Portrait of Richard III
Respond to each of the following questions in a separate comment post:
1. In his opening monologue (I.1), is Richard’s view that he is unlovable because of his deformity designed to awaken the audience’s sympathy for him? If so, does it work? Why or why not?
2. Why does Anne succumb to Richard (I.2)? Is her submission to him completely unrealistic, or do you know of people who might have done the same?
3. In I.4, Brackenbury senses the reason why the two murderers wish to see Clarence, but he declines to get involved. Is he doing the right thing?
4. Why do you think Shakespeare has the murderers engage in a long debate scene before deciding to go through with their assignment to kill Clarence? What can the audience learn from this?
1) Richards deformity does allow one to feel sympathy even though he is known for being evil and conniving because it leads one to think that maybe his handicap could be a leading factor into why he acts the way he does. Because he is unlovable to what he says is due to his deformity one thinks because of the lack of such an essential human emotion he is acting out and putting his focus into more evil things.
2)Anne succumbs to Richard because he uses a kind of reverse psychology that is confusing by courting her and being gentle making her feel like the reason for both deaths. He makes it seem that the death(s) of her husband and his son are attributed to her because his passion for her made him envious. As crazy as it sounds Richard is smart in doing this because every woman dreams for a man to love her to the brink of insanity. I don’t think her submission to him is unrealistic because the mind can play many tricks on a person forcing them to act unconventionally such as females who return to men who mistreat them.
3)In a case of ethics Brackenbury is wrong in leaving Clarence because as human one has the moral obligation to help others in need especially if aware of the events that lay ahead. But unfortunately humans are selfish and do what it takes to save themselves and Brackenbury cannot be blamed for simply being human.
4) Shakespeare had the killers engage in dialogue before actually performing their assignment to show a hint of satire that is a characteristic of being human. Even if you were the most heartless human being you will still question the action that you have taken and it will lay heavy on your conscious.
1. Richard’s deformity does allow people to feel sympathy for him because maybe due to the way he is treated and seen by others, he interacts in immoral actions in order to take out his anger for no love. I believe hatred and no love triggers the way he acts because without them he feels degraded that he is not better than others since he is abnormal. Now, in order to prove that he is better than the rest, he uses immoral methods to obtain his reputation as a king.
1. I think Richard’s opening monologue is designed for the audience to feel sympathy for him. He goes on about how he’s ugly, unloved and basically the underdog. However, for me this kind of explains why Richard does the things he does and his reasons. This gives him a chance to sort of prove that he is not inhumane, even though the things he will do and the fashion that he does them in is. His monologue does not really work because it seems like he is pleading for justification for what he is about to do or scheming up to do. Throughout the book he goes back to that same sympathy and pity party that he wants to change the minds of people into thinking that he is not behind these crimes; even though, the evidence is there. So for the characters in the story it obviously works, but for me it does not.
2. I think Anne succumbs to Richard because of his way with words. During their encounter there were a lot of emotions that they were both dealing with. At one point Anne had the power of the conversation and was ‘sticking to her guns,’ but ultimately Richard was able to persuade her while perusing her. It’s actually kind of sick and a bit sadistic. Her husband died and his body is probably still laying in front of them and they are flirting with each other. Anne in some way allows this to continues because she continues to entertain this conversation with Richard. However, Anne’s submission to Richard is not completely unrealistic. There are women who can’t stand their ground and become very submissive to men, what they say goes.
3. Brackenbury senses the reason why the two murderers wish to see Clarence, but he does not get involved. I think because he did not know for sure why they wanted to see him he did not want to get involved, which is still wrong. He should of listened to his intuition and acted upon that. Leaving Clarence I think was the wrong thing to do, especially after what Clarence had told him. He wanted Brackenbury to stay with him and basically protect him in a sense and he should have done that.
