Shakespeare's presentation of the character of Richard III

Shakespeare's presentation of the character of Richard III If an actor wants to star as Richard III in a play he must first know all there is to know about the character of Richard III. For example Richard's behaviour, the way he thinks and reacts, these are all aspects of Richard's character. The actor must know these because Shakespeare gave very few stage directions in his plays, therefore if an actor wants to make an impressionable performance he must understand the way Richard's character, to understand this one must look at how Shakespeare was trying to portray the character of Richard III. The first soliloquy is split into three parts. The first part deals with his clever word play 'our bruisèd arms hung up for monuments' which is a fancy way of saying we no longer use our weaponry. Another example of his word play would be when he uses 'man' to address Brackenbury. Brackenbury uses 'your grace' implying some sort of respect towards the person being addressed but Richard uses 'man', which is mocking or at least degrading as Brackenbury is being referred to as a common man. Not only this but a few lines further down Richard puns on the word 'nought', meaning nothing, with the word 'naught', meaning to have sex with. Therefore mocking Brackenbury again as Richard is implying Brackenbury's sexual exploits. These examples clearly show how much control Richard

  • Word count: 3633
  • Level: GCSE
  • Subject: English
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My task is to investigate all the evidence and see how much I agree with the interpretation that Edward built Caernarfon castle solely for the purpose of showmanship.

Introduction My task is to investigate all the evidence and see how much I agree with the interpretation that Edward built Caernarfon castle solely for the purpose of showmanship. I have collected lots of evidence and sources and have also been on a field trip to the castle itself to collect first hand information and sources of my own. It can be argued that Caernarfon is the most magnificent castle in Wales. It is obvious from simply looking at it that Edward must really wanted to build something special at Caernarfon. This is shown in the carvings, the possible links to Rome and it's size. However, it also has some unique defence features, for example, the three way arrow slits that can only be seen in Caernarfon. Edward and Llewelyn were at war at the time that Edward built Caernarfon castle. For a while, there had been a lot of fighting among the Welsh and Gwynedd had been the largest and strongest region of Wales. In 1244, the English King, Henry III saw the ructions in Wales as a chance to invade and take over. He did this and had a clear victory. He did still realise though that Llewelyn deserved some respect as he was the Prince of Wales, so he gave half of the divided Gwynedd to him, and half to Llewelyn's brother, Dafydd, on the condition that they continued to pay homage to the English King. When Henry died, his son Edward became King. Things began to become

  • Word count: 868
  • Level: GCSE
  • Subject: English
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Richard III Empathetic Essay

English Literature - Richard III The Duchess' Diary Entries Dear diary, At last I have spoken with Richard today. It was not at all cruel of me to be so blunt, and I shall never speak to him again. Since the day my dear son Edward claimed the throne my life had been quite easy until I noticed the greed seeping from my third son's sly lips. From that moment on I sensed that the royal household would never be at peace again. Richard has always been the most ambitious of my three sons, but I never thought his actions would elevate to such a level. Though all my sons, Edward, Clarence and Richard were involved in the war against Lancaster, only the first two knew how to quit while they were ahead. Today, alas, I have brought my long-held wrath forward to Richard, for I have damned him to hell and cursed him harshly and hopelessly for his defeat. His reaction was short and cold, his lips showed no emotion but his eyes communicated his true feelings. From the way he stared I could tell he was slightly in shock, and more or less disappointed to be discouraged by even his own mother. "You speak too bitterly," he told me, yet I am reluctant to feel guilty about my curse towards my own son. It was his devilish deeds that provoked me to do so, and I feel for once I have projected some righteousness in my third son. Was I supposed to feel guilty and responsible for my heinous son?

