What impressions of Richard’s character does the audience obtain in Act I of Richard III? Does he have any positive qualities to enable him to win our interest, admiration or sympathy?

What impressions of Richard's character does the audience obtain in Act I of Richard III? Does he have any positive qualities to enable him to win our interest, admiration or sympathy? There are many discrepancies between the real Richard III the play was based on ? and the fictitious character created by Shakespeare. These discrepancies were created for several reasons: His deformity was played up in order to invoke disgust and to portray his lack of morals and evil spirit in a physical form, also Shakespeare had to make Richard look bad to please the Queen Elizabeth I as she was from an opposing family to Richard's. Also the history sources, which Shakespeare relied on to provide a basis of a character, were doctored in order to make the present monarchy look good. Another, perhaps more prominent reason for the particular character traits Shakespeare took was that he wanted to create an interesting central character which would interest the audience into watching the whole of the play. His choice of characteristics for Richard would also invoke a certain level of sympathy from a modern day audience due to his involuntary exclusion from society which caused him to be angry and vengeful. In truth he was fair and incorruptible he increased the freedom of the common people. In contrast the play portrayed a ruthless, devious, merciless child-killer who was desperate for power, a

  • Word count: 2671
  • Level: GCSE
  • Subject: English
Access this essay

Why did the Yorkist Dynasty Collapse?

Why did the Yorkist Dynasty Collapse? Edward died at the age of 40, this was unexpected and he left his son as heir. His son was still a child though, and this proved to be Edward IV's biggest mistake. The disappearance of Edward IV's will did not ease matters, only his will from 1475 was found and this gave no reference as to what should be done concerning his children and their power. When Edward IV died his 13 year old son became Edward V. Immediately after Edward IV's death Richard of Gloucester took Edward V away and declared himself the young kings protector. There was then a 5-6 week gap in which things seemed to settle down and relax, but after this time Richard Of Gloucester suddenly elevated himself to the throne, and became King. Some views suggest this move was planned, and these weeks of relative peace and quiet were to lull the nobles and the public into a false sense of security. However some views suggest that Richard just got carried away with his power over the young king and decided it was best for him to just take complete charge. Richard, to ensure his position as king, confined Edward and his brother Richard to the Tower of London. There, some time afterward, both nephews were put to death. Except for later supposition, no substantial evidence exists that Richard had them assassinated. Edward IV's elevation of the Woodville Family so alienated the

  • Word count: 745
  • Level: GCSE
  • Subject: English
Access this essay

Discuss the ways in which Shakespeare creates and maintains dramatic tension in Act III, Scene i of Romeo and Juliet.

COURSEWORK: SHAKESPEARE Discuss the ways in which Shakespeare creates and maintains dramatic tension in Act III, Scene i of Romeo and Juliet. Shakespeare's famous play, "Romeo and Juliet" was written in 1596. In the play, the Montagues and Capulets are bitter enemies. They were two families who had been feuding for several years. The play was written in the time of Queen Elizabeth I, when people were unsure of who would succeed her. England was enjoying wealth and riches and it was one of the most dominant countries at the time. Shakespeare uses the same kind of setting for Verona in "Romeo and Juliet." Verona is ruled by a Prince, and the main characters are clearly from noble backgrounds. It is also clear who the heir of each family is going to be, and Shakespeare stresses their responsibilities. He makes it obvious how the characters in those times were expected to do everything to defend theirs and their family's honour. They were expected to fight and kill if necessary. The families of young people also chose who their sons and daughters married and in most cases, the young people had no say in it. The audience in those days expected the play to have lots of sword-fighting scenes, whereas the modern audience see "Romeo and Juliet" more like a romance play. Shakespeare uses the expectations of the audience to establish tension at the beginning of the

  • Word count: 1537
  • Level: GCSE
  • Subject: English
Access this essay

"How effective do you find Shakespeare's use of the supernatural in the final Act of Richard III?"

