At the end of Shakespeare’s Richard II, newly crowned King Henry feels guilty for instigating the death of Richard, and promises to take a pilgrimage to Jerusalem as penance, to cleanse his consciousness of being involved in the murder. However, it is clear that Henry IV is a ruthless and pragmatic Machiavellian ruler, and is willing to do whatever it takes to become king and consolidate his power. Richard II, on the other hand, is a weak and indecisive leader. He is politically unsophisticated, alienates his allies, ignores counsel, abuses his power, and leaves his kingdom for Ireland Continue reading...