Richard III - Stanley Quotes

Question 1

Caution, anxiety, circumspection

Answer 1

• 3.2 ‘He dreamt the boar had razed off his helm’
• perspicacity, sees threat of R
• caution re several councils and pace of coronation
• ‘Tomorrow, in my judgement, is too sudden’, divisions and secrecy in court, cautious, circumspect unlike other characters
• structure and DI confirm wisdom (‘chop off his head’ - Hastings then dream)
• 3.4 ‘What of his heart perceive you in his face’, voice of sense and moral integrity, aligned, reality vs appearance
• supports E’s plans re Dorset

Question 2

Performance skills / political acumen

Answer 2

Acts for Richard
- claims he will fight for R ‘I never was nor never will be false’
- delivers news to RM
BUT clues his loyalty is insincere
- dreams/concern
- supports E
- 4.5 confirms support for RM ‘Well, hie thee to thy lord; I kiss his hand’, love, affection
- 5.3 ‘Off with his son George’s head!’ S denies to come to R

All foreshadowing eventual actions in battle / showing R isn’t fully in control - is suspicious and takes George hostage

Question 3

Endorses RM / hands him the crown

Answer 3

• 5.5 ‘From the dead temples of this bloody wretch have I plucked to grace thy brows withal’, trust S’s judgement, encourages audience to agree, elevates RM, optimistic
• symbolic that he gives RM the crown due to judgement
• convo with RM 5.3 ‘noble father-in-law’ ‘so long sundered friends should dwell upon’, imperatives, support, contrast to R chopping son’s head off, emp cruelty

Question 4

Shows R’s loss of control

Answer 4

• catalyst for R’s downfall in 5.3?
• ‘What says Lord Stanley? Will he bring his power? / My lord, he doth deny to come’

Question 5

Careful, evasive replies

Answer 5

• pledges loyalty 4.4 ‘I never was nor never will be false’
• ‘None good, my liege… none so bad that may be reported’, vague, riddles, terms of respect
• 3.4 ‘The rest that love me, rise and follow me’, S follows too, afraid of being called traitors, R’s power