The Relationship Between Richard II and The Myrroure for Magistrates Es

The Relationship Between Richard II and The Myrroure for Magistrates The relationship between Richard II and The Myrroure for Magistrates is considered here predominantly in the context of the differences between the two texts.1 The function of individually text is discussed initially, the didactic purpose of the Myrroure contrasted with the function of Shakespeares play as, primarily, theatrical entertainment. The conflicting accounts of certain events from Richards reign are looked at subsequently and the direction in which they reflect the different function of the texts. Finally, consideration is given to the different way in which the Myrroure and Richard II each reflect upon the theme of kingship through their portrait of Richards reign. In relation to each of these points of discussion, it is argued that Richard II delivers a more complex, multi-dimensional portrayal of character, events and themes than the Myrroure. The Myrroure is imbued wi th moral didacticism and Richard IIs reign is employed to encourage rulers to reign over virtuously and lawfully. Rulers must abide by right and lawe (l. 32), observe faythful counsayle (ll. 35) and beware false Flatterers (l. 33). Richard, however, is portrayed as a king who ruled all by lust (l.31), passing not a straw (l. 35) to those who sought to counsel him. He himself recounts how I set my mind to feede, to spoyle (l. 37) and my realme I polde (l.41), as a sequel of which he was brought to care (l. 30). The form of the poem reinforces its didactic function. The use of a single voice results in a largely one-dimensional portrayal of Richard, no allowance made fo... ... Johnson (eds.), A Shakespeare Reader Sources and Criticism, Macmillan Press Ltd., London 2000, pp.7-9. Throughout this discussion the extract is referred to as the Myrroure. 2 Telling refers to the technique of having a narrator impressive what happens while showing permit s the reader to watch the character act and speak. For a discussion of these two terms, applied in the context of Jane Austens Pride and Prejudice, see Pam Norris, Reading Pride and Prejudice, in Dennis Walder, The Realist Novel, Routledge, London 1995, pp. 33-34. 3 See Margaret Healy, Richard II in Kiernan Ryan (ed.), Shakespeare Texts and Contexts, Macmillan Press Ltd., Basingstoke 2000, p. 50. 4 Ibid., p. 53. 5 See Katherin Eisman Maus, Richard II in The Norton Shakespeare, p. 948. 6 Ibid., p.943.