Richard In William Shakespeare's Richard III
How does Shakespeare present the character of Richard in Act 1 of Richard III ?
Richard III is a tale of the rise and fall of tyrannical power. Shakespeare uses many classical references and adopts the five act pattern from Roman comedy. What makes Richard a fascinating character is his skill as an actor. Like Falstaff and Hamlet, he is constantly playing a part and enjoying it. In Richard III, Richard’s soliloquies show his true vindictive nature-whereas when he is interacting with other characters, he appears to be much less calculating. Shakespeare alludes to a saint and devil when describing Richard’s two faced character. Richard is often described as occupying a “figural position”; he is able to move in and out of it by talking with …show more content…
Throughout the act, and indeed the play, he uses his dexterity with language to manipulate many characters. Language may not always be a necessary instrument of power, but for Richard, it is a crucial weapon especially as his body is ‘broken’. His extraordinary skill with words enables him to manipulate, influence, and control those around him. Richard’s skill with language and argument is what enables him to have Clarence thrown in prison all at very little risk to himself. Interestingly, language also seems to be the only defence against Richard, as is shown when Elizabeth matches his skill at wordplay. In such cases, Richard simply uses violence as an expedient and has his enemies killed. The only people, Richard reveals his true malicious persona are the audience and his aides. For example the first soliloquy sums up Richard’s deft ability with words. For example ‘Made glorious summer by this son of York’ (I:I:2), here Richard places irony on the word glorious, as he hates peace time and also Edward (who is essentially the son of York). Shakespeare is also punning on the word ‘son’ as he is referring to Edward, also there is theme of the sun and it’s shadow. This line could also be however, a reference to Richard, as he is also a son of
Richard III is a tale of the rise and fall of tyrannical power. Shakespeare uses many classical references and adopts the five act pattern from Roman comedy. What makes Richard a fascinating character is his skill as an actor. Like Falstaff and Hamlet, he is constantly playing a part and enjoying it. In Richard III, Richard’s soliloquies show his true vindictive nature-whereas when he is interacting with other characters, he appears to be much less calculating. Shakespeare alludes to a saint and devil when describing Richard’s two faced character. Richard is often described as occupying a “figural position”; he is able to move in and out of it by talking with …show more content…
Throughout the act, and indeed the play, he uses his dexterity with language to manipulate many characters. Language may not always be a necessary instrument of power, but for Richard, it is a crucial weapon especially as his body is ‘broken’. His extraordinary skill with words enables him to manipulate, influence, and control those around him. Richard’s skill with language and argument is what enables him to have Clarence thrown in prison all at very little risk to himself. Interestingly, language also seems to be the only defence against Richard, as is shown when Elizabeth matches his skill at wordplay. In such cases, Richard simply uses violence as an expedient and has his enemies killed. The only people, Richard reveals his true malicious persona are the audience and his aides. For example the first soliloquy sums up Richard’s deft ability with words. For example ‘Made glorious summer by this son of York’ (I:I:2), here Richard places irony on the word glorious, as he hates peace time and also Edward (who is essentially the son of York). Shakespeare is also punning on the word ‘son’ as he is referring to Edward, also there is theme of the sun and it’s shadow. This line could also be however, a reference to Richard, as he is also a son of