Jul 25, 2008

Richard III | Richard

Paul N. Siegel’s essay provides insight into the character of Richard through an examination of his speeches and use of the vocabulary of business. Morton J. Frisch contrasts Richard’s lust for control over other people with Caesar’s ambition for greatness. Unlike Caesar, Frisch contends, Richard is not interested in achieving glory for himself, but instead wants power for its own sake.

Most critics agree that Richard is a Machiavellian villain (Machiavellianism is a precept that considers politics amoral and claims that any means, however unscrupulous, are justified in achieving and holding onto power). They also agree that he is witty—frequently poking fun at himself as well as at his victims. But critics are divided on the nature of Richard's wickedness, on his motives, and ultimately, on his purpose in the play.

Francis Fergusson asserts that Shakespeare was not interested in exploring the psychological state of the historical Richard, but in creating a Richard...