Richard II

by

William Shakespeare

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Richard II: Act 2, Scene 4 Summary & Analysis

Read our modern English translation of this scene.
Summary
Analysis
In this brief scene a Welsh Captain tells Salisbury that the army has waited ten days, and, having no word of Richard, will now disperse. Though Salisbury tells him to stay, the captain refuses, saying that they believe Richard is dead.
Though the Welsh mistakenly believe that Richard has literally died, their dispersal can be seen as indicating that, figuratively, Richard is as good as dead, as he no longer has the power to defend the throne.
Themes
The Throne Theme Icon
Honor and Appearance Theme Icon
Literary Devices