4. I think Shakespeare has the murderers debating in their own scene to kind of show their feelings on carrying out the task that they were given. Although they were wrong for obeying Richard, I think Shakespeare is trying to show in a sense the great lengths that people are willing to go through to have power. They were only doing what Richard asked of them because they were promised higher titles and under his reign. I think what Shakespeare is trying to teach the audience or better yet, what they would learn is that people have hearts. No matter how monstrous or evil they may seem they have a self-conscious that weighs on them, whether they like it or not.
Anne spares Richard’s life because she is convinced by Richard that the murders he committed were sacrificed in order for him to love her. Richard’s charismatic words allows her to believe that his love for her resulted in mandatory killings of her close ones. His explanation was quite thorough but not very reasonable. But Anne’s reaction isn’t that unrealistic because just like I’ve seen on reality TV women will believe anything their man says even if they were once unfaithful. I believe this concept of forgiveness is just sad because most people aren’t worth forgiving. I believe Richard’s point does not give a reasonable point for Anne to spare his life because what he did was just immoral.
2. Anne spares Richard’s life because she is convinced by Richard that the murders he committed were sacrificed in order for him to love her. Richard’s charismatic words allows her to believe that his love for her resulted in mandatory killings of her close ones. His explanation was quite thorough but not very reasonable. But Anne’s reaction isn’t that unrealistic because just like I’ve seen on reality TV women will believe anything their man says even if they were once unfaithful. I believe this concept of forgiveness is just sad because most people aren’t worth forgiving. I believe Richard’s point does not give a reasonable point for Anne to spare his life because what he did was just immoral.
1. The monologue is created to show the clever showing of expressions and words that can change one’s view of another. He clearly states that he is indeed the villain of the play but makes the audience feel like he is the victim. Like a salesman convincing a person to buy a useless product, Richard does it convincingly and beautifully wording.
2. As we discussed in class, Richard, like the devil, picks at a person’s vice to make them believe that wrong thing is the right thing to do. It’s not completely unrealistic, it felt similar to one of those abusive relationships where the abused doesn’t left because of the abuser’s ability to manipulate feelings of the abused, whether it be fear or love.
3. Even though Brackenbury has a sense of what’s going on he is just following his orders. If he does not comply with the warrant he might be arrested or beheaded for refraining from his orders. Brackenbury is just like every other human who cares about surviving. Even though it was immoral, Brackenbury couldn’t do much to help Clarence since he’s just a lieutenant following his orders.
1) I think Richards opening monologue is designed to make the reader feel sorry for him because it makes it seem like because he’s ugly and deformed, that it kind of gives him the right to have an ugly and deformed personality. I think it does work in the beginning. When i was reading him monologue i felt sorry for Richard. It’s hard being ugly and lot being loved. And i felt his pain. Even though he clearly says that he’s the villain and in no way wants to be good, he undoubtedly plays the role of the victim well.
2) I think Anne gave in to Richard because she was thinking of her future and how his offer could benefit her. If i was in her position i would’ve done the same thing. Because if you really think about, a lot of people would have jumped at the opportunity. Your husband was just killed, along with your father in law which means you will probably lose your title soon, so why not jump at the chance to marry the next king? Even if he’s the one who killed the previous kings.
3. For Brackenbury, it was a choice between following orders or following his morals. Most people of military rank are bond by duty to find orders, even if they are against it. Maybe he believed that Clarence would escape his murder in some way, which he almost did.
4. The reason Shakespeare shows a scene of the murderers debating is to show that no matter how inhumane one may be they will still have a little kindness in them. Just like the grinch who stole Christmas, at first he was trying to destroy Christmas for everyone but then in the end his heart grew bigger and he saved Christmas for everyone. I think the debate between the murderers may be used to foreshadow something humane that Richard will do that is far beyond his evil actions. Richard has a kindness somewhere inside him despite all the evil he demonstrates outside.
4. The long debate before the murder is to give the audience a little information on the two murders, who with that debate would be seen as just a pair of hired goons who kill for money. The murders showed honor by allowing Clarence to be awake for his death and to argue of why he should not die. Also, it shows how the first murder is more of a brute, while the second is more compassion and had second thoughts on killing.
