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Q. Consider the role of fortune in the tragedy of King Richard 2 A. One of the main themes running through Richard the second is the idea of the failure of a King’s duties to his country. The play examines the changing fortune and loss of kingship from Richard to Bolingbroke due to his neglect of time and duty. However, both characters undergo a remarkable transition in their attitudes and furthermore, both can be seen …

…Therefore, it could be argued that the changing fortunes in Richard 2 are almost inevitable from this scene onwards. Richard shows no defiance against Bolingbroke’s intentions and furthermore, he only takes on an understanding for necessity of action in hindsight. Overall, it is evident that both men are flawed as King’s or otherwise. Richard has intervened with the natural laws of succession and Bolingbroke has taken control of the divine right of King’s.