Jul 25, 2008

Richard III | Overview

E. M. W. Tillyard examines the theme of divine retribution and deliverance of England through God’s grace in Richard III. In a second overview, A. C. Hamilton describes how the work functions both as a history play and as a tragedy, and analyses the causes and effects of Richard’s isolation.

E. M. W. Tillyard

[In this excerpt, Tillyard refers to Richard III as the final play in a tetralogy which includes Henry VI, parts one, two, and three. Further, Tillyard explains that divine retribution and the deliverance of England through God's grace is the theme of Richard III, and that fighting against Richard's "vast" evil is the cause that finally unites England through Richmond.]

... I [have] put the theme of Richard III partly in terms of God's intentions. As it is usual to put it in terms of Richard's character, I had better expand my...