WILLIAM SHAKESPEARE

About the poet:

William Shakespeare occupies a unique position in English literature. He was an English poet, actor and playwright. He was often called England’s National poet.

“He was not of an age but for all time.” – Ben Johnson

The historical background of the poem:

This poem is an extract from William Shakespeare’s play King Richard II. Richard II was crowned the king of England in the year 1367 and ruled till 1399. Richard II was deposed by his cousin.

Henry of Bolingbroke:

Bolingbroke crowned himself in the same year 1399. King Richard II was ousted (to force somebody out of a position of power in order to take their place) from his royal position and sent to prison where he died in captivity.

Words of desperation:

The hollow crown is one of the most memorable monologues in English literature. In this critical and desperate situation King Richard II talks of graves, of worms and epitaphs (writing inscribed on tombstones). He wants to make the dust his paper and use his rainy eyes (tears) to write a message of sorrow on the bosom of the earth. He request his men to choose executor and talk of wills. The only thing he can pass on to the next generation is his deposed (a ruler who is removed from power) dead body. Everything he has – his lands, his lives are Bolingbroke’s.  We cannot call anything of our own except death. The small model of the barren earth- the human body that is formed from the dust of the earth serves as paste and cover our bones.

Sad stories of the kings:

Some of the kings are deposed. Some are killed in war. Some are haunted by the ghosts. Some of the kings are poisoned by their wives. Some are killed or murdered.

The hollow crown:

These kings wear crowns. But the crowns are empty (hollow). It shows that the power is not permanent. Inside the hollow crown, death conducts his court. Death is personified as a court jester (antic). Death inside the crown as a jester is scoffing (expressing mockery) and grinning (smiling wildly) at his pomp (good appearance).

Comes at the last:

A king has enormous power. But he too dies one day. Everyone is equal before death. To the kingdom of death the king and his subjects are same. The king too lives with bread, feels want, tastes grief and needs friend just like everyone.

Concludes with a question:

Richard II, the king of England concludes his monologue with a question.

How can you say to me, I am a king?