Richard II and America’s Malaise

In Richard II, Shakespeare portrays the tragic decline of a king whose own actions ultimately poison his realm and lead to his downfall. As a ruler, Richard is not only reckless but also demonstrates a profound disconnect from his responsibilities, pursuing personal ambition at the expense of his country’s well-being. His decision to seize the inheritance of Henry Bolingbroke, a move designed to shore up his power and finances, becomes the catalyst for his undoing.

Richard’s actions mirror those of a tyrant more than a monarch, as he surrounds himself with flatterers and squanders the wealth of his kingdom, indifferent to the suffering of his people. When he confiscates the estates of Bolingbroke, he disregards both law and loyalty, setting in motion the forces that will overthrow him. In Shakespeare’s vision, Richard’s decision is not merely a political error but a moral corruption that poisons the very heart of his realm. By failing to uphold justice, he creates an atmosphere ripe for rebellion and betrayal.

This usurpation of property reflects a broader theme of betrayal, suggesting that Richard’s personal greed has greater implications for the stability of the monarchy. Bolingbroke, who would eventually become King Henry IV, emerges as the representative of justice and order, compelling the audience to question where the true legitimacy of the crown resides. Richard’s impulsive decisions poison not only his reign but the kingdom itself, setting off a chain of violence and strife that would haunt England for generations.

Ultimately, Richard’s tragic end is a consequence of his moral blindness and ruthless ambition. His deposition marks the end of a sacred understanding of kingship, replacing divine right with pragmatism. Shakespeare illustrates how Richard’s poisonous reign was doomed from within, a slow and inevitable unraveling of a kingdom—and a king—who placed self above duty.

For many, there are parallels to what happened in 2020. Biden’s accent in many ways seemed to lack legitimacy, and it set off a chain of events that has set the country back many years–a dubious virus that was used to alter an electoral process, shut down an economy, and shut in the populace, horrendous inflation that continues to strangle the ordinary people, wars in Ukraine and Gaza, a collapsed border, biological males entering and attempting to destroy the progress of female sports, and rampant antisemitism, in essence, a realm that has been poisoned.

Enter Trump, the Outsider

Northrop Frye’s theory on the outsider as a figure of renewal is deeply rooted in his exploration of literary archetypes, especially in relation to myth and the cyclical nature of culture. In his works, Frye suggests that the outsider — a figure often depicted as a foreigner, rebel, or marginalized individual — has a unique role in revitalizing a society that has become stagnant or rigid. This figure frequently embodies new perspectives, creativity, or disruptive energy that challenges the established order and allows the society to evolve.

Frye argues that cultures can become “static,” locked into repetitive patterns and hierarchical structures that stifle innovation. The outsider enters such a culture as an agent of change, and their influence often brings about a rejuvenation of values, beliefs, or norms. This figure may be met with hostility, resistance, or suspicion, but the outsider’s presence disrupts complacency, sparking a reassessment of the culture’s core principles and leading to growth.

In literature, Frye identifies various forms of this archetype — from the prophetic figures in religious texts to the subversive characters in Shakespeare. These figures are often outsiders in their societies: prophets, wanderers, or exiled heroes who challenge the norms of their communities. By questioning or defying the existing cultural framework, they reveal its limitations and, ultimately, its capacity for renewal.

In essence, Frye’s theory reflects his belief that the role of the outsider is to serve as a catalyst, reinvigorating a culture that has lost its sense of purpose or become detached from its foundational ideals.

Trump, along with Elon Musk and Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. have been given the opportunity to restore and rejuvenate a stagnant America. They should be humbled that the ordinary people have entrusted them with this task.

Now, they must go out and earn that trust.