The Role of Women in "Richard III"

Paper Summary:

To consider the role of women in Shakespeare's plays and Shakespeare's attitude toward women, the play, "Richard III", is discussed. This includes an analysis of the three major female characters in the play, showing the roles of women in the society of the time and suggesting Shakespeare's own view of women.

From the Paper:

"Queen Margaret shows herself to be one of the strongest women of the play in some ways. This is mainly by being the only woman that Richard is not able to fool. Her continuing anger over her dead husband and son is also a sign of her loyalty to them. This can be compared to Lady Anne who is initially angry about the death of her husband, but then quickly agrees to marry Richard. This action by Lady Anne suggests that women are fickle. In contrast, Queen Margaret never gives up being loyal to her husband and son, despite circumstances. This shows a strength that many women of the play do not have. At the same time though, this loyalty by Queen Margaret does not do her any good and only results in her constant unhappiness. The point that seems to be made is that a strong woman actually suffers, and that it is better to be fickle. While Lady Anne is fickle, she actually does achieve happiness. At the same time, she does not gain the respect of the audience."

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