In Richard II, the divine right to rule is a controversial issue. In each of Shakespeare's plays, kings are susceptible to certain errors that arise from divine rule or from violating it and seizing power themselves. For example, Richard II believed his entire life that his kingship was a gift from God and that his actions were an extension of God's will. Believing that everything he does is an act of the lord, he alienates himself from his subjects and ends up losing the throne to Henry, who does not have the lord's authorization, but is more politically minded than Richard. This creates a question that runs throughout many of the historical works written by Shakespeare; Is it law or divine power that allows us to govern? This struggle leads to a myriad of issues in Richard II and contributes greatly to these representative works of some of the famous English rulers. Shakespeare begins with King Richard in the play Richard II who, having been born into the royal line and following the laws of succession, has been led to believe he has the right to rule, g...