  • Word count: 923
  • Level: GCSE
  • Subject: English
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Gang of lads attack 10-year l0 year old boy

Gang of lads attack 10-year l0 year old boy Last night the notorious gang of lads, which roam the streets of Memphis, attacked yet again. This time it was the new young black family's son who was attacked. This is not an unusual event; it usually takes place every couple of weeks. Every body is afraid of going out late at night because they know they are either going to get attacked or abuse thrown towards them. The streets around Memphis are dark and are not well lit. Around the streets there is litter and lots of graffiti on walls, down alleys and even on cars! There are many cars stolen and shoplifters around who loiter in the alleys. Many people are too afraid to fight back which is understandable since many gangs carry weapons. 10 year old Richard Wright was attacked on a very short journey to the shops 'Coming past the dark street corner I started to walk towards the alley. I noticed a group of people; they were looking towards me. My heart beat was racing I could feel something was going to happen.' And it certainly did. Richard was knocked down and his money was taken. He fled home in tears and panic. He was sent out again, briskly walking he came to the alley and at the bottom there they were. He heard a cry and ran, but they soon caught up and did the same and he fled yet again in alarm. Richard said he had never felt so scared before he could feel this was going

  • Word count: 459
  • Level: GCSE
  • Subject: English
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HOW FAR DO YOU AGREE THAT, FROM 1471 TO 1483, EDWARD IV WAS SUCCESSFUL IN EVERYTHING EXCEPT ENSURING AN UNDISPUTED SUCCESSION?

Jen Stringer 12A HOW FAR DO YOU AGREE THAT, FROM 1471 TO 1483, EDWARD IV WAS SUCCESSFUL IN EVERYTHING EXCEPT ENSURING AN UNDISPUTED SUCCESSION? Edward's reign was mainly stable and successful. He was the first king to die financially solvent in over 200 years due mainly to his careful avoidance of major foreign wars and by the end of his reign there was evident recovery of prosperity in the southern counties. However, Edward died too early to ensure that his heir would succeed him unchallenged. He had not created a collective commitment to the future of his dynasty that would make his heir strong enough to survive a minority reign. Although this was his main failure, he did not wholly succeed in all other actions through his reign. Edward's foreign policies appear to be eminently successful. The treaty of Picquigny in 1475 was beneficial for both Edward personally and England. A seven year truce between England and France was to be observed, meaning there would be no more costly wars or no chance of a French attack. From this treaty, Edward received 75,000 crowns and then an annual pension of 50,000 crowns. This greatly contributed to Edward's solvency and also meant he no longer needed substantial grants from parliament. Also, as part of the treaty, the King of France's son was to marry Edward's daughter, so Edward had also ensured a diplomatic marriage for his daughter.

  • Word count: 963
  • Level: GCSE
  • Subject: English
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How is imagery used in the two set scenes to describe Richard and his deeds?

How is imagery used in the two set scenes to describe Richard and his deeds? In this essay I am going to explore how imagery is used to describe Richard and his deeds in the two set scenes of Richard III. Anne and Elizabeth use this type of language because it reminds Richard of what he has done whilst giving him a pictorial image in his head. The motivation of their hatred towards Richard is their anger for Richard, as he killed their relatives but without any guilt. Firstly, in the first set scene Anne uses a metaphor to insult him. For her, 'no beast so fierce but knows some touch of pity.' This insults Richard by giving an image of Richard being pictured as a beast and this can remind him of what he has done to Anne's relatives by suggesting that he is not human. Also it can suggest that because he killed Anne's relatives he is known as a beast as he killed two people without showing remorse. Similarly in the second set scene Elizabeth uses this same technique to remind Richard of what he has done to her sons. For her, 'no doubt the murderous knife was dull and blunt...till it was whetted on thy stone-hard heart.' This is a comparison to describe his killing of Elizabeth's sons. Also 'thy stone-hard heart,' this is calling Richard hard hearted and is implying that he has no conscience. Additionally, in the first set scene Anne uses personification to describe

  • Word count: 1017
  • Level: GCSE
  • Subject: English
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Richard III, Opening Speech - Comment on the effectiveness of the speech as an opening (prologue) to the play.

Richard III, Opening Speech Comment on the effectiveness of the speech as an opening (prologue) to the play. Consider the main characters, information being given to the audience as well as the setting and plot. Richard III is a historical play and we are drawn to this factor from Richard's speech at the opening of the play. Shakespeare uses Richard's character as his main device for setting the scene. As it is a play the audience would see Richard entering on a bare stage and this alone would leave an effect of them which would soon be reinforced by the speech he is about to give. The speech itself is delivered in a soliloquy, a device that is well associated with Shakespeare. It reveals the inner most thoughts of the character, exposing their true nature and their state of mind. The first words of his opening speech, "Now is the winter of our discontent" This single, very effective line enables the audience in understanding what the situation is. We know that England is at peace after the war of the roses that took place between the York's and the Lancastrians and that King Edward is currently in reign. But this glorious mood soon changes as we sense a change in Richard's tone. All is not well as Richard shows the contempt he holds for his brother, the king as he describes the King's displeasing attitudes and corrupt behaviour, "He capers nimbly in a lady's

  • Word count: 944
  • Level: GCSE
  • Subject: English
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In 'Richard III', how is it that we can be so interested in Richard, and even sympathetic towards him, when he is so completely evil?

