The Duke of Gloucester

Paper Summary:

This paper examines how although Shakespeare's Richard III, The Duke of Gloucester, may not bear much resemblance to the real life King, in character and appearance, in the play, he is certainly the most dominant and a fully developed figure that serves as both the protagonist and villain of the play. It discusses whether "Richard III" can actually be called a tragedy since the protagonist appears less a tragic figure and more a vain, cruel and malicious king who was ruthlessly ambitious and killed people not for the love of his country, as most other tragic kings did, but to advance his own objectives.

From the Paper:

"As in all Shakespeare tragedies, the ghosts of those he conspired against and killed visit Richard III. They admonish him and foreshadow his death. This happens a day before his army is to clash with Lancastrian heir, Henry, Earl of Richmond's forces. while the ghosts of his victims haunt Richard, Richmond is praised as the rightful ruler. The ghosts tell him to 'live and flourish!' [5.3.131] and instruct him to, 'Arm, fight and conquer, for fair England's sake.' [5.3.150]. Though Richmond's army is no match for Richard's in term of size, yet the former has divine support. Bosworth Field serves as the last battleground for Richard as Richmond manages to bring an end to Richard III's terrifying reign by slaying him: 'Now civil wounds are stopp'd, peace lives again.' [5.4.53]"

More papers on The Duke of Gloucester:

• Analytical Essay # 86710 : "Thomas of Woodstock in "Richard II"
• Comparison Essay # 37070 : "Lady Anne and Katherine"
• Book Review # 96974 : "Richard III" and "Henry IV"

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