This Folger Shakespeare Library edition of Richard II provides a student-friendly text of one of Shakespeare’s historical plays, presenting the conflict between King Richard II and Henry Bolingbroke as questions of authority, justice, and the responsibilities of kingship. The drama examines the tension between legitimate rule and personal character as Richard’s actions weaken his authority and lead to political upheaval.
The volume includes a carefully edited text with explanatory notes printed on facing pages, helping readers follow Shakespeare’s language and imagery while reading continuously. Scene summaries, background essays, and guidance on Shakespearean vocabulary support comprehension and class discussion, making the play accessible even for students new to early modern English.
Especially suitable for literature study, this edition helps students analyze character, rhetoric, and theme while considering the moral and political ideas underlying the play. Used in Kolbe Academy’s literature program, the Folger edition supports close reading, written analysis, and thoughtful discussion within the broader study of Western literary tradition.
Course Information
Courses this book is used in:
- Literature of Christendom:
- Homeschool
- Online
- Asynchronous
- Literature of Christendom Foundations:
- Online