Richard III Study Guide
Act I, scene i
Discontent (I, i, 1)
Lowered (I, i, 3)
Visaged (I, i, 9)
Adversaries (I, i, 11)
Capers (I, i, 12)
Lascivious (I, i, 13)
Amorous (I, i, 15)
Curtailed (I, i, 18)
Dissembling (I, i, 19) Descant (I, i, 27)
Prophecies (I, i, 33)
Libels (I, i, 33)
Tendering (I, i, 44)
Conduct (I, i, 45)
Belike (I, i, 49)
Suchlike (I, i, 60)
Whence (I, i, 69)
Suppliant (I, i, 74)
Beseech (I, i, 84)
Soever (I, i, 87)
Forbear (I, i, 104)
Perforce (I, i, 116)
Prevailed (I, i, 131)
Melancholy (I, i, 136)
Overmuch (I, i, 140) Bustle (I, i, 152)
1) Why is Richard so bitter? What are his plans for the rest of his family?
2) How does Richard’s attitude change when face to face with his brother? Explain this
change in light of the theme of appearance versus reality.
3) Who is Mistress Shore and what is her significance?
4) In the meeting with Hastings, some info about the king is given. What is wrong with
the king?
5) At the end of the scene, Richard tells the audience more about his plan. What is the
next step?
Act I, scene ii
Obsequiously (I, ii, 3) Invocate (I, ii, 8)
Selfsame (I, ii, 11)
Balm (I, ii, 13)
Hence (I, ii, 16)
Spurn (I, ii, 42)
Heinous (I, ii, 53)
Interred (I, ii, 30)
Butcheries (I, ii, 54) Congealed (I, ii, 56) Deluge (I, ii, 61)
Renders (I, ii, 69)
Acquit (I, ii, 77)
Betide (I, ii, 112)
Accursed (I, ii, 120)
Undertake (I, ii, 123) Rend (I, ii, 126)
Blemish (I, ii, 128)
Would (I, ii, 133)
Bereft (I, ii, 138)
Bid (I, ii, 187)
Accessory (I, ii, 192)
Dost (I, ii, 102)
Sued (I, ii, 168)
Encompasseth (I, ii, 104)
Diverse (I, ii, 218)
penitent (I, ii, 221)
Repentant (I, ii, 216) Expedient (I, ii, 217)
Debase (I, ii, 247)
Moiety (I, ii, 250)
1) Whys is Anne so upset at the start of this scene? What curse does she lay on the
murderer and his family in lines 17 through 28?
2) How does Anne react to Richard’s presence? Give examples from the text.
3) How does Richard try to excuse his actions? Who does he blame for the deaths of
King Henry and Prince Edward (both Lancastrian)?
4) How does Richard attempt to win Anne over? Use specific examples as evidence.
5) Is Richard successful in his short courtship? Do you feel this is believable? Why or
why not?
6) What are the two requests Richard makes of Anne at the end of the scene? Does he
follow through on his promise in lines 214—216? How does he react to Anne’s new
opinion of him? Give proof from the text.
Act I, scene iii
Brook (I, iii, 3)
Minority (I, iii, 11)
Notwithstanding (I, iii, 22)
Atonement (I, iii, 36) Betwixt (I, iii, 37)
Insinuating (I, iii, 53)
Ennoble (I, iii, 81)
Miscarry (I, iii, 16)
Scarcely (I, iii, 21)
Malice (I, iii, 29)
Amendment(I, iii, 33)
Forsooth (I, iii, 44)
Rancorous (I, iii, 50)
Disposition (I, iii, 63)
Incense (I, iii, 85)
Upbraidings (I, iii, 104)
Advancement (I, iii, 75)
Advocate (I, iii, 87)
Scoffs (I, iii, 104)
Prefrements (I, iii, 95)
Avouch (I, iii, 115)
Royalize (I, iii, 125) Factious (I, iii, 128)
Withal (I, iii, 133)
Forsake (I, iii, 135)
Peddler (I, iii, 149)
Altogether (I, iii, 156)
Wrangling (I, iii, 158)
Wert (I, iii, 167)
Allegiance (I, iii, 171)
Steeped (I, iii, 178)
Denounced (I, iii, 180)
Peevish (I, iii, 194)
Surfeit (I, iii, 197)
Decked (I, iii, 206)
Grievous (I, iii, 217) Indignation (I, iii, 220)
Beknaw (I, iii, 222)
Affrights (I, iii, 227) Loathed (I, iii, 232)
Strew (I, iii, 242)
Whet (I, iii, 244)
Aerie (I, iii, 264)
Amity (I, iii, 281)
Compass (I, iii, 284)
Ascend (I, iii, 287)
Yonder (I, iii, 289)
Fawns (I, iii, 290)
Prophetess (I, iii, 301)
Abroach (I, iii, 325) Warrant (I, iii, 342)
Repair (I, iii, 345)
Prate (I, iii, 351)
Millstones (I, iii, 354)
Dispatch (I, iii, 356)
1) Who will take over if the king should die? Why is this a problem for the queen and
her family?
