Shakespeare and Parsons – again

This chapter provides a comparison of Shakespeare and Parsons by reading Richard II against the central arguments of The conference. Here, there are three main comparisons that might be fruitful. Firstly, that between Shakespeare's and Parsons' account of the nature, course, and significance of the deposition of Richard II. Secondly, that between Parsons' and Shakespeare's account of the long-term political and dynastic consequences of that event. Thirdly, that between the very different answers to the question of what should happen about the succession, once Elizabeth was dead, given by Parsons and by Shakespeare, in his account of Richard's reign and of Bolingbroke's usurpation.