What role does the supernatural play in Richard III? Why might Shakespeare have chosen to populate a play supposedly based on history with so many ghosts, curses (nine of Margaret’s come true, and the characters acknowledge them as they do), accusations of witchcraft, and prophecies?

Richard III shakespeare Play

Select ONE of these and write at least 500 words double spaced in Word. Make sure that in your response you do not merely tell the plot. This is an evaluation or analysis paper.

1) What role does the supernatural play in Richard III? Why might Shakespeare have chosen to populate a play supposedly based on history with so many ghosts, curses (nine of Margaret’s come true, and the characters acknowledge them as they do), accusations of witchcraft, and prophecies?

2) Realizing that Margaret was never actually in court during these events that place her there in the play, and the audience of the time was likely well aware of this, what purpose did her curses and the “women’s scenes” of Act II, scene ii and Act IV, scene iv serve?

3) Look at the sleep and dream images in the play and evaluate their significance.

4) Look up how many times the word “conscience” is used in the play. What is Shakespeare’s point in using it so often?

5) Look into the actual history of Richard III as opposed to this fictional account and point out some of the differences. Speculate as to why Shakespeare distorted the real events.

6) Compare Hastings and Buckingham in terms of their loyalty to their masters. What led to their executions?

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