Richard III In 'Richard III', how is it that we can be so interested in Richard, and even sympathetic towards him, when he is so completely evil? 'Richard III' opens with a soliloquy by Richard, introducing himself to the audience and revealing many things about his character. One thing we learn about him,him is his sarcastic humour when he is talking about the end of the war:, 'Now is the winter of our discontent Made glorious by his son of York,' which could be the 'sun' in the sky, or Kinthis shows his ability to think in puns because he could be referring to the 'sun' in the sky, or King Edward, 'son' of York. He later says that, 'iWhy, I in this weak piping time of peace,' he has Have 'nono delight to pass away the time, Unless to see my shadow in the sun.' H ie uses this sarcasm to make a point that he actually detests peacetime because he cannot enjoy himself because of the burden of his deformity. This shows that he is honest and truthful to himself. He realizes that he is 'not shaped for sportive tricks Nor made to court an amorous looking-glass,' so acknowledging that he is not 'normal', and he thinks that women are never going to fall in love with a deformed man like himself. Although his deformity is a problem, this is the driving force behind his determination: 'And therefore, since I cannot prove a lover To entertain these fair well-spoken days,

  • Word count: 2314
  • Level: GCSE
  • Subject: English
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In conclusion Philip Dean's produced theater performance "ZigZag Street" provided the main theme well through out the whole performance. The acting was wonderful and the uses of techniques were used great. The only downside to this play was the script

Analytical Essay: In Philip Dean's produced theater performance "ZigZag Street" the main theme, which is displayed through out the performance is the universal needs of all human beginnings: need for friendship, companionship and the needs for plans, hopes and dreams. This is shattered when the main character Richard (Mark Conaghan) is dumped buy his long-term girl friend after 4 years. After this painfully brake up he is given his grandparents house on ZigZag Street under one condition, he renovate the house while he lives in it. While he is in this house he try's to get his life back on track but despite concerted efforts chaos reigns supreme. First Key Moment: . Richard: arrives at a café. He takes out a book and reads. After a moment a girl enters, looks around and then approaches. Girl: Im sorry. You were reading Richard puts the book down Richard: No it's fine. Girl: so what do u do? Richard: Im s lawyer. I work for a financial institution, what about u? Girl: im a student. Richard: what are u studying? Girl: Do you like movies? Richard: Sure. She has the Pulp Fiction postcard. Girl: would u like see Pulp Fiction with me sometime? Richard: With you? Girl: Yeah. You haven't seen it? Richard: No, I haven't. One might this week? Or the weekend. Girl: The weekend might be better. Im not allowed out on weeknights during school. Pause. Richard:

  • Word count: 1027
  • Level: GCSE
  • Subject: English
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Is Richard the Hero of the play or its villain

English Essay Q: Is Richard the Hero of the play or its villain In the play Richard could be considered as the hero and also the villain however as the play develops we find out that he is mainly the villain, but he does have some appealing/heroic aspects to him. In the first scene that we read in the play we see Richard and the soliloquy, in this soliloquy Richard becomes a self confessed villain and says "And therefore, since I cannot prove a lover to entertain the fair well spoken days, I am determined to prove a villain" with him saying this we automatically think that he is the villain and will be up causing disruption between the people in the play, Richard does this because he is deformed and nobody will be liking him much because of his deformity and evilness. In the opening soliloquy we find out that Richard is deformed "unless to see my shadow in the sun and descant upon my own deformity", in the times in which this play was written the audience find that any form of deformity or weird birth marks are a sign of the devil and evil, Richard has gone along with this and seen his brothers and more good looking than he is because he is deformed, this meaning that he has to be evil. In act 1 scene 2, In this scene Richards persuasive and manipulative side is shown, Anne absolutely despises Richard to start off with but this suddenly changes with a few of Richards

  • Word count: 1112
  • Level: GCSE
  • Subject: English
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