2) What does the king want to do with the fighting factions among his family?
3) Why is Richard so angry with the queen’s family? How do the queen and her brother
react to this?
4) When former Queen Margaret arrives, she stays in the background. Does anyone
react to her statements at first? What are the stage directions that bring Margaret to the
attention of the other characters?
5) Margaret is a prophetess of doom. What does she predict for each one of the people
present? How does Margaret’s appearance unite these other battling characters?
6) At the end of the scene, murderers arrive. Why are they here? What is their ultimate
purpose? How does this relate to the idea of appearance versus reality in Richard?
Act I, scene iv
Methought (I, iv, 9)
Embarked (I, iv, 10) Hatches (I, iv, 13)
Billows (I, iv, 20)
Main (I, iv, 20)
Inestimable (I, iv, 27) Scorn (I, iv, 31)
Strive (I, iv, 36)
Tempest (I, iv, 44)
Perpetual (I, iv, 47)
Renowned (I, iv, 49)
Scourge, (I, iv, 50)
Perjury (I, iv, 50)
Legion (I, iv, 58)
Environed (I, iv, 59)
Requites (I, iv, 68)
Hither (I, iv, 85)
Resolute (I, iv, 116) Wont (I, iv, 120)
Dregs (I, iv, 123)
Zounds (I, iv, 129)
Shamefast (I, iv, 141) Mutinies (I, iv, 142)
Costard (I, iv, 158)
Sop (I, iv, 162)
Anon (I, iv, 167)
Erroneous (I, iv, 200)
Forswearing (I, iv, 207)
Thralldom (I, iv, 255)
Relent (I, iv, 263)
Cited (I, iv, 14)
Pronounced (I, iv, 190)
Tidings (I, iv, 236)
1) Explain the nightmare Clarence has. What is the significance of the dead bodies
surrounded by gold and jewels? How is this vision a foreshadowing of Clarence’s fate?
2) Why do the murderers have second thoughts at first? What ultimately brings them
around and strengthens their resolve? What are their thoughts on conscience?
3) How are they planning to kill Clarence?
4) What is the irony of Clarence asking the murderers to appeal to his brother Richard?
Act II, scene i
Embassage (II, i, 3)
Purged (II, i, 9)
Thrive (II, i, 11)
Confound (II, i, 14)
Factious (II, i, 20)
Unfeignedly (II, i, 22)
Dally (II, i, 12)
Unviolable (II, i, 27) Guile (II, i, 38)
Zeal (II, i, 40)
Cordial (II, i, 41)
Enmity (II, i, 50)
Reconcile (II, i, 59)
Jot (II, i, 70)
Liege (II, i, 52)
Humility (II, i, 72)
Strifes (II, i, 74)
Flouted (II, i, 78)
Forsook (II, i, 85)
Countermand (II, i, 89)
Hath (II, i, 85)
Lag (II, i, 90) Lap (II, i, 115)
Brutish (II, i, 118)
1) What is King Edward trying to do with his enemies and friends at the start of this
scene?
2) Explain what Buckingham is saying in lines 32—40. Keep this sentiment in mind for
later in the play.
3) When Richard makes his appearance, how does react to those people assembled
around him and the King’s proclamation? How do his actions fit the theme of
appearance versus reality? What causes Richard to “change” his attitude so suddenly
during this scene?
4) How does King Edward react to the news regarding Clarence? Look at lines 102—
133 for your answer.
5) How does Richard try to turn the situation to his advantage at the end?
Act II, scene ii
Importune (II, ii, 14) Devised (II, ii, 22)
Dugs (II, ii, 30)
Perpetual (II, ii, 46)
Semblance (II, ii, 51) Malignant (II, ii, 52) Kindred (II, ii, 63)
Dolor (II, ii, 65)
Threefold (II, ii, 86) Meekness (II, ii, 107) Marvel (II, ii, 111)
Reap (II, ii, 116)
Forthwith (II, ii, 121) Oracle (II, ii, 152)
1) How does the Duchess answer the questions from the kids regarding the death of their
father?