3) Brackenbury sensed what was going on. But he’s human and like every other human, we like in the terms of survival of the fittest. He knew that if he said anything or even tried to warn Clarence, it would backfire on him. So why lose your life to save someone else’s.? He was just doing what he was told and keeping his head out of the fire.
4) I think the long debate is used to show that the murderers have a heart and they are just doing what they were told to do. Because if they didn’t care, they wouldn’t have discussed the deed before doing it. But since they cared enough, they discussed it. Although they still fulfilled the deed, the conversation before hand was put there to show the reader that even the evilest men ponder their actions before they carry them out.
1.No, I don’t think his opening monologue appeals to the audience’s sympathy. During the monologue he says how he’ll use it to his advantage and there’s a bit of an evil and manipulating tone as well. And towards the end he plots a “deadly hate” between his brother and the king. So, although he is deformed, he already knows what his plans/ aspirations are in the world and is figuring out how to get them.
2. Anne succumbs to Richard because although she hates him for murdering her husband and father-in-law, she loves being queen more. Richard appeals to her desire to remain queen and in the end she submits to him. I don’t think her submission to him is completely unrealistic. I believe many women in this world have done things they didn’t want to do (in this case, marrying Richard) in order to get ahead in life. Throughout the whole scene, I wouldn’t be surprised if she was coming up with the terms of engagement in her mind.
3. I think it depends “what’s it to him.” Brackenbury doesn’t even ask questions and I believe that he might’ve felt as though, if he were to oppose the king than he would have the same fate as Clarence. Also, he might know about Richard and his plots, so he figured to join the safe team and not try to prevent the murder of Clarence. I think, he may not be doing the right thing, but he’s doing the smart thing. He’s getting out of the way of things that don’t concern him and is trying to prove his allegiance to the king.
4.I think Shakespeare has the murderers engage in a long debate scene before deciding to go through with their assignment to kill Clarence because he’s trying to show the audience that even the murderers have a conscience. They discuss how to properly and honorably kill Clarence. But then when Clarence wakes, they try to take the blame off of themselves and claim to be doing what the king commanded them to do. The audience can learn that not all the kings’ men were completely devoted soldiers. At the end, the second murderer chickens out of killing Clarence.
When Richard plead his case, the sympathy definitely sunk in with his monologue because he has such a way with words that he make the reader almost completely forget what he has just done.
As for him and Anne she falls into his wy of words because of all the things that he tells her. Very sentence sounds as if it was from his heart. He tells her that he killed for her love and if he can’t have her love, then he would end his own life. It got to the point where Anne, instead of responding to his statements with snappy comments , she would answer back almost flirtatiously. Even to the point where Richard had tears in his eyes. And she realized that he actually loves her.
As for Clarence I think he did the write things because when it came to situations like that in the med evil ages, even if you saw something your will still prone to dying. I would have done the same thing because turning a blind eye is most likely the best thing to do.
I think Shakespeare decides to do that, because it illustrates that, murdering someone is not something to be taken lightly. It takes a serious amount of will power to be able to murder someone and not feel a bit bad at all. The long debate also can display that someone poeple still have a conscious, that will stress the consequences of killing someone , not just the society consequences but the personal ones too. For example , living the rest of your life with ,”someone else’s blood on your hands”.
1. In his opening monologue (I.1), is Richard’s view that he is unlovable because of his deformity designed to awaken the audience’s sympathy for him? If so, does it work? Why or why not?
It does work. When Richard speaks of his deformity, ‘deformed, unfinished, sent before my time’, the reader is instantly influenced to feel pity towards the deformed man (I.1. 20). It is not until he continues to rant on about how he will kill anyone who gets in his way that the audience begins to detect his mental instability and devilish way. In this monologue Richard is able to place conflicted feelings in the reader about Richards future actions.
