Chivalry in Shakespeare’s Histories: From “Richard II” to “Henry IV, Part 2”

In Richard II, Shakespeare introduces a kingdom in which chivalry and honor hold great importance. This long-established tradition stands out in both the words and behaviors of the characters found within the play. Though this chivalry is originally found alive and well in Shakespeare’s histories, by the time of the third play in the tetralogy, Henry IV, Part 2, this concept has started to fade away for some characters. Chivalry’s fall in popularity among Shakespeare’s historical characters can be attributed to their overall disregard for tradition, as also evidenced by their rebellious rejection of royal succession.

At the beginning of Richard II, chivalry is occurring in full force. Bolingbroke, the future King Henry IV, throws down his gage during his disagreement with Mowbray (1.1.71). This action was part of chivalry, and was Henry’s way of declaring his serious problem with his opponent. If Mowbray picks up the gage, it is his sign that he also wants to escalate his argument with Henry. Mowbray does just that, saying, “I take it up, and by that sword I swear / Which gently laid my knighthood on my shoulder, / I’ll answer thee in any fair degree / Or chivalrous design of knightly trial; / And when I mount, alive may I not light / If I be traitor or unjustly fight” (1.1.80–85). In these lines, Mowbray lays out an almost textbook account of chivalry. First, he picks up the gage, signaling that he wishes to further his argument with Bolingbroke according to the rules of chivalry. Next, he references the expectation of honor and chivalry in this upcoming fight. He promises to fight with integrity, a concept which he acknowledges is vital for a chivalrous fight. In this scene, Shakespeare makes it clear that chivalry is alive and well in this kingdom.

As the story progresses through Shakespeare’s histories, chivalry begins to be prioritized less and less. As the characters reject many previously unquestioned traditions of society, namely succession and birthright nobility, chivalry and honor fall in priority as well. By the time of Henry IV, Part 2, the throne has been thrust from King Richard by King Henry, disregarding the previous tradition of God-ordained succession. Further into Henry IV, Part 2, a rebellion is once again attempting to take the throne from the king and decide for themselves who will rule. As this is going on, chivalry is found at an all time low. Perhaps the best example of this can be found in the words and actions of John of Lancaster. In the first scene of act four, King Henry’s son, John of Lancaster, is meeting with the rebel leaders to discuss the ongoing rebellion. John initially promises peace. He says, “Let’s drink together friendly and embrace, / That all their eyes may bear those tokens home / Of our restorèd love and amity” (4.1.311–313). In these lines, John promises the rebels that the king will address all their concerns and move forward together with them. While making these promises, he uses references to chivalry to convince the rebels that his word is good. For instance, in line 302, John says he will “swear here by the honor of my blood” (4.1), making a clear note of the weight his honor is supposed to have. The rebels understand the high value of honesty and keeping one’s word that chivalry’s code of honor contains for John. The archbishop is willing to trust John, again referencing the code of honor John is bound by as he says, “I take your princely word for these redresses” (4.1.314). Hearing this, John once again confirms his honor and truthfulness, stating, “I give it you, and will maintain my word, / And thereupon I drink unto your Grace” (4.1.315). If chivalry and the royal code of honor were still intact in this story, this would be the end of this situation; however, John is not living by this code any longer. John immediately has the men arrested for treason against the king. The rebellious men remind John of his supposedly honorable word he had just given them that only peace was on the horizon. Mowbray asks, “Is this proceeding just and honorable?” (4.1.366). He is questioning why John is seemingly going back on his promise, something that would be very dishonorable under the code of chivalry. The archbishop questions, “Will you thus break your faith?” (4.1.368). (The rebels seem to overlook their own deviation from the traditional ways they have committed through trying to take the throne from King Henry in the first place.) John attempts to defend his honor, even promising to carry out what he believes he has technically promised the rebels, saying, “By mine honor, / I will perform with a most Christian care” (4.1.371). Though, ironically, John references his honor and Christian principles, it is clear that John has committed trickery in his careful words with the men. This type of trickery goes against the code of honor outlined in both the Bible and chivalry, something John of Lancaster seems to have abandoned.

For further reading, click here to be redirected to a full version of Henry IV, Part 2, and here to be redirected to a full version of Richard II.