Richard II

by

William Shakespeare

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Richard II: Act 5, Scene 4 Summary & Analysis

Read our modern English translation of this scene.
Summary
Analysis
In this brief scene, Exton remarks that he heard the king say “Have I no friend will rid me of this living fear?” Exton takes this to be an implicit order to kill Richard, and he leaves for Pomfret to commit the murder.
It is unclear whether Henry was implicitly ordering Exton to murder Richard or not, but Henry’s refusal to do so outright is likely due to the fact that Richard’s own rule was clouded by the knowledge that he was involved in Gloucester’s death.
Themes
The Throne Theme Icon
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