall from the throne is a consequence of his own actions and not of the actions of others. Being the most eloquent of all Shakespeare's kings Richard speaks of himself in very high regard yet he does not conduct himself like a man in his esteemed position ought to. He is an erratic and unpredictable, self-centered and cowardly King who murders one uncle and steals from another. However he may choose to abuse his power no man can ever escape his shameful past. The Duke of Gloucester represents a dishonorable past that Richard cannot escape; the dark cloud created by his role in the crimes loom above him for the remainder of his reign and ultimately leads to his demise.

The death of Gloucester serves as the catalyst for the series of events that unfold within the play. Henry Bolingbroke, The Duke of Hereford accuses Thomas Mowbray of murdering Gloucester. Mowbray vehemently denies the accusations and vows to defend his honor. King Richard II unsuccessfully attempts to reconcile the quarrel. When a duel becomes apparent he banishes both men from England in order to rid his kingdom of two possible threats to his rule. Mowbray was a threat because he knew implicitly of the King's participation in the crime and Bolingbroke's increasing popularity among the population and his accusations against Mowbray make him a threat to the King's sovereignty.

The Duchess of Gloucester pleads with Gaunt to avenge her husband's death. However, Gaunt is a firm believer that kings are appointed ministers of God and any revenge against such a individual would have to come from above "Let heaven revenge, for I may never lift/ An angry arm against His minister" (1.2, 42-43). Due to his religious beliefs Gaunt dies without ever tasting revenge. After his death King Richard seizes his property in order to fund his war in Ireland. The Duke of York warns King Richard of the possible consequences of his many wrong doings "...by bad courses may be understood/ That their events can never fall out good" (2.1, 222-223). Richard pays no mind to his uncle's warnings. He continues his tyrannical