Quarrel: Antithesis Created By Different Views In Shakespeare's Richard III

Catesby and Hastings’ Quarrel: Antithesis Created by Different Views in Richard III Act 3.2 35-71 In this passage from William Shakespeare’s Richard III, Catesby slyly pushes Hastings into a discussion about his support for Richard’s bid for the crown. Hastings openly voices his unexpected opinions, unaware his words are a matter of life or death. Here, he opposes the notion of Richard as king of England, and has confidence in a future with his own favour and in a secure, high position in the usurper’s social ladder. However, the lord’s thoughts are quickly contrasted by the ominous inputs of Catesby. As a result, the images of Richard and his actions produced by both opposing sides turns into a passage that is, as a whole, an
He claims that the world is constantly spinning in pandemonium, and it could only “stand upright/ Till Richard wear the garland of the realm” (39-40). The statement immediately grabs Hastings’ attention as he replies with an abrupt answer to his own question: “How, wear the garland? Dost though mean the crown?” (41); and a specific, disgusted tone can be sensed from Hasting’s response. He continues to describe his foul disagreement with Catesby, remarking how he would rather have “this crown of mine cut from my shoulders/Before I’ll see the crown so foul misplaced” (43-44). Hastings is inclined to have his own head or title as a lord stripped from him than to see Richard as king. This shows that he has strong distaste for the idea, as he would rather take his own life and deprive his freedom away than see Richard king. But Catesby remains calm despite the criticisms and indirectly suggests that Hastings should be a disciple because Richard brings “good news” (48) of how “The kindred of the queen, must die at Pomfret” (50). Although Hastings is truly not in favour of the Woodvilles, he still declines to aid Richard and will not “do it, to the death” (55), because his only “master” (54) is King Edward IV. He declares his everlasting support for Edward and his sons as the rightful successors to the throne. Hastings is clearly refusing to help Richard in any way, indirectly calling him
Because Catesby is Richard’s follower, he does not mean that Hastings’ support for Edward is right. Rather, Catesby suggests that Hastings’ death will be imminent if Hastings remains dubious. Hastings then affirms that those who made King Edward IV detest him, will suffer a dreadful end by his hands: “That they which brought me in my master’s hate, /I love to look upon their tragedy.” (59-58). He will “send some packing that yet think not on’t.” (61), meaning he will eventually end the lives of those who are against him. However, Catesby’s reply to the proud Hastings has a double-meaning: “’Tis a vile thing to die, my gracious lord, /When men are unprepared and look not for it.” (62-63). The word “men” in this context is a metaphor for only Hastings, and that Hastings is not the predator he claims to be, but rather the