“Despite presenting Richard as a villain, Shakespeare allows him to dominate the play. ‘To what extent do you agree with this'”

 

Richard is a mean and evil character but manipulates and intimidates others to get them to like him. Throughout the play he does not get caught for his bad deeds, until the end.

I agree with the statement because Shakespeare is always giving Richard soliloquies about his evil plans. He always manages to do bad things yet never is suspected. For example ‘In deadly hate, the one against the other; And if King Edward be as true and just This day should Clarence closely be mewed up About a prophecy which says that “G” Of Edward’s heirs the murderer shall be.Dive, thoughts, down to my soul. Here Clarence comes.’ This means that he has made it look like Clarence (George) has done the bad thing but no one has realised that his name is ‘Duke of  Gloucester.’ This shows that he is in control. It also shows his cruel side.

In addition, I also agree with the statement because during the play he manages to keep everyone on his side whilst being a bad guy. He consistently attempts to get Anne to love him and even though she keeps cursing him and says ‘I pour the balm of my helpless eyes’ However, Richard has a fast tongue and convinces her to marry him, he also tricks her and says ‘He that bereft thee, lady, of thy husband did it to help the to a better husband’ That means that he killed them because of his love for her. He is also claiming that he is a better husband. This proves his domination and evilness.

Another reason why Richard never gets caught is because he manipulates people. Furthermore, he is feared by others. For example when he is with his colleagues such as Buckingham, Grey and Catesby, he intimidates them into following him. This shows that others fear him and that shows control like influence and wickedness.

On the other hand, it could be considered that Richard does not completely dominate the play. As soon as he becomes king, he no longer dominates the play. For instance, people start to retaliate and rebel once he becomes king ‘My son George Stanley is franked up in hold, if I revolt off goes young Georges head’ This shows that he is evil but it shows he is not dominating the play, it also shows that as soon as he becomes king people are instantly against him.

It could also be said that Richard doesn’t control the play due to the fact that he dies at he end. If he dominated the play, everything would have gone his way. ‘ Alarum, enter Richard and Richmond . They fight, Richard is slain. Retreat and flourish.’ This proves Richard is defeated and can no longer dominate the play. Richard gets defeated quickly as well which shows people don’t fear him as much.

Others might think that Richard does not dominate the play due to the fact that people betray Richard and leave him. For example his once friend Stanley attempts to kill him’ Courageous Richmond, well hast thall aquit thee.Lo, here this long-usurp royalty from the dead temples of this bloody wretch have I plucked off, to grace thy brows withal. Wear it enjoy it, and make much of it.’ Which means I’m giving the crown to its rightful owner. This shows disobedience towards others and shows no domination.