Shakespeare RICHARD III PLAY

Richard III , written by William Shakespeare , is a captivating play for all those who read or perform it . It is the perfect drama , filled with intrigue , passion , and violence . It also serves as a clear-cut example of how one can completely transform when overtaken by dark forces . The essay written by Stephen Greenblatt provides in-depth information on how this transformation occurs within the play

Greenblatt begins this process by referring to the work of Sir Thomas More , who wrote History of King Richard the Third in 1513 , as well as to other

works , from which are drawn three distinct explanations for all that Richard does throughout the play . The three explanations focus on the political , psychological , and metaphysical aspects of the play . As Greenblatt states

As a politician (a word with nasty connotations in the Renaissance Richard is a particularly cunning player in a corrupt world , a Stalin-like schemer plotting to seize power and destroy all real or potential rivals . Psychologically , he is a strange blend of courage wit , skillful dissembling , and fathomless malice . And on the metaphysical plane , he is a horrible instrument of God 's wrath , a virtual devil incarnate

Thus , Richard is little more than what all of us are : an extremely complex human being

Politically , Richard is in an interesting position . He is a member of the York family , the victors of the Wars of the Roses . These wars had been fought , through sporadic battles and profuse political wrangling for the throne of England . In the end , as stated , it would be the Yorkists that would claim the throne . However , the way in which Richard gains the throne is such that it would define his entire reign . Although there is no concrete proof , it is widely believed that Richard either murdered or ed the murder of his brother 's two sons . Originally imprisoned in the Tower of London , they would eventually never be seen again once Richard had solidified his control of the throne

These evil actions with regard to gaining the throne are evidenced in the very first act of the play . In a long soliloquy given at the start of the first scene in the first act , Richard makes it clear what his plan is going to be

I am determined to prove a villain / And hate the idle pleasures of these days / Plots have I laid , inductions dangerous / By drunken prophecies , libels and dreams / To set my brother Clarence and the king / In deadly hate , the one against the other / And if King Edward be as true and just / As I am subtle , false , and treacherous / This day should Clarence closely be mewed up / About a prophecy which says that G / Of Edward 's heirs the murderer shall be (1 .1 .30-40

As the play progresses , Shakespeare has Richard becoming increasingly villainous . One example of this is when Richard has the gall to woo Lady Anne while both are part of the funeral procession of King Henry VI . The mere fact that he...