2) Explain the tree metaphor employed by Elizabeth to describe her husband’s death in
lines 41 and 42.
3) Why is Queen Elizabeth so upset when she appears on the scene? How does the
Duchess react to this news? Explain the metaphor of mirrors in lines 51—54.
4) How do the kids react to their Aunt Elizabeth’s grief? How does the Duchess react to
the strife between her family members?
5) What is the advice of Lord Rivers regarding the Prince of Wales?
6) What does Richard ask of the Duchess? What does she leave out? What does this
indicate about her feelings for her misshapen son?
7) What is Buckingham’s request of Richard in reference to the Prince of Wales?
Act II, scene iii
Nonage (II, iii, 13)
Ensuing (II, iii, 43)
1) What is the purpose of this scene? What is the opinion of the commoners?
Act II, scene iv
Archbishop (II, iv, stage dir) Apace (II, iv, 13)
Flout (II, iv, 24)
Parlous (II, iv, 35)
Troth (II, iv, 23)
Sanctuary (II, iv, 66) Thither (II, iv, 69)
Conduct (II, iv, 73)
1) What is the significance of the rhyme that Richard tells his nephew in line 13?
2) What rumor does the nephew ask about in lines 27—29?
3) What does the queen mean by line 37? Why is she concerned about this?
4) What news does the messenger bring to the queen? What is her next move to protect
herself and her son? Does the boy ever ask for protection?
Act III, scene i
Untainted (III, i, 7)
Virtue (III, i, 7)
Fain (III, i, 29)
Oratory (III, i, 37)
Obdurate (III, i, 39)
Infringe (III, i, 41)
Senseless-obstinate (III, i, 44)
Sojourn (III, i, 62)
Peevish (III, i, 31)
Counsel (III, i, 64)
Repose (III, i, 65)
Re-Edified (III, i, 71)
Posterity (III, i, 77)
Iniquity (III, i, 82)
Beholding (III, i, 107)
Kinsman (III, i, 109)
Mitigate (III, i, 133) Prating (III, i, 151)
Incensed (III, i, 152)
Opprobiously (III, i, 153)
Tractable (III, i, 174)
Complots (III, i, 192)
Movables (III, i, 195)
Inclination (III, i, 178)
1) What does the young Crown Prince mean by line 6?
2) Explain the irony of Richard’s statement in lines 7—11. How does this fit his façade?
3) What is Buckingham’s reasoning in trying to get the young Prince Richard out of
sanctuary? What does this willingness to defy holy rules tell you about his character?
4) Where does Richard suggest the Crown Prince live until his coronation?
5) How does line 79 fit into the theme of appearance versus reality?
6) What does the young Prince Richard fear from the Tower?
7) What information does Buckingham want in regard to William Hastings? What is
Catesby’s opinion of Hastings and Stanley?
8) What is Richard’s solution should Hastings not agree? How does this fit with his
reality? What does he promise Buckingham as a reward?
Act III, scene ii
Tedious (III, ii, 6)
Razed (III, ii, 11)
Tottering (III, ii, 37) Garland (III, ii, 40)
Rue (III, ii, 14)
Divines (III, ii, 18)
Twelvemonth (III, ii, 57)
Fortnight (III, ii, 62) Unprovided (III, ii, 75)
Jocund (III, ii, 86)
Wot (III, ii, 92)
Shriving (III, ii, 116)
Gramercy (III, ii, 108)
1) What is the message Stanley sends to Hastings? Explain the symbolism. How does
Hastings react?
2) What is the foreshadowing of Hastings’s lines 43—44?
3) What is the irony of lines 80—84?
4) Explain the foreshadowing and irony of the exchange between Hastings and
Buckingham in lines 114—125.
Act III, scene iii
Dispatch (III, iii, 8)
1) What happens to the relatives of the Queen in this scene?
2) How is this a completion of Margaret’s prophecy from I, iii?
Act III, scene iv
Coronation (III, iv, 2)
Nomination (III, iv, 5)
Behalf (III, iv, 20)
Neglect (III, iv, 25)
Conceit (III, iv, 51)
Conspire (III, iv, 62)
Prevailed (III, iv, 63)
Sapling (III, iv, 71)
Harlot (III, iv, 73)
Strumpet (III, iv, 73)
Disdained (III, iv, 85)
Pursuivant (III, iv, 90)
Prophesy (III, iv, 106)
1) What event are the men planning at the start of this scene? Who is to speak for
Richard? How does Buckingham react when it is suggested he speak for Richard?
