Richard II by Shakespeare ep.1 // The Fall of King and the Rise of Poet

Richard II is comparatively a less well known play by Shakespeare. I’ll give you a brief summary of the story and mostly, the person of Richard, his theatricality and his incredible speeches.

[@bouquinsbooks]

Wonderfully interesting! I saw Richard II last year in Stratford (in Canada). It was the first time I read it or saw it. I really enjoyed it. I think it’s an underrated play (in as much as a Shakespeare’s can be underrated).

[@KierTheScrivener]

Oh I was going to say the same thing! It was definitely a different interpretation than the original version but it was such a good play!

[@adayofsmallthings]

It is underrated I agree! Glad to hear you enjoyed it :)

[@KierTheScrivener]

I watched Richard II at Stratford last year that reimagines it in 1980s rave culture andit was masterful.

[@adayofsmallthings]

Sounds intriguing. I’ll see if I can search out some pictures :)

[@jenniseicol4214]

Nicole, I was so thrilled when I saw that you were going to talk about Richard II. I am also on an amateur Shakespeare journey and that play was my most recent read. I struggled with it, and actually put it down while I read - Foundation: The History of England from Its Earliest Beginnings to the Tudors - by Peter Ackroyd, to get some historical context. Then I went back to the play. You explained it so well. Thank you!

[@adayofsmallthings]

Pleasure :) Hope you are having a great time with Shakespeare. Did you enjoy Richard II in the end? Is the history book good? I haven’t read anything by Ackroyd.

[@tumblyhomecarolinep7121]

Ohhhh Nicole.. I am so glad you did a whole episode about this. Richard ii is in my favourite Shakespeare plays. I don’t think it is loved as much as it deserves. I think it is so multi layered. I feel heartbroken for Richard because his belief that he is almost a god is crumpled and he loses even his own identity. I think the language and writing is spectacular. Can you tell how much I love this play. I sort of agree that reading is a wonderful way to appreciate Shakespeare. I find I enjoy watching plays I have read a few times. You read the sections of this beautifully

[@adayofsmallthings]

Yay glad to hear it’s one of your favourites. Yes the language is beautiful! Thank you :)

[@TKTalksBooks]

Thank you for this passionate presentation about Richard II. I am attending a production of the play at the Guthrie Theater (Minneapolis) in May. Your views will help me to understand it more fully.

[@adayofsmallthings]

Lovely! Hope it’s good and that you’ll enjoy it!

[@royreadsanything]

Fantastic! Loads of cool insights... this has become one of my favourite Shakespeare plays... love your analysis of Richard's 'conjuration' of nature

[@adayofsmallthings]

Thank you! Glad to hear you enjoy the play more and more :) I’m really glad I read it!

[@KierTheScrivener]

I love your passion for this one. It has given it a new life in my heart

[@adayofsmallthings]

Aww thank you!

[@erikaarulanantham5363]

A wonderful discussion of one of my absolute favorite Shakespeare plays. Thank you!

[@adayofsmallthings]

Pleasure :) lovely to hear it’s your favourite and glad you enjoyed the discussion!

[@donaldkelly3983]

Liked the presentation! It made me reconsider Richard II. I thought it was okay when I read and then saw it performed. Now I see how it's about a great poet and a lousy king!

[@adayofsmallthings]

Thank you! Hope you like it better next time you watch or read it :)

[@katiejlumsden]

Such a great video! I love this play.

[@adayofsmallthings]

Thank you! It’s great isn’t it!