King Richard II reacts to the rebellion with a mix of fear, manipulation, and betrayal—his youth and his council heavily influence his decisions, and his promises to the peasants ultimately prove false. Here’s how it unfolds in The Uprising:
Reaction of King Richard II
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Belief in Divine Kingship and Distance from the People Richard believes that a king’s authority comes from God, viewing himself as a divine figure rather than a political actor who must bear responsibility. This belief makes him initially removed from and passive toward the peasants’ suffering.
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Control by the Royal Council Though he is king, he is portrayed largely as a figurehead. His councilors—Treasurer Hales, other advisors, and the mother figure Countess—wield much of the real power, steering decisions and policies, especially the harsh taxation fueling the revolt.
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Fear and Alarm at the Growing Uprising As the rebellion swells, Richard becomes alarmed. He reacts first with shock—peasants chanting for him, demanding answers. His initial instinct is defensive, wondering if appearing would placate the people, but he’s advised to be wary.
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Promise to Meet the Peasants’ Demands (and Betrayal) Under intense pressure, he agrees to meet with rebel leaders and even signals willingness to concede to certain demands. But this olive branch is deceptive; it’s a tactic to buy time and quell the rebellion—not a genuine commitment to reform. Ultimately, the agreement collapses.
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Violent Suppression of Rebel Leadership The king orchestrates the assassination of key figures—Wat Tyler and John Ball—who were central to the uprising. This brutal action exposes the betrayal and marks the crushing of the revolt.
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Richard’s Inner Conflict and Loss of Faith Despite the betrayal, Richard shows moments of being torn between his role and his conscience. He seems burdened by his youth and the cruelty done in his name. Near the end, his decision to break his promises leads to loss of trust, both from the peasants and from himself.
Richard II’s reaction is shaped by a combination of divine right, manipulation via his council, fear of uprising, and a political calculus that ultimately values maintaining power over justice. His betrayal of the peasants’ trust becomes a pivotal moment, solidifying the revolt’s tragic end.
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