Edward II

Poor Edward II gets a bad wrap all throughout the play. He is the weak and cowardly king who values his affair with a young man more than the safety of his own kingdom. I agree with most of the class in saying that Edward's problems probably come from his lack of strength as a king, and less from his personal life. I think that the focus is drawn to his obsession with Gaveston because he has no real interest in his country. He seems bothered by being the king and does not come about it as a king was expected to--as his son does. Edward III sees himself as higher than a normal human, almost. He is a divine and more powerful ruler than his father and takes it upon himself to turn personal matters into affairs of the state, making them even more serious. He is the kind of king I would prefer, making the people feel safe and looked after.