Richard III Read Online Free PDF

ironically, that he “cannot flatter and look fair” and asks the assembled company to tell him how he has “injured” them and caused them to trouble the king “with lewd complaints.” The queen retorts that it is his own behavior that has caused the king to send for him. Richard accuses the queen of using her power to achieve status and positions in court for her family, and complains that his brother Clarence is imprisoned by Elizabeth’s “means.” She denies this and their argument escalates, with Elizabeth declaring that she has “Small joy” in being queen and being constantly “bated, scorned and stormed at.” Queen Margaret, the widow of Henry VI, enters unnoticed.
    Lines 110–324: Elizabeth and Richard argue as Margaret watches, making comments aside. Her presence as an “audience” reinforces our sense of Richard as an actor. Margaret’s observations show her hatred of Richard and Elizabeth: she wishes Elizabeth that even her “Small joy” be lessened and observes that Richard is a “cacodemon” (evil spirit) whose kingdom is hell, reinforcing Anne’s previous imagery. She steps forward and accuses them of being “wrangling pirates” who argue over what has been “pilled” from her. The following exchange, which centers on past struggles for the kingdom, reminds us that the events of the play are part of wider history, and of the violent nature of the struggle for power. Margaret invokes a series of prophetic curses, as Richard calls her “witch” and “withered hag.” Margaret hopes that Elizabeth’s son, Edward, will “Die in his youth” by “untimely violence,” as her own son did, and that Elizabeth will “Die neither mother, wife, nor England’s queen.” Elizabeth remains silent during Margaret’s outburst, but Richard argues. Margaret warns that Richard will soon suspect his friends “for traitors” and “take deep traitors” for his “dearest friends.” She abuses Richard’s appearance, invoking the images of animals and hell that have previously been associated with him. Her comparison of Richard to a “bottled spider” with a “deadly web” shows her awareness of his manipulative nature. Buckingham urges Margaret to “have done” and she warns him against Richard and his “venom tooth” before leaving, saying that they will remember her words and think of her as a “prophetess.” Richard assumes an air of forgivenessand says that Margaret “hath had too much wrong” and that he repents of any part he has had in this. He adds that he hopes God will pardon those who have wronged Clarence. Rivers comments that this is “virtuous and … Christian-like.” Catesby summons them to the king’s presence.
    Lines 325–357: Richard stays and considers how he has convinced Derby, Hastings, and Buckingham that the queen and her family are plotting against himself and Clarence. He is pleased with the effectiveness of his “piece of scripture,” saying that he uses “old ends stol’n forth of holy writ” to “clothe” his villainy, so that he can “seem a saint” when in reality he “play[s] the devil.” Once again we see opposing images of heaven and hell, and of clothing, suggesting Richard’s ability to disguise his true self. Two murderers enter and Richard gives them a warrant to be admitted to Clarence. Richard warns them to be “sudden in the execution” and not to let Clarence plead with them, as he is “well-spoken,” showing the play’s concern with the power of language.
ACT 1 SCENE 4
    Lines 1–97: Clarence describes a dream to his keeper in vivid and poetic language, demonstrating that Richard was right: he is “well-spoken.” Clarence recounts how, in his dream, he had escaped and was sailing to Burgundy with Richard. As they stood on deck, looking back at England, Richard stumbled and knocked Clarence overboard. He describes the sights and sounds as he drowned, including “gold,” “pearls,” and “jewels” all