2. Why does Anne succumb to Richard (I.2)? Is her submission to him completely unrealistic, or do you know of people who might have done the same?
Anne succumbs to Richard and his loose words because he will be King again and she needs to secure her spot in the royal palace. If she is not in the palace then she will need to go to the covenant. She also wants to have money and the dresses that come with being Queen. Her submission to Richard is not unrealistic. In fact, many girls in this society in many forms submit to guys ‘bs’. Much of it being the words that should hold the most value, ‘I love you’.
The opening monologue in the book actually does serve to cause the audiene to have pity on him. Since it is the beginning, we dont know what he does and therefore only have the monologue to base our opinions about him on. I like how that is the opening. It helps us end up forming another opinion on him or adding to what he already conclude about him.
Anne succumbed to Richard and that was completely unrealistic, shouldnt have happened, was wrong, etc. First off, her husband had just died and she was getting with someone else. On another note, I actually know people who would have done the same because their love for the people around them consists and doesnt cease to exist solely because of the benefits they receive as a factor of.
1) Richard’s deformity allows others to feel sympathy for him even though he is considered an evil man. He makes his deformity work for him because others believe that it contributes to his behavior. Richard’s sinful actions are a result of his rage for not having love. I feel Richard’s deformity should not be an excuse to that type of behavior. In the twenty first century many people have something that makes them different, and whether they like it or not, it’s just something one has to deal with, and learn to accept in the long run. We all have flaws and it’s up to us to either move on, or let ourselves ruin our lives by viewing our flaws instead of our strengths. We must also realize it’s not the worst thing in the world.
2) Anne succumbs to Richard because of the way he speaks to her. He has this way of making women such as Anne feel like it’s their fault. For example, he tells Anne that it is her beauty that led him killing innocent people such as her husband. He wants Anne for him and only him, even though he plans to thrown her to the floor like a laundry bag. It kind of reminds me of now because women are known for wanting a type of guy like Richard. He’s great at playing mind games and women enjoy that. I find it tasteless how people such as Anne could want a person like Richard. It seems like the guys who are cold, hearted killers are more likely to appeal to people such as Anne. Richard evens states at the end that a man like Anne’s husband is not likely to return to the face of the planet, which tells us a little bit about his character.
3) Brackenbury had to choose whether he wanted to do what is considered right or wrong. I think he should not have just left him there, but like many people, he was thinking about living. It’s hard to say what one such as ourselves would do without being in the situation. I don’t think he is excused from what he did; it’s just something he will have to live with for the rest of his life.
4) Shakespeare shows the reader the scene of the long debate before the murder to give us insight of what was taking place. Shakespeare also wants to show us the great lengths people will go through to obtain power. People also question their actions, which show how people may have some kindness within them even though they don’t always to the right thing, which is sad. It is something that we clearly see in today’s society, which is something I enjoy about the book. In a way, it’s like the book has come to life.
Richard’s deformity allows others to feel sympathy for him because he gives a back story of his life. Shakespeare makes it clear that Richard has had a sad life. He lived in the shadows of his brothers. He makes the audience believe he deserves something more, which is power. I felt sympathetic because its relatable. His deformity is his characteristic, which in actuality are human. Thus, Richard made his decision and sealed his fate when he choose to climb the ladder of power through taking out everyone in his way. But once he begins to take everyone out, is when the audience finally sees Richards devilish mentality.
2) Richard is sneaky. Right from the opening monologue his devilish ways carry him through the wooing scene with Anne. His slick words made her intrigued. She continued flirting with Richard to prove a point, which consisted of 1. Killing her family was wrong, 2. Not feeling guilty is even worst, and 3. Don’t make me out to look like a foolish women passing up the opportunity to be with the king. But, sly Richard only twisted her words and make her submission to his persistence. Even though, the scenario is very uncommon( getting “asked out” by the king over your father-in-law’s dead body), Anne falling for his tempting offer is realist. She was not blinded by his love or promises to be the best man she ever had, but to make her powerful was the greatest temptation.
