What Role Does York Play in Richard II?
Shakespeare introduces York as a very outspoken character due to his honest opinion he portrays to his brother Gaunt on line 24 of Act 1 scene 1; “Where doth the world thrust forth a vanity- so it be new there’s no respect how vile- that is not quickly buzz’d into his ears?” From this we can tell that York is not afraid of what people think of him speaking about Richard’s selfishness, he is clearly a character that notices and preaches mistakes not matter who they are. This implies that Shakespeare has attempted to make him come across as a truthful figure.
Previously on line 17, York portrays sense of his braveness by talking negatively about his king stating that important matters or asking’s are “stopp’d with other flattering sounds, as praises of whose taste the wise are fond” suggesting that Richard has been so overwhelmed by his ‘flatterers’ that he won’t listen to advise or his people’s needs which shows his selfish attitude and big ego. This conveys to the audience York’s observance of his Kings mistakes, showing his loyalty and care towards his country.
After Richard’s poor decision on taking Gaunt's money to provide for his army in battle against Ireland, York confronts Richard to advise him on doing otherwise. He infuriates Richard by asking him rhetorical questions such as “how long shall tender duty make me suffer wrong?” expressing is dislike towards Richards decision, attempting to get him realise his mistake. This reveals that York is not a follower but in fact a character that is understanding of the situation. He is metaphorically a moral compass throughout the play due to his mature approach towards situations, allowing the audience to spot his potential kingship qualities. His repetition of the word ‘nor’ in the phrase “Nor Glousters death nor Herefords banishment, nor Gaunt's rebukes nor England’s private wrongs, nor the prevention of poor Bullingbrook about his marriage, nor my own disgrace have ever made me sour my patient cheek or bend one wrinkle on my sovereigns face.” stresses how many times Richard has done wrong. It portrays York’s dilemma from being torn between his family and his king; his moral behaviour and his duty. Shakespeare creates York to be an unbiased character which angers Richard as he wants him to be purely on his side not in-between. However York does not show any signs of giving in, nor does he show any signs of taking sides which clarifies his Strong personality.
When Gaunt dies, we are reminded that York is the last of his generation alive in this play; the last character who can define and compare the ‘Old England’ to the England which is now under Richard’s reign. It is because of this that Shakespeare uses him as an authorised character to advise Richard; “Take Hereford’s rights away and take from time his charters and his customary rights.” Followed by “You pluck a thousand dangers on your head, and prick my tender patience to those thoughts which honour and allegiance cannot think.” This depicts York providing Richard with an option followed by a consequence which York says to threaten Richard and consequently change his decision. York tries to reason with Richard, which expresses his unbiasedness and modesty, explaining that Richard is only king because it was passed down him, so it is only fair that Bullingbrook should have what’s passed down to him. Furthermore this re-emphasises Shakespeare’s attempt to perceive York’s unprejudiced character.
On line 87 of Act 2, Scene 2, it is obvious that York is caught in a dilemma when he admits; “I no not what to do” referring to which side he should support. It has been made apparent to the audience that his Heart is with his family, Bullingbrook, but his head is with his King, Richard. York believes that they are both in the wrong; Bullingbrook for returning to the country, disobeying his king’s banishment given to him and Richard for taking Bolingbrook’s inheritance, what’s rightfully his. Evidently, York has been put in a difficult position as he is seen to be the most level headed and most likeable character in the play due to the fact that he is loyal to his country, as he always wants to follow the laws, but at the same time doesn’t allow his family connections to influence his opinion. Reflecting him to be a respectful character to his king and others.
York is seen to be a voice of reason, representing the audiences opinions; “the open ear of youth doth listen, report of fashions in proud Italy, whose manners still our tardy-apish nation limps after in base imitation” as an audience, straight away Shakespeare reveals Richard’s femininity therefore when york expresses his feelings which match to the general perspective, we see him to be the most realistic and humane character. On line 158 of Act 2, scene 3 this is revisited when York finalises his position by clarifying; “I do remain a neuter” showing he is strong and will not be swayed into doing something he does not believe is right…in many ways, what we believe should be the attitude of the king.
Shakespeare also makes him an authoritative character through his wisdom; “For art thou a king but by fair sequence and succession?” Here York uses his wisdom to question Richards rights and interrogating his fairness, which although challenges Richard, York is seen to be too much of a Prophet like figure to many for Richard to allocate him with a punishment. This undermines his existence in the play and that he is too much of an important part to the countries existence for Richard to do anything against.
Therefore, overall, York is a very prominent figure in this play. A figure to which we classify as prophet, with knowledge to which Richard is in no place to question. It is through Richard’s lack of sensible and honourable decisions that prove to the audience that York is an advisor for the king, and is a character that provides Richard with the correct and most respected way in ruling the country.