King Richard II Papers & Assignment Topics

Essay Topics/Writing Assignments

These 20 essay questions can be used as essay questions on a test, or as stand-alone essay topics for a take-home or in-class writing assignment. Students should have a full understanding of the text in order to answer these questions. They ask for a thorough analysis of the text.

1. There are numerous displays of power and people yielding to that power in "Richard II". What were some of the most important examples of this, and what does it say about the characters who acted in this way? Think about how loyalties changed over the course of the play when addressing this question.

2. Women played a minimal role in "Richard II". Why do you think this is and how would the play have been different if the female characters had stronger roles?

3. Shakespeare's symbolism of England as sacred ground, a second "Eden" of...
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