Act 5 scene 1

Table of Contents

1. Join not with grief
2. Northumberland, thou ladder
3. That were some love but little policy

Join not with grief

Richard acknowledges that his former life is just a dream.  He did not really understand the world but lived under misunderstandings.

Back to Top

Northumberland, thou ladder

Richard prophesizes that Northumberland and Bolingbroke will be at odds, thus preparing for the next play, Henry IV, part 1.  This is a very Machiavellian view: if one take power unlawfully from annointed king, he should fear those who helped him there because they are a reminder of how he usurped the throne and also they know and are not afraid to get rid of one king and may be willing to get rid of him.

Back to Top

That were some love but little policy

The conflict between emotion and political necessity is faced here and Northumberland chooses policy.  If they come in conflict, Machiavellian says a prince must sacrifice private principles or emotion from his political policies which are how he keeps the power to be a ruler.  Shakespeare raises this issue with Northumberland, but does not allow Bolingbroke to face this kind of ethical dilemma.

Back to Top