“Bolingbroke Karşısında Richard Güçsüz Kalıyor”: II. Richard Oyununda Kusursuz Hükümdar Düşüncesi

Abstract

Shakespeare, tarihi oyunlarında sınıf farkı gözetmeksizin ulusu birleştirmeyi başaran mükemmel kralı sunar ve hükümdarın yasalara karşı gelmesi ve ortak rızayı dikkate almaması durumunda adaleti sağlayamadığını ve despot bir yönetim sürdürdüğünü gösterir. Bu sebeple, bu makalenin amacı, Shakespeare’in, II. Richard oyununda meşru bir hükümdar olan Kral 2. Richard’ı ve tahtı ele geçirerek Kral 4. Henry olan Bolingbroke’u karşılaştırarak mükemmel kral ile zorba hükümdar arasındaki farklılıkları ortaya koyduğunu göstermektir. 2. Richard, yasaları ve gelenekleri yok sayan; usulsüz mali uygulamalarla halka zulmeden; yetersiz danışmanlara yetki veren ve soylu sınıfla birlikte halkın da sevgisini ve desteğini kaybeden adaletsiz bir kral olarak anlatılırken; Bolingbroke, kanunlara ve adetlere saygı gösteren; haksızlıklarla savaşan ve hem soyluların hem orta sınıfın takdirini kazanan etkili bir yönetici olarak tasvir edilir. Shakespeare, yasalara saygılı olmanın ve insanların haklarını korumanın ideal hükümdarın özellikleri olduğunu gösterirken, yasaları tanımamanın ve halkın malına el koymanın güçsüz ve zorba bir yöneticinin özellikleri olduğunu ortaya koyar. Buna bağlı olarak, Shakespeare’in, ortaçağ İngiliz tarihini ve politikasını, Elizabeth döneminde kusursuz hükümdar düşüncesine atıfta bulunmak için kullandığı ortaya konacaktır. Shakespeare, Kraliçe 1. Elizabeth’in gözdelerine yetki vermesine ve halkı kötü mali uygulamalarla ezerek gücünü kötüye kullanmasına gönderme yapar. 

Keywords

• William Shakespeare,kusursuz hükümdar,güç,Elizabeth dönemi

“[Bolingbroke] weighs [Richard] down” : The Idea of Perfect Monarch in Richard II

Abstract

In his history plays Shakespeare presents the idea of perfect monarch who achieves to unite the nation regardless of class distinctions, and demonstrates that if a sovereign violates the laws and disregards common consent, s/he fails to exercise justice, and consequently establishes despotic rule. Hence, the aim of this article is to argue that in Richard II Shakespeare puts forth the distinction between a perfect monarch and a tyrant through the comparison of Richard II, the legitimate king, and Bolingbroke, who ascends the throne as King Henry IV after he usurps the throne. Richard is presented as an unjust king who violates the laws and customs; suppresses his people through illegal monetary practices; empowers insufficient counsellors, and loses the love and support of the noblemen and the common men; whereas, Bolingbroke is portrayed as an effective sovereign as he respects the laws and customs; fights injustice and gains the admiration of the nobility and the commoners. Therefore, it will be argued that as Shakespeare presents, being law-abiding and protecting the rights of the people are the qualities of an ideal ruler while flouting the laws and dispossessing the people are the features of an ineffective and a despotic monarch. Accordingly, it will also be demonstrated that through the medieval English history and politics Shakespeare refers to the idea of perfect monarch in the Elizabethan era. He refers to Elizabeth I’s abuse of her sovereign authority to entrust her favourites with authority and to suppress her people by corrupt financial practices.

Keywords

• William Shakespeare,perfect monarch,power,the Elizabethan era

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