3) Brackenbury was the witness who had to decided to stand and watch, or see and tell. He chose a more passive approach. Even though, his conscience was eating him up, he was only following orders. Which then makes him question his loyalty. I wouldn’t have wanted more stress because once you question one thing, it opens up another can of worms. Thus, Brackenbury can only live with overlooking this crime or totally forgetting the events.
4) The are debating before the murder because they are second question, but I didn’t think they were second guessing themselves but their king. How can a king be so cruel. But when one is promised riches and power, anyone’s conscience can be pushed aside. Shakespeare was showing a sympathetic view on the murders but, then shows their true colors because they did it anyways.
1) Although the monologue in the beginning of the play is designed to make the audience feels sympathy for Richard III, I feel no sympathy for him at all. Richard III kills needlessly and blames his actions on his deformity instead of his desires where the blame belongs. Also, Richard III feels ugly and it is because he feels ugly that he feels that no one will ever love him and in that aspect I do feel sorry for him.
2) Anne succumbed to Richard because he appealed to her desires and fears. Anne is fearful of becoming a nun now that her husband and her father-in-law are both dead. Also, Anne desires wealth and social standing, in which Richard is offering her over the corpse of her father-in-law. In addition, Richard flatters Anne by saying her beauty and the desire for her love that motivated him to commit those heinous crimes.
3) Brackenbury was wrong in his decision to not get involved with Clarence and the two murderers. Although it was none of his business it is morally unethical to stand idly by while someone loses their life. Maybe, Brackenbury was frightened for his own life and thought it was wise to not get involved with Clarence and his murderers, and if that is so then it was an act of self preservation. However, Brackenbury had the chance to save someone’s life but neglected it due to his own reasons.
4) Shakespeare has the murderers debate with Clarence because it shows their humanity. The assassins said earlier in the play that they would not speak to Clarence but just kill him swiftly, but when the time came to kill Clarence the murderers were overcome with emotions such as anger and greed. The lengths people go to obtain to power and wealth. Shakespeare allows insight on the murderers true desires while showing them in sympathetic light.
1. His monologue shows his point of view and his problems. He makes some of us feel bad for him even though he is the bad guy in this play. By doing this it puts a thought in our heads that maybe the evil things he does aren’t so bad.
2. She probably succumbs to Richard because of his style of talking. Also simply because he was the King. Im pretty sure most women who lost something precious want someone their to comfort them and make them happy and who better than the King who has power over almost everything. I believe her submission was realistic. People would jump to a new person that makes them happy after they just lost something or someone.
3. He had to do what was right for him which was following his orders and keeping himself alive. If he would have got involved something terrible would have happened to him. He was just thinking of his future instead of what was going on at that moment. I dont think i would have risked my life either.
4. He has them engage in a long debate to show what people would do just to gain power. They probably knew they were wrong but they didn’t care as long something good for them was coming out of it. The audience can learn that people will go to extreme lengths for money, power or whatever benefits them.
1. In Act 1, Scene 1, Shakespeare has Richard give the background on his life to trigger sympathy from the audience. It works, however Richard’s past and feelings about himself do not excuse his evildoing.
2.Anne succumbs to Richard because he makes it seem as if he wanted her all along, and he killed just to win her over. He also uses smooth lines to appeal to her. Her submission to him is unrealistic because who would agree to date someone over their loved ones dead body, especially if that person was responsible for their death.
3. I believe Brackenberry is doing the right thing by declining to get involved when the murderers want to see Clarence because he didn’t want anything to backfire on him and he was just trying his best to survive.
4. I believe Shakespeare has the murderers engage in a long debate scene before deciding to go through with their assignment to kill Clarence because he wanted to show the thoughts they were having and how they contemplated doing it because of their conscience. He wanted to show the audience that all people, even murders have feelings and intentions behind the things they do.