king richard iii

Question 1

what is the purpose of shakespeare’s king richard iii?

Answer 1

the purpose of shakespeare’s historical theatre is to act as a religious and political propaganda of the rightful lancasterian throne.
they serve in relation to queen elizabeth’s reign and adhere to the tudor myth and contextual theocentric beliefs and providentialism common in the elizabethan audience.

Question 2

what does shakespeare warn us of?

Answer 2

shakespeare warns of the pursuit of power that can lead to deceitful actions to the throne and exemplifies the religious repercussions of malicious ambition in a theocentric world emphasised by the divine order.

Question 3

what quote does shakespeare use to paint richard?

“I…”

Answer 3

“I am determined to prove a villain”

This characterisation of richard as a true machiavellian character, emphasises the lancasterian propaganda, by emphasising richard’s foreordained villainy as an outward indication of his inner corruption.

Question 4

what quote does shakespeare use to reaffirm the divine order, great chain of being?
“e…” + “t..”

Answer 4

queen margaret describes richard as a “elvish, abortive rooting hog”
the animalistic symbolism utilised dehumanises richard, putting him at the bottom of the chain, emphasising the repercussions in a theocentric world, where taking an unrightful throne has repercussions.
+ reinforced once again in “the bloody dog is dead” spoken by richmond.

Question 5

what quote does Shakespeare utilise the reaffirm that unrightful actions have repercussions in theocentric worlds?

Answer 5

“despair and die”
ghostly rhythmic chants creating a haunting atmosphere in the dream sequence.
consequences for richard forgoing the divine order presented in his downfall. highlights the impossibility of escaping god’s authority.

Question 6

what quote reaffirms shakespeare’s faith in divine retribution

Answer 6

“cold and empty veined”
“noble” & “gods protege”
comparing richard from “cold and empty veined” to richmond who is referred to “noble” & “gods protege”. with richard dying at the hands of richmond is a metaphor for mans wickedness surrending to god.

Question 7

what is the acronym of quotes you are going to use for shakespeare.

Answer 7

D.I.E.C.N.G.B

Question 8

when was king richard iii written?

Answer 8

1593

Question 9

what quote mocks richard of his attempts to gain power?

Answer 9

stage directions, “a blast of military music”

shakespeare mocks the relentless ambitions as his efforts to gain power are revoked.