King Richard II Chapter Summary & Analysis - Act 3, Scene 1 Summary

Act 3, Scene 1 Summary

Bolingbroke addresses Bushy and Bagot, who are about to be executed. He tells them they are being executed for misleading Richard, and causing Richard to banish him. Bushy replies that he is happier to meet death than to see Bolingbroke in England. Northumberland leads them away to be executed. Bolingbroke asks York to send a message to the Queen telling her that Bolingbroke has only kind intentions towards her.

Act 3, Scene 1 Analysis

By assuming the authority to order an execution, especially the execution of two men loyal to King Richard, Bolingbroke far oversteps his bounds. However, he claims to do it as a favor to the king. Bolingbroke places the blame for Richard's behavior and mismanagement, even his own banishment, on Bushy and Bagot. Bolingbroke seems to suggest that by removing the flatterers, the king will be able to rule properly. However, the reader must wonder if Bolingbroke truly believes this, or if...
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