By Kalpesh Magudia "How effective do you find Shakespeare's use of the supernatural in the final Act of Richard III?" Richard III was written by William Shakespeare and tells the story of how Richard III wants to become king and does everything in his power to get there by assassinating members of his family to do so, for example, the Duke of Clarence, Lord Hastings, Lady Anne, Lord Rivers, the Duke of Buckingham, Henry VI, Prince Edward, Prince Edward V and Prince Richard. The last Act contains many supernatural elements such as ghosts of the people Richard III has murdered or got killed and curses, for example, Buckingham remembering Margaret's curse, prophecies and dreams, a message from the supernatural from the future. Shakespeare may have used these supernatural events to entertain his audience who would have believed in ghosts and that the ghosts of the murdered family members have come to curse Richard. The differences between Shakespeare's audience and today's audiences are that Shakespeare's audience believed in the supernatural much more. Ghosts, curses, prophecies and dreams were believed in when they told something about the future and what it meant which were taken literally. Today's audience don't believe in ghosts, curses and prophecies as much. The audience interpret the supernatural things as a representation and we may see it as an illustration of what's

  • Word count: 1239
  • Level: GCSE
  • Subject: English
Access this essay

The Ghost of Richard III Visits William Shakespeare

3 April 2003 The Ghost of Richard III Visits William Shakespeare I was sitting at my desk in my candle-lit room, a gentle breeze made the candle flicker and a chill ran down my spine. I remember having a strange feeling, as if there was another spirit present, it is hard to explain, but it was nothing like I had ever felt before. The breeze was making me shiver and it was getting colder as time passed, I picked up my lantern and walked across to the window and pulled it to, but still left it slightly ajar, I liked the feel of the air, but today it did not feel the same. I walked back to my desk and placed my lantern down again. My room was becoming duller as the seconds ticked by. It was eight in the evening, I thought I would have written something by now. I picked up my quill and sat and thought, and thought, and thought. Nothing! My mind was somewhere else, but I did not know where. I moved across the room to look out of the window at the stars. Distant in the darkening sky. I sat and watched by my attention was distracted by a light banging sound, although quiet it startled me. I looked over and my small pot of ink had been tipped over, spilled across my paper. I walked over to my desk and picked up the pot with what was left of the ink. Of the little work I had done, it was ruined, impaired, and un-readable! I screwed the paper into a tiny ball and threw it onto a

  • Word count: 962
  • Level: GCSE
  • Subject: English
Access this essay

'Is Richard III a 'bloody tyrant and a homicide' or 'a man of great and diverse gifts''.

Mrs Godly - English Set 1 James Taylor 11MA October 2002 'Is Richard a 'bloody tyrant and a homicide' or 'a man of great and diverse gifts'' 'Richard III' has fascinated generations of readers; they have found themselves seduced by his brilliance with words and his persuasive emotional manipulations even though most are repelled by his evil. Characters in the play realise his evil but are still caught out with his crafty word play and dissembling nature. Written in 1593 as a sequel to 'Henry VI parts one, two and three, which focused on the wars of the roses. 'Richard III' was used as propaganda material for the Tudors. The play damns the previous reigns of the York and Lancaster houses, the Tudors used it to promote how much better England was under their rule. Shakespeare used the chronicles of Edward Hall and Raphael Holinshed as sources of historical material for 'Richard III'; although these historical sources were adapted from Sir Thomas More's 'History of Richard III'. However, More's unfinished work deals with the rise of Richard and so Shakespeare used Halls and Holinshed's works for Richard's decline. 'Richard III' tells the story of how the intelligently evil Richard Duke of Gloucester schemes his way to the throne of England. The play starts as the civil wars end, however, the Duke of Gloucester finds himself 'discontented' in peacetime, so he starts to plot

  • Word count: 2402
  • Level: GCSE
  • Subject: English
Access this essay

After successfully invading England, William the Conqueror changed the course of English history

After successfully invading England, William the Conqueror changed the course of English history. The illegitimate son of Robert I of Normandy, William became Duke of Normandy on his father's death in 1035. With many in his family eager to profit from his death, his childhood was dangerous: three of his guardians died violently and his tutor was murdered. In 1042 he began to take more personal control, but his attempts to bring his subjects into line caused problems. From 1046 until 1055 he dealt with a series of baronial rebellions. In 1052, facing rebellions in eastern Normandy, he began conducting negotiations with his cousin Edward the Confessor, King of England. William developed an ambition to become his kinsman's heir, encouraged by Edward, who possibly even promised him the throne in 1051. In around 1064 Edward sent Harold, Earl of Wessex, on an embassy to Normandy. During this trip Norman writers maintain that he swore to support William's claim to the English throne. Yet when Edward died childless in January 1066, Harold was himself crowned king. Furious, William decided on war. He landed in England on 28th September, establishing a bridgehead near Hastings. Harold met him from Stamford Bridge, where he had just defeated Harald Hardraade. He arrived at Hastings late on 13th October, his troops tired. Early the next day William attacked. After a poor start, he

  • Word count: 738
  • Level: GCSE
  • Subject: English
Access this essay

How does Richard try to persuade Lady Anne to marry him?

