셰익스피어의 사극 『리처드 2세』에 나타난 왕권과 신권의 대립 양상

Abstract

This paper focuses on the conflict between Richard II and one of his subjects, Bullingbrook, while also considering the official power structure during Richard II’s reign. Richard II, who had status as a divine and powerful monarch, faced opposition and massive resistance from his subjects, including Bullingbrook and was eventually dethroned due to his own misdeeds and mistakes. Furthermore, this research examines the complex aspects of the conflict between the kingship and the priesthood during the reign of Richard II with its multilayered and complex structure. Through this process, the conflict between the medieval worldview and modern values as well as the conflict between the religious authority symbolizing the power and providence of God and secular kingship are overlapped and can be seen the complex nature of the reign of Richard II. Shakespeare’s ambivalent views on this complex phase of the times and the aspect of conflict between the kingship and the priesthood including the mutual relationship among the characters shown in Richard II are examined.