Does Shakespeare tell us everything we need to know about Richard in his opening speech?

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Becci Cooper 10EH                English Coursework

Does Shakespeare tell us everything we need to know about Richard in his opening speech?

In Richard's opening speech, Shakespeare tells us some things that you need to know about Richard, but not all. The opening speech gives a hint as to what is going to happen, as what Richard says in his opening speech is seen later on in the play. However, there are some things we don’t find out until later in the play.

In Richard's opening speech we learn that he has laid ‘plots’, and ‘inductions dangerous’. We later learn that the ‘plots’ are to kill Clarence, and to seize the crown. The ‘inductions dangerous’ are to kill all that stand in his path to the throne. This is seen later when the princes, Clarence and Hastings are murdered as they threaten to foil Richard's plans to snatch the crown. The princes are heirs to the throne and Hastings supports them, so they must be disposed of at Richard's hands.

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        Richard's opening speech also tells us that he is ‘subtle, false and treacherous.’ This is very true, as he is often false, lying about many things. For example, when persuading Lady Anne to marry him, he tells her how much he loves her, saying how beautiful she is, and how he killed King Henry, Anne’s father-in-law, and her husband Edward because of her beauty – it was her ‘heavenly face that set him on.’ This is all lies; he only wants Anne to be his wife as another step towards the throne – a king needs a wife.

        He is ...

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