How does Richard try to persuade Lady Anne to marry him? In the two extracts Richard uses various language techniques to try to persuade Lady Anne to marry him. This is a comparison to try to understand how Richard does this from lines 33-148 and 150-190. Richard uses his clever wit to help him win the affection of Lady Anne. In the first extract he quickly turns her insults into flattery, exchanging her words 'when devils tell the truth!' For his 'when angels are so angry!' Similarly he uses this same technique in the second extract, 'would it were mortal poison for thy sake,' for his 'never came poison from so sweet a place.' Richards's ability to manipulate Anne's language reveals one of the ways he is able to persuade her into marrying him. Furthermore, Richard uses rhetoric language to try to persuade Lady Anne to marry him. In the first extract he uses antithesis, 'more wonderful when angels are so angry.' However in the second extract Richard and Anne both use emotional blackmail, 'thine eyes, sweet lady, have infected mine,' for her 'would they were basilisks', to strike thee dead.' Richard's usage of antithesis makes Anne feel less certain or confused about Richard. However his ability to rhetorically persuade Lady Anne exposes one of the ways he is able to convince her to marry him. In addition, Richard is audacious towards Lady Anne. To explain further in

  • Word count: 609
  • Level: GCSE
  • Subject: English
Access this essay

To What Extent is Richard's Skilful Use of Language the Main Factor in His Rise of Power?

To What Extent is Richard's Skilful Use of Language the Main Factor in His Rise of Power? Richard III is a play written by Shakespeare, detailing a man's journey on his way to gaining the throne, and ultimately his death. Richard's rise to power can be attributed to several different factors, and while his achievements owe a great deal to his use of language, other reasons can also be considered. This essay aims to identify and analyse the ways in which he gains his success. Richard himself is a disfigured man, and while Shakespeare doesn't state exactly how deformed the man is, it's certainly enough for him to be looked down upon by others. Yet he still manages to marry Lady Anne, even though he openly admits he killed her father in law and her husband in battle. How does he manage to do this? Through a mixture of his spectacular use of language and acting skills, he manages to woo Anne to his side, and she eventually agrees to marry him. In act 1, Richard and Anne exchange words rapid (stichomythia). This speech between them shows the different techniques Richard employs, such as repetition and antithesis. Anne: Oh, wonderful, when devils tell the truth! Richard: More wonderful, when angels are so angry. While she speaks of hell and revenge against the murderer of her family, he responds by talking about heaven and forgiveness. His quick replies, turning her own

  • Word count: 1042
  • Level: GCSE
  • Subject: English
Access this essay

An analysis of the opening sequence of Pretty Woman written for an A level media studies book

An analysis of the opening sequence of "Pretty Woman." Written for an A level Media studies text book Pretty Woman is an American romantic comedy motion picture that was one of the top films at the box office in 1990. The title character, a prostitute named Vivian Ward, was played by Julia Roberts, who received a Golden Globe award for her role. She was also nominated for an Academy Award, Best Actress. The male title character is a businessman Edward Lewis who is played by Richard Gere. While ruthless in business he is an Asset striper. Pretty Woman is the highest-grossing film of the romantic comedy genre, and probably the most well-known. Set in Hollywood during the 1990s, its themes include the tension between romantic love and social class: the main characters are complete opposites in social class and money, while both working in occupations which do absolutely nothing for the environment they live in. The sequence itself runs for approximately 13 minutes. It is preceded by the name of the company which produced the motion picture, Touchstone pictures. The opening shot is a close up of 3 palms which all have what seems to be money and the first words uttered in the entire movie are "It's all about the money." Straight away the theme of money is established. The camera then zooms out and follows Edward's lawyer Philip. Philip begins to suck up all the glory for the

  • Word count: 972
  • Level: GCSE
  • Subject: English
Access this essay