Richhard III quotes Flashcards
(16 cards)
I am determined
Quote: “I am determined to prove a villain”
Techniques: Foreshadowing, dramatic irony, direct address
Analysis: Richard foreshadows his own descent into evil and the destructive path he will take. This early declaration sets the tone for the rest of the play and hints at the chaos he will cause.
I think there’s
Quote: “I think there’s never a man in Christendom / That can less hide his love or hate than he;”
Techniques: Characterisation, irony, direct speech
Analysis: Hastings is too confident in being able to understand and manipulate Richard. Hastings is concealed in hubris (over self-confidence) and only stops an instant before Richard turns on him.
O wonderful
Quote: “O wonderful, when devils tell the truth!”
Techniques: Irony, paradox, dramatic tone
Analysis: Lady Anne, Richard is called a devil many times in the play. He is seen by most that have been done dirty by him as a devil in disguise.
Villlan, thou
Quote: “Villain, thou know’st no law of God nor man:”
Techniques: Juxtaposition, moral contrast, denunciation
Analysis: The juxtaposition of “God” and “man” shows how much of a villain Richard truly is, not abiding by any rules set by either divine or human law.
His venom
Quote: “His venom tooth will rankle to the death:”
Techniques: Metaphor, imagery, foreshadowing, symbolism
Analysis: This metaphor likens Richard’s malicious intentions to a poisonous tooth causing a deep, lingering wound. It reflects Richard’s persistent and deadly nature, indicating that his harmful influence will continue to cause pain and conflict until his very end.
Those eyes of thine
Quote: “Those eyes of thine from mine have drawn salt tears,”
Techniques: Imagery, pathos, metaphor, irony
Analysis: This line is an example of Richard’s manipulative language, feigning emotional vulnerability to gain sympathy or control. The image of tears appeals to pathos, suggesting emotional pain supposedly caused by Anne’s eyes, though it is likely deceptive.
Shine out
Quote: “Shine out, fair sun, till I have bought a glass, / That I may see my shadow as I pass.”
Techniques: Metaphor, symbolism, imagery
Analysis:Richard metaphorically refers to his power and influence as his “shadow.” It also alludes to his dark nature—his “shadow self”—showing pride in his villainy. He admires how easily he manipulated Anne. The audience knows his evil motives, making his glee chilling and ironic.
God bids us
Quote:“God bids us do good for evil:
And thus I clothe my naked villany..
And seem a saint, when most I play the devil.”
Techniques:Juxtaposition
Metaphor
Analysis:The words that have been said by margaret haven’t pushed him to do good but have further cemented how Richard views himself and his villainous and devilish ways.
Bloody thou
Quote:Bloody thou art, bloody will be thy end;
Shame serves thy life and doth thy death attend.- Duchess of York
Technique: Foreshadow
Analysis:Throughout the book many people fortell the demise of Engliand under Richards rule. Such like Dutchess of York and Queen Margeret, Hastings also foreshadows this idea when being told he is to be killed. They foreshadown the Senecan play and the character of Richard as a Vice waiting to be killed of for the moral storytelling of the play.
Foes to my
Quote: “Foes to my rest and my sweet sleep’s disturbers”
Techniques: Alliteration, metaphor, contrast, personification
Analysis: Richard expresses paranoia and unrest, showing how his enemies cause him constant anxiety. The phrase “sweet sleep” contrasts with “foes,” highlighting the loss of peace due to political threats.
Murder her
Quote: “Murder her brothers, and then marry her!”
Technique:Commanding tone, Insane tone
Analysis:This quote shows Richard’s emotional detachment and manipulation. His cold order to kill his brothers reveals his readiness to sacrifice others for power, highlighting his paranoia and ruthless Machiavellian nature.
So far in
Quote: “So far in blood that sin will pluck on sin:”
Techniques: Hyperbole, metaphor
Analysis:He has gone mad, all these things just to hold the crown. He is so far gone that he just needs to keep sinning. This reinforces the degredation of his mind and the spiral that elad him to this moment of sin
Let me sit
Quote:“Let me sit heavy on thy soul tomorrow! Think how thou stab’st me in my prime of youth.”- Son of Henry VI
Technique: Imagery, imperative tone
Analysis: Highlights Richard’s cruelty and guilt, as the ghost haunts him with the innocent life he ended. Foreshadows his final moments of conscience and God’s retribution, evoking slight guilt and self-awareness.
I shall depair
Quote: “I shall despair. There is no creature that loves me: And if I die, no soul shall pity me.”
Techniques: Pathos, repetition, short sentence structure
Analysis: Reveals Richard as more than a Machiavellian figure — he embodies the medieval “Vice” character, yet is deeply human. The short, simple sentence “I shall despair” strips away his usual manipulation, exposing raw vulnerability and emotional collapse.
In gods name
Quote: “In God’s name, cheerly on, courageous friends,”
Techniques: Imperative, religious allusion, rhetoric, invocation, encouraging tone
Analysis: Richard is the sant and is seen in only a good light. He kills Richard and unites the families together.
When I should/ God
Quote: “When I should mount with wings of victory:
Once more, good night, kind lords and gentlemen.” “God say, amen”
Technique:Metaphor
Analysis: Richmond aligns himself with divine authority, using angelic and religious metaphors to present himself as God’s chosen representative. The final “amen” reaffirms Tudor propaganda — a collective, sacred word tied to biblical finality. For an Elizabethan audience, this would affirm divine order and the legitimacy of Richmond’s rule.
