Qualities of Character that Enabled Richard III to Ascend the Throne
Shakespeare's Portrayal of Richard III exemplified Through the Senecan Tyrant, the Vice Figure, and the Machiavel To accomplish goals, in one's life, one must be determined and must have certain characteristics that avenge to one's aspirations. In the play Richard III, Richard III's goal is to ascend the throne. There are two ways that one can claim the throne: by birthright, or might. Since Richard III cannot claim the throne by right he must therefore take it by might. To accomplish this goal Richard, Duke of Gloucester, must be determined to achieve his goal at all costs. Also he must have the characteristics to meet his determination. Kings are generally thought to be beautiful, God-like humans from a certain genealogy. They are placed at the throne due to whom they were born to and/or who they marry. Richard is born of the royal family but, he does not possess the qualities of a King to be legitimate according to Shakespeare's Richard III. In order to comprehend why such a high level of fear and insecurity can be brought about, a look at the upbringing and personal life of Richard should be brought into discussion. One of three brothers, Richard was in constant competition of who would succeed in gaining th
With Richard's elder brother, King Edward IV, dying, Richard believes himself to be the most qualified person to rule. Him thinking that he is the most qualified to be king shows arrogance and boastfulness which thrives deep inside Richard. He sets his plan to ascend to the throne into action. First, he locked up the rightful heir, his own brother George, Duke of Clarence, in his quarters. Then he demonstrated his manipulation skills and began to fulfill his scheme. He tells Clarence that it is not the king that is locking him up in the tower, "Tis the lady Grey his wife that tempers him to that extremity" (1.1.63-65). This is a statement that turns out to be false, instead Richard hires two murderers to kill Clarence, which was executed perfectly. Once again Richard deceives his family and friends for his own well-being showing the evil and unbelievable thoughts that dash through his mind. His next step in his plan to claim the throne was to collect a bride. He had one woman in mind; a widow named Anne Neville. Anne who was formerly married to Edward, Prince of Wales, Henry VI's son, both of whom Richard had already murdered. He once more demonstrates his wonderful manipulative, and persuasive abilities to woo Anne to Marry him. This again being a perfect example of the vice character, Richard takes in great amounts of atonement in agitating the peace. In this he succeeded and he married Anne even though he killed her husband and her father. Shakespeare, William. Richard III. Ed. David Bevington. 1980. Rpt. New York: Bantam, 1988. e throne of England. Richard, like his other brothers, wanted the title of king quite badly. As time pressed on, it seemed less likely that Richard would succeed in gaining the throne. His shrewd attitude and a physical deformity, that left him nearly paralyzed, were two of the many reasons why Richard would be kept of the throne. Richard quickly became aware of this and he therefore began his rampage to insure himself the throne. After killing off his brothers and many others, who were eligible to succeed, Richard finally became King of England. This title did not bring comfort, and Richard continued to kill anybody who posed a threat in keeping him fro
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Approximate Word count = 1505
Approximate Pages = 6 (250 words per page double spaced)
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