Richard and Harry
In act IV, Richard and Bolingbroke switch spots. The heroic man of the people, Bolingbroke, goes from winning the peasants hearts and triumphing over evil and turns into the same god-king that we all hated about Richard. He does this when he has the list of sins for Richard to read aloud. Richard, meanwhile, humbles himself, and instead goes out like a man. His speech in lines 228-242 show this as he points out that if any of the lords looked at all of their crimes they would see "one heinous article, containing the deposing of a king."
This is an issue similar to the politics of today. As great of a man as any might be who runs for president, by the time they gain the office they have taken bribes (aka political campaign contributions), have lied to the whole nation multiple times, and have fallen into the Cia's control. It brings up the question: was Richard a bad king, or is kingship the problem. Will King Henry IV really be better?
The crown is going to Harry's head.
I don't think Richard and Harry have switched spots. Richard is the same trembling, childish shithead that he was when he was king, now without his God given power. But I totally agree that Harry is turning into the horrible king that Richard was. I think it begins when Harry calls forth Bagot and asks about Gloucester's death and then solidifies his almighty bad kingness with the list. I don't think Richard and Harry are much different from each other.
Megan Baeth-Brison
Oi! Politics!
I've often wondered if any person who finds themselves in a position to become president is the kind of person we want as president.
I really saw the way that Richard grew up through this act, had to deal with real life problems, etc. But I disagree that Bolingbroke has really changed. I think he's still the kind of person who will please the people and act out of his own conviction, instead of having an outside locus of control. I think he was just a jerk to start out with.
Erin Kay Schulz
politics
I have no good thoughts toward the benefit of any politician, so the fact that Bolingbroke becomes king turns me against him. I guess he might not so much be a good guy or a bad guy so to speak, but one who found himself in position to take over as Richard hit his midlife crisis.
Ryan K Bishop
It seems to be that way...
Unfortunately, that is what power does to people. If people who get even a little power change in a few small ways, just think what absolute power does. Harry went from bending his knee at Richards every wish to having the power to do whatever he wanted. You can see how that would easily change a person, even if they originally had a noble cause.
A Different Idea
Wow. I never got the impression that Harry was a jerk until now. I mean, I kinda agree with the fact that he changed, but maybe his outward appearance just changed instead of himself as a person. Like, he was bad at the beginning but didn't show it until he became king. There's a quote from, God forbid, The Simpsons Movie when the head guy of EPA says, "Of course I've gone mad with power! Have you ever tried to go mad without power? It's terrible, nobody listens to you!" and I think it really fits this situation. Well, replace the word "mad" with the word "bad" and it really does.
*Tina
Hmm
That is a very deep quote. I think it fits the situation very well though. If Harry would have not become king, I doubt he would have changed in this way. Who would have thought that the Simpsons would apply to Shakespeare?
It's A little Bit Funny...
It's funny how we can find connections to practically anything in life. Some may be round-about, but they are still there! Wasn't there a movie on that or something?
*Tina