King Richard 2 Literary Analysis

The tragedy of King Richard II is a play written by William Shakespeare. The setting of the play takes place in England, and much of the play is embroiled in turmoil. William Shakespeare's character John of Gaunt compares the land of England to that of the Garden of Eden and includes vivid imagery in the play with rich comparisons. Through the strong metaphors comparing England and people to the plants and nature, Shakespeare was able to make England, a country, a life of its own.
In Act two Scene one of King Richard II, John of Gaunt vividly describes his idea of England most strikingly. “This royal throne of kings, this sceptured isle, This earth of majesty, this seat of Mars" (Shakespeare, 1610-11/2014, 2.1.40-41). In these passages, the mind thinks of England being the most majestic place an eye can see. Thoughts of beauty and royalty come to mind. John of Gaunt then goes on to describe England further,"This other Eden, demi-paradise, This fortress built by Nature herself Against infection and the hand of war," (Shakespeare, 1610-11/2014, 2.1.42-44). These passages set England up to …show more content…
He urges him to go to the Bristol Castle with him to eliminate Bagot and Bushy. "To Bristol castle, which they say is held By Bushy, Bagot and their complices, The caterpillars of the commonwealth, Which I have sworn to weed and pluck away" (Shakespeare, 1610-11/2014, 2.3.164-167). Here again, in the lines in this scene, the imagery of a garden is shown. Although there is no talk of flowers or fruit, Bushy and Bagot are compared to caterpillars that need to be weeded away. Caterpillars are destructive to plants within a garden. Here Henry Bolingbroke is saying that Bushy and Bagot are the caterpillars that are aiding in destroying England, which is the garden. After John of Gaunt has laid the images of England as a vast garden, other characters have continued the