2) What is the irony of Hastings’s lines 53—55? How does this relate to appearance
versus reality?
3) How does Richard trick Hastings into condemning himself to death?
4) What forewarnings did Hastings have in regard to his fate?
Act III, scene v
Distraught (III, v, 4)
Tragedian (III, v, 5)
Start (III, v, 7)
Stratagems (III, v, 11)
Ignoble (III, v, 22)
Daubed (III, v, 29)
Vice (III, v, 29)
Omitted (III, v, 30)
Covert’st (III, v, 34)
Infidels (III, v, 41)
Timorously (III, v, 57)
Misconstrue (III, v, 61)
Acquaint (III, v, 65)
Just (III, v, 66)
Carping (III, v, 68)
Censures (III, v, 68)
Bastardy (III, v, 75)
Bestial (III, v, 81)
Unsatiate (III, v, 87)
Lineaments (III, v, 91)
Privy (III, v, 106)
1) Why is it important for Buckingham to be able to act? What is Richard planning?
Part of appearance versus reality?
2) How do Richard and Buckingham excuse the death of Hastings?
3) What is the Mayor going to tell the leaders of London in regard to the execution?
4) What special instructions Richard give Buckingham regarding his nephews and his
brother Edward? What is the purpose of this lie?
Act III, scene vi
Indictment (III, vi, 1)
Untainted (III, vi, 9)
Palpable (III, vi, 11)
1) What is the purpose of this scene? How does this scene fit into appearance versus
reality?
Act III, scene vii
Mum (III, vii, 3)
Trifles (III, vii, 9)
Discourse (III, vii, 19)
Reprehended (III, vii, 27)
Descant (III, vii, 49)
Maid (III, vii, 51)
Leads (III, vii, 55)
Bent (III, vii, 62)
Exercise (III, vii, 64)
Lolling (III, vii, 72)
Courtesans (III, vii, 74)
Clergymen (III, vii, 95)
Ungoverned (III, vii, 110)
Wherefore (III, vii, 116)
Due (III, vii, 129)
Lineal (III, vii, 121)
Blemished (III, vii, 122)
Defaced (III, vii, 126)
Infamy (III, vii, 126)
Recure (III, vii, 130)
Solicit (III, vii, 130)
Reproof (III, vii, 142)
Yoke (III, vii, 146)
Impose (III, vii, 147)
Incur (III, vii, 152)
Unmeritable (III, vii, 155)
Defects (III, vii, 160)
Bark (III, vii, 162)
Covet (III, vii, 163)
Betrothed (III, vii, 181)
Bigamy (III, vii, 189)
Expostulate (III, vii, 192)
Proffered (III, vii, 196)
Depose (III, vii, 209)
Effeminate (III, vii, 211)
Sage (III, vii, 227)
Imposition (III, vii, 232)
1) How have the citizens reacted to the proclamation of Richard for King? How does
Buckingham try to make them rise for Richard?
2) What is the plan for Richard to appear pious? What does Buckingham mean by the
phrase, “Play the maid’s part – still answer nay and take it.”?
3) How is Richard compared to Edward in lines 71—80? Is Richard really any better
than his brother? How does this relate to appearance versus reality?
4) What is the significant of Richard’s physical position upon his entrance at line 94?
What is the dual meaning of the word “prop” in line 96? How does this relate to
appearance versus reality?
5) What role does Buckingham play in this charade? How does he fit into the
appearance versus reality theme?
6) Explain the tree and fruit metaphor used by Richard in line 167.
7) How does Richard respond when offered the Crown at first? How does Buckingham
react? Explain the irony of Richard’s statement, “I am not made of stones,” in line 224.
Act IV, scene i
Contrary (IV, i, 17)
Sunder (IV, i, 34)
Pent (IV, i, 34)
Dog (IV, i, 40)
Ominous (IV, i, 41)
Thrall (IV, i, 46)
Swoon (IV, i, 35)
Ill-dispersing (IV, i, 53)
Sear (IV, i, 61)
Anointed (IV, i, 62)
Timorous (IV, i, 85)
Woeful (IV, i, 90)
Immured (IV, i, 100)
1) Why are the ladies gathered at the Tower? Why is Queen Elizabeth so upset that “the
King” has forbidden her to see her son?
2) Why does Lord Stanley show up at the Tower? How does Anne feel about this?
3) What request does Elizabeth make of her son Dorset? What is she so concerned about
regarding Margaret’s prophecy?
4) Why does the Duchess refer to her womb as “the bed of death?”
5) How does Anne describe her marriage to Richard? How has her own curse from Act
I, scene ii come to haunt her?
Act IV, scene ii
Converse (IV, ii, 28)
Discontented (IV, ii, 36)
Circumspect (IV, ii, 31)
Haughty (IV, ii, 37)
Exploit (IV, ii, 35)
Abides (IV, ii, 49)
Subject (IV, ii, 68)
Resolve (IV, ii, 70)
Means (IV, ii, 77)
Bard (IV, ii, 109)
Vein (IV, ii, 119)
1) How is Richard referred to for his lines now as opposed to previously in the play?
Why the change?
2) What is the significance of Buckingham physically helping Richard onto the throne?
3) What is the request Richard makes regarding the two princes? How does
Buckingham respond? How does Richard interpret this reaction?
4) What order is given to Catesby regarding Anne? What is Richard now plotting to
secure his hold on the throne?
5) Explain the significance of Tyrrel’s statement in line 72 when his loyalty is
questioned by Richard.
6) What does Buckingham demand of Richard at the end of the scene? How does
Richard react?
7) What is Richard musing about while Buckingham is making this request? How does
this relate to another theme of Shakespeare’s, that of prophecy?
Act IV, scene iii
Piteous (IV, iii, 2)
Suborn (IV, iii, 4)
Girdling (IV, iii, 10)
Alabaster (IV, iii, 11)
Smothered (IV, iii, 17)
Remorse (IV, iii, 20)
Beget (IV, iii, 26)
Chaplain (IV, iii, 29)
Inheritor (IV, iii, 34)
Leaden (IV, iii, 52)
1) How does Tyrrel feel about the murder? Who actually performed the deed? What
almost convinced the murderers not to go through with it? How was the murder
committed?
2) What happened to the bodies?
3) What reward does Richard offer Tyrrel?
4) What has become of Buckingham?
Act IV, scene iv
Waning (IV, iv, 4)
Lamentation (IV, iv, 14)
Quit (IV, iv, 19)
Entrails (IV, iv, 23)
Worry (IV, iv, 50)
Usurped (IV, iv, 27)
Lap (IV, iv, 50)
Abstract (IV, iv, 28)
Handiwork (IV, iv, 51)
Cloy (IV, iv, 62)
Adulterate (IV, iv, 69)
Forbear (IV, iv, 118)
Calamity (IV, iv, 126)
Intestate (IV, iv, 128)
Entreat (IV, iv, 151)
Clamorous (IV, iv, 152)
Brook (IV, iv, 158)
Reproof (IV, iv, 158)
Wayward (IV, iv, 168)
Prithee (IV, iv, 179)
Ordinance (IV, iv, 183)
Slander (IV, iv, 207)
Cozened (IV, iv, 222)
Lanced (IV, iv, 224)
Whetted (IV, iv, 227)
Endow (IV, iv, 249)
Confound (IV, iv, 261)
Steeped (IV, iv, 275)
Inducement (IV, iv, 279)
Conveyance (IV, iv, 283)
Amended (IV, iv, 291)
Vexation (IV, iv, 305)
Chastised (IV, iv, 331)
Eloquent (IV, iv, 357)
Harp (IV, iv, 364)
Prosper (IV, iv, 397)
Repent (IV, iv, 397)
Bar (IV, iv, 400)
Yield (IV, iv, 401)
Immaculate (IV, iv, 404)
Levy (IV, iv, 448)
Unswayed (IV, iv, 470)
Liege (IV, iv, 475)
Muster (IV, iv, 489)
Prelate (IV, iv, 502)
Confederates (IV, iv, 504)
Tidings (IV, iv, 536)
1) Margaret, the prophetess, makes her final appearance in this scene. Why does she
seem vaguely happy at the start of this scene? What does she mean by lines 20 and 21,
her response to the grief of the Duchess?
2) How does Margaret compare her grief to that of Elizabeth and the Duchess in lines
39—46? To what does she compare the Duchess’s womb? Why?
3) In lines 61—78, Margaret goes over her prophecy again. How have things turned out
for those she has cursed?
4) What is Margaret’s advice to Elizabeth in regard to cursing?
5) Why does Richard ask for trumpets to sound when her is being cursed?
6) How does the Duchess describe Richard’s youth? What does she say in lines 190—
194 in regard to the next day’s battle?
7) Why does Richard want to speak to Elizabeth? What are his plans for her daughter?
8) How does Elizabeth advise Richard to woo her daughter in lines 271—283? What is
Richard’s excuse for all of that evil?
9) How does Richard suggest he’ll make amends in lines 294—298?
10) Should Elizabeth believe the plan for her son in lines 313 and 314?
11) What does Richard mean by line 317?
12) Richard and Elizabeth now engage in some punning word play as they go back and
forth. Explain how Elizabeth turns almost every statement back on Richard from line
343 through line 365.
13) Why won’t Elizabeth believe Richard’s offered oaths?
14) Explain the oath that Richard makes lines 400—405.
15) After Elizabeth leaves, Richard starts ordering his men around, but he never finishes.
What does this indicate about his state of mind?
16) What is Richard’s fear regarding Stanley? How does he ensure loyalty?
17) What news of Buckingham reaches Richard? Why does he slap the messenger that
brings good news? How does he make amends? Again, what does this show about
Richard’s state of mind?
Act IV, scene v
Sty (IV, v, 2)
Espouse (IV, v, 19)
1) Based on this scene, are Richard’s fears about Stanley well founded?
Act V, scene i
Miscarried (V, i, 5)
Corrupted (V, i, 6)
1) How is this scene a continuation of Margaret’s curse? What happens to Buckingham?
Act V, scene ii
Bowels (V, ii, 3)
Usurping (V, ii, 7)
Reap (V, ii, 15)
Homicide (V, ii, 18)
1) Who is Henry of Richmond? How is he related to Elizabeth Tudor, the queen under
which Shakespeare wrote? How is this Act primarily propaganda?
2) How are Richard’s allies described?
3) What is the arrangement between Richmond and Elizabeth regarding her daughter?
Act V, scene iii
Utmost (V, iii, 10)
Trebles (V, iii, 11)
Vantage (V, iii, 15)
Sound (V, ii, 16)
Quartered (V, iii, 34)
Sentinels (V, iii, 54)
Stir (V, iii, 56)
Alacrity (V, iii, 73)
Chastisement (V, iii, 113)
Anointed (V, iii, 124)
Guile (V, iii, 133)
Flourish (V, iii, 158)
Perturbations (V, iii, 161)
Afflict (V, iii, 181)
Alack (V, iii, 187)
Perjury (V, iii, 196)
Sluggard (V, iii, 225)
Jocund (V, iii, 232)
Stroke (V, iii, 235)
Bulwarks (V, iii, 242)
Means (V, iii, 248)
Disdains (V, iii, 278)
Vaunts (V, iii, 288)
Foot (V, iii, 297)
Puissance (V, iii, 299)
Inferred (V, iii, 314)
Vagabonds (V, iii, 316)
Paltry (V, iii, 323)
Heirs (V, iii, 335)
Yeomen (V, iii, 338)
1) Which side has the larger numbers?
2) To whom or what does Richmond speak when he is left alone in lines 108—117?
How does this contrast with Richard’s character?
3) Contrast the ghosts’ words to Richard and Henry. How does this night of ill-rest for
Richard echo his oath from the previous Act? What does this tell you about
Shakespeare’s thoughts on oaths and swearing?
4) When Richard wakes, he has a pseudo-schizophrenic moment. He speaks to himself
and almost has a moment of repentance. How does Richard feel about himself right now
and what does he say will happen when he dies?
5) Contrast the waking scenes of Richard and Richmond.
6) Explain elements of propaganda in Richmond’s speech to his soldiers. Remember
how Richmond was related to Elizabeth I.
7) Does the sun shine on the day of the battle? How does this echo back to Richard’s
oath to Elizabeth?
Act V, scene iv
1) Line 7 is a very famous line. Richard has lost his horse, putting him a disadvantage,
yet he insists on continuing the fight. What does this tell you about him?
2) What do you make of his reference to numerous Richmond’s on the field of battle?
Act V, scene v
Acquit (V, v, 3)
Inter (V, v 15)
Becomes (V, v, 15)
Pardon (V, v, 16)
Sire (V, v, 26)
Conjoin (V, v, 31)
1) What happened to Richard?
2) How does Richmond treat the corpses of his noble enemies? What does this tell you
about him? Is this propaganda or no?