Download Richard II Audiobook

" Not one of Shakespeare's best plays (categorized by some as a "history play"). Still, it bears testimony to the Bard of Avon's talents. Richard II was, in reality, a none too successful king of England. This play surely speaks to his problems as ruler. He takes on Henry Bolingbroke, among others, and begins a process thereby leading to his ultimate fall. Ironically, Bolingbroke, in "winning" out, becomes the next King of England (Henry IV). "

" It is debatable whether this play was meant to be a stand-alone work or part of the Henry quadrilogy of plays. For that reason, I am reserving much of my judgment on this work until I read Henry the Fourth Parts 1 and 2 and Henry V. Like many of Shakespeare's historical plays, this deals with family conflict, power and right, with the central conflicts occurring between Henry Bolingbroke and Richard II. Old Gaunt delivers one of my favorite lines in this plays -- "Things sweet to taste prove in digestion sour" -- but the finest monologues belong to Richard II. Particularly memorable is the monologue in Act III, Scene II: "[W]ithin the hollow crown/That rounds the mortal temples of a king/Keeps Death his court and there the antic sits . . . ." Likewise memorable are his lines from Act IV, Scene I, when he surrenders the crown to King Henry. "

" Of most interest as a hint of what is to come in King Henry IV Parts I and II, although still an interest in its own terms, especially for characters like the Duke of York. Richard II begins with the King arbitrating a quarrel by two younger courtiers and ends with one of those younger courtiers, Henry IV, usurping as King. One flaw, at least to my eyes, it jumps from Henry IV returning to claim his lands, and pledging loyalty to King Richard II, to him usurping the throne without ever explaining if his initial attitude was disingenuous, if something changed, or what happened to bring about this transformation. "

" wonderful. excellent political intrigue and observations on life. "

" Part of my ongoing project of re-reading all the Shakespeare plays in theoretical written/produced order. Regardless of plot, every Shakespeare play has a passages could just thrive by their lonesome, and in this play some of Richard II's moment, particularly his words while imprisoned in Act 5, are just extraordinary. Another thing that happens, with so many plays and characters, it's inevitable when re-reading plays to see how characters and human moments compare from play to play. Part of the great joy of re-reading an author's work, especially Shakespeare with so many plays, and why I was moved to do it. And certainly will start over as soon as I re-read the "last" one. "

" Boring history play "

" ugh! I can't stand it "

" Shakespeare knew all about the frailty of the human condition. One man falls as another rises, and vice versa. Wonderfully poetic. "

" I had to read this for a Shakespeare class. It was ok...the language was beautiful, but it was hard to follow. If I knew more about the history, I may have enjoyed it more. "

" Really great act 4 & 5, usually the two weakest acts in Shakespeare for me, but this is slow to start but ends well. Reminded me a lot of Timon of Athens. "

" This play is not one of the Bard's best . . . it has some wonderful language in it and some interesting political issues, but on a purely story-for-the-story's sake it's terrible! You know what is going to happen right away - it just takes forever to happen. "

" how kingdoms are ruled and made "

" I mean, it's Shakespeare. He's always good. "

" One of Shakespeare's most forgotten masterpieces. The tale of the tragic fall of the poetic yet foolish Richard at the hands of his betrayer Bolingbroke is both poignant and thought provoking. "

" Perhaps the smallest, but certainly the most dedicated Shakespeare night to date. Brendan, Shayna and I blasted through 30 characters of war, deceit and treachery like never before. While I wasn't as interested in the story, the poetry was spectacular. "

" Overlong. I got the feeling of padding out a paper, like Shakespeare was really stretching this and using a ton of filler.

Still, very eloquent. I really enjoyed the overdramatic, morose Richard II. I think Shakespeare's sympathy was pretty clearly with him and he steals the show. "

" Certain passages in here really moved me, even though it's a history, and as such, is a little drier than most Shakespeare. Richard and the Queen towards the end---shades of star-crossed lovers. "

" Richard pretty much loses the kingdom early on. Then, it's just a matter of time until he's whacked. I did enjoy emo Richard. The writing was really good too. "

" Really great act 4 & 5, usually the two weakest acts in Shakespeare for me, but this is slow to start but ends well. Reminded me a lot of Timon of Athens. "

" As a female reader, I have to say that I found myself bored with the court politics scenes. But still, I admired Richard II for its literary craft and versification.

Maybe if I knew more about the times, I would understand the power relations. "

" wonderful. excellent political intrigue and observations on life. "

" Yet another great historical tragedy. "

" "the action lies in the dialogue, rather than in the action" my professor said, which was very true and which made it very unexciting. "

" Can't find the edition I read, but it's the new Bantam version--the excellent introduction helped me make sense of this complex but fascinating story (which I'd never read before). Love this stuff! "

" The vanity of a fearful, childless monarch contrasted against his courageous usurper made for a delightful historical read. "