Richard III -interpretations

A detailed Summary of Richard III -interpretations

Richard III has intrigued many throughout the ages and its multidimensional possibilities give rise to many interpretations. It can be viewed from a traditional Shakespearean tragedy angle, because of its concerns with ambition and fear, and the presence of definitive revenge elements. On the other hand, a Marxist text is also possible. A turbulent court and its dealings with the nature of power, point to a Marxist model of class struggle within a distinctly classed society.

Tragedy plays are often characterised by the exploration of ambition and fear. The lure of the throne engenders ambition which compels Richard to murder. His single-mindedness murders his brother, Clarence so that his path to kingship may be cleared. However, fear also compels Richard to murder to remain in power. Richard admits that he has stepped "so far in blood that sin will pluck on sin" which gives him enough courage to murder the two princes - the pinnacle of his bloodiness. His soul is consequently set in turmoil. Anne complains of his murdered sleep - "I...never...did...sleep with his timorous dreams". On the eve of Bosworth, Richard is wracked by guilt and self-doubt. Though it does not last long, his psyche is nevertheless unsettled, haunted by

The worm of conscience still begnaw thy soul!

He is in turn is replaced by Richmond and so each successor usurps the crown from the predecessor. In addition, the division of the Yorkists and the Lancastrians illustrates the impermanence and yet the permanence of the throne. Henry VI's (a Lancastrian) reign is usurped by the Yorkist Edward IV who himself is displaced by Richard (another Yorkist) and finally he is conquered by a Lancastrian, Richmond. This shows that power, though frequently passed around, stays within the exclusive "upper class". Power and the possession of it, is therefore seen to be a continuous cycle. The fact that the two houses - the upper class - are always invariably at each other's throats demonstrates the Marxist influence of class struggle in Richard III.

On the other hand, Richard III can be viewed through Marxist glasses. The English court can be seen as a microcosm of the Marxist model of class struggle in a society. Richard, Edward IV and Richmond, all founders of the three eras in the play, begin from the upper strata of the court that can be attributed to the upper class of a capitalist society. Richard is fairly powerful initially, but nowhere near as influential as the king. Hence, like the "upper class", it is only natural that he would want to displace Edward IV,

"Who is so gross that cannot see this palpable device? Yet who is so bold but says he sees it not?"

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Approximate Word count = 1388
Approximate Pages = 6 (250 words per page double spaced)

Category: History