As we know from our conversations in class, perception is a central concept in Shakespeare’s writing. In addition to toying with the uses and perception of language, he creates multifaceted characters whose complexity allows for them, and their actions, to be viewed in a myriad of ways. One of the most intriguing characters yet is that of Richard III. Taken at face value, Richard is evil, manipulative, vindictive and sinister. He seems to plot against everyone he knows with little to no remorse for the pain he causes them, finding motivation for his bad deeds in his thirst for power and control. At the same time, however, the reader has the option to view Richard in a sympathetic light if they so choose to– even if it may be a stretch.
To do so, it is important to remember and acknowledge Richard’s status as ‘deformed’. People with deformities, especially overt physical ones, face heavy stigmitization from society and those around them. Richard’s external maladies can either be viewed as representations of his evil soul, or the root of the strife that fuels his bad behavior. Voicing early on in the play that he is, “rudely stamped and want love’s majesty,” (1.1.16) Richard is the only one who truly has to deal with the weight of his alienation and loneliness.
Furthermore, Richard faces heavy rejection and disdain from his family, especially his own mother. Referring to him as “my shame” (2.2.28), his mother works to viciously oppose his entire being. This turbulent mother son relationship signifies the deep void of consideration and love in Richards life, and could work to justify his wrongdoings. Perhaps, the reader could consider, that Richard is simply acting out because even the woman who brought him into the world does not care for him.
Another intriguing aspect of Richard’s characterization is the way in which he views himself. Seeming to never backdown from his enemies, he proves that while he may be physically unfortunate, he is rich in other abilities. A skillful manipulator, communicator, and strategist, Richard doesn’t ever seem to emotionally react to his deformity. In fact, with the way in which he strives for control and ruthlessly pursues the throne, Richard seems to have nothing but confidence in himself and his abilities. He uses this confidence and self-motivating perception of himself to fuel his strive for power. While the rest of the world may view him as a cripple, or an underdog who can be deemed ‘incapable’, Richard finds strength in his self-perception in order to fight for the life he wants– regardless of how the reader views it morally.
Thank you for playing devil’s advocate for Richard, because I agree that his deformity is an important dimension of hid characters as a motivation for his actions. While the treatment of Richard by those close to him may not be a justification for what he does to his family, it does offer and explanation. I completely agree that stigmatization and rejection appear to be the direct cause of Richard’s disdain and fury with the world around him. We know this from the many references he makes to his repulsiveness and inability to be loved, he has clearly internalized the hatred those around him have shown.
It’s interesting the way Richard’s confidence, ambition, and focus manifest themselves very differently from similar characters we have more affection for. Ambition is often considered a good trait in a protagonist, but something happens with Richard that is much darker yet not dissimilar from other characters with his drive.
You’re definitely on the money with recognizing Richard as one of Shakespeare’s anti-heroes, as he’s someone we love to hate. We as the reader are forced to spend a great deal of time with the young earl of Gloucester, so it’s only fair that because of the amount of time we hear him speak and think we develop some sort of connection with him. I agree that it’s easy to fall into the trap of empathizing with him because of his deformity, and I call it a trap because I do believe Richard to be a selfish and rather evil character. We read so much into his actiosn and psyche because of how much text he accounts for, but to me there’s no excusing his actions by the end of the play. I also definitely agree with how important you pointed out his own self confidence is, as without that I truly don’t see how he would have been able to support his claim for kingship.
Richard is often regarded as an anti-hero, rather than as a straight villain, to It is very interesting to think about Richard’s “deformity” as an added layer that we as the audience may, or may not have considered. If we were to think about it that way, it brings up the conversation of free will. In Act I, