Richard III - Buckingham Themes

Question 1

Ambition, greed

Answer 1

Overrides scruples, morals
- 4.1 returns to ask for Earldom of Hereford after initially vacillating over children’s death

Question 2

Performance skill

Answer 2

Structure/DI/switches in tone emphasising skill and insincerity
- 3.5 R/B discuss skill in acting terrified (hilarity), juxtaposed with performance of panic
- 3.4 friendly discussion with Hastings - hearts/faces
- 3.7 persuading R to take throne - direction, feigned frustration e.g. exit

Question 3

Rhetorical, manipulative skill

Answer 3

• 2.2 persuades them to send a ‘small train’/escort to fetch the princes from Ludlow - images of fracture/healing etc., later revealed to be part of a scheme with R
• 3.1 criticism of queen to Hastings; playing on Hastings’ prejudice - Richard in 1.1
• 3.7 presents Richard as only logical option for throne - some limitations, citizens unconvinced

Question 4

Division with Richard

Answer 4

• begging re earldom
• no longer implicitly understanding insinuations (choosing not to)
• shows R’s ruthlessness
• or R’s loss of control?

Question 5

Ruthlessness

Answer 5

• separating the children
• discussion of Hastings’ future, enjoys H’s ignorance in 3.2 end - DI, comments re. H staying for supper in the tower
• limits? hesitation re. children (not for long)

Question 6

Inevitability of divine justice

Answer 6

• highlights R’s downfall
• 5.1 curses, crimes, God’s power
• reminder that punishment for sins = inexorable

Question 7

Tool - furthers Richard’s plans

Answer 7

• separates young prince from retinue
• Hastings
• behaves like Richard
• R instructs him to address citizens on his behalf
• helps fool Mayor and justify H’s death

Question 8

Appears to take lead

Answer 8

• 2.2 ‘ as a child I go by thy direction’, suggesting similar retinue ‘to part the queen’s proud kindred from the prince’
• 3.1 asks Catesby to sound out Hastings, imperatives and instructions
• 3.1 talking to Cardinal re. getting York from sanctuary
• 3.7 planted followers throwing caps in the air
• 3.7 tells R to ‘intend some fear’

Question 9

Richard’s view of Buckingham

Answer 9

• 1.3 ‘a simple gull’ with Hastings, Stanley, Derby - contempt
• initially seems more intelligent than Hastings but same fate befalls him
• 2.2 refers to ‘my other self’, ‘as a child I go by thy direction’
• unity, qualities in common, apparent power
• 4.1 ‘deep revolving Buckingham’ ‘grows circumspect’