Helen Castor's exploration highlights the dramatic journey of Richard II, depicting him as a king constrained by his unyielding relatives, ultimately leading to societal upheaval. Richard's reign illustrates the tension between royal duty and personal agency, shedding light on the complexities of leadership and governance.
The depiction of Richard II choosing a white hart as his emblem symbolizes his struggle against the overpowering influences of his family, trapped by responsibilities he could not fulfill. As Helen Castor illustrates, this chain not only represents his uncles' dominance but also the weight of expectations placed upon a young king.
Castor meticulously details Richard's turbulent early reign, marked by multiple parliaments and rapid social unrest, initiated by the unpopular poll tax. This financial burden disillusioned common folk, culminating in uprisings such as the peasants' revolt, reflecting the tragic inadequacies in Richard’s governance.
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