Richard III - Stanley Themes

Question 1

Caution, anxiety, circumspection

Answer 1

• dreams - trust his judgement
• concern r.e pace of coronation
• structure and DI confirm his wisdom
• cautious words e.g. ‘What of his heart perceive you in his looks’
• supports E’s plan re Dorset

Question 2

Performance skills/political acumen

Answer 2

Acts for Richard
- delivers message re coronation to Anne
- delivers news to Richmond
- claims he will fight for R in battle
BUT
- there are clues his claims / professions of loyalty and respect = insincere
- dreams/concern
- support for Elizabeth
- 4.5 support for Richmond confirmed
- 5.3 tells Richmond he’ll support him at an important moment in battle

All foreshadowing eventual actions in battle/showing R isn’t fully in control
(R does have some suspicions e.g. 4.4 conversation/recounts threats 5.3 - son George taken hostage)

Question 3

Endorses Richmond/hands him the crown

Answer 3

• restoration of order
• Richmond mutual support in conversation in 5.3
• exposes differences between Richmond/R and emphasises R’s cruelty
  Symbolic that he gives Richmond the crown as we trust his judgement

Question 4

Shows R’s loss of control

Answer 4

• catalyst for R’s downfall in 5.3?

Question 5

Rhetorical skill

Answer 5

• careful, evasive replies
• ambiguous responces
• professions of loyalty
• terms of respect