To What Extent Is Shakespeare's Richard II A Stereotypical Villain

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To What Extent is Richard A Stereotypical Villain?

Bethan Siddons

When a stereotypical villain is imagined, ideas of ‘pantomime baddies’ and James Bond’s arch enemies appear. On the surface, these seem unlikely to relate to the character of Richard III in William Shakespeare’s play of the same name, however, on closer inspection character traits can be identified that seem very common between all of them. It is to the extent of which that will be investigated.

        It is simple to identify Richard’s villainous role as his opening soliloquy reads, “I am determinèd to prove a villain.” This seems similar to the idea that all evil characters plan deliberately to act vile rather than be forced into it by someone else. There is no mistaking his desire to do wrong as shown by the word “determinèd” which can suggest his mental attitude to attain the role as well as the thought that his life choices were already laid out before him by God and that he was born evil. A stereotypical villain could most definitely be one that has chosen their evil ways and know exactly what they plan to do. Richard falls into this category as he explains his idea to have his brothers murdered so he can take the throne. It can be argued that his disability, exaggerated by Shakespeare for dramatic effect, turned him toward the dark side but Richard himself blames his deformity for a lack of sexual activities and yet he still asks Lady Anne for her hand in marriage . This suggests he isn’t particularly affected by his disability.

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        A technique he uses to undermine his physical irregularity, though, is another similarity between him and a stereotype, his intelligence. A cunning understanding of language and human behaviour. Much likened to the modern character of Blackadder, Richard can manipulate, charm and deceive almost anyone. As when Richard speaks to Clarence about his imprisonment by the King,

        “Meantime, this deep disgrace in brotherhood / Touches me deeper than you can imagine.”

This is a complete lie on Richard’s behalf as he addresses King Edward as being a terrible brother to Clarence when it is indeed himself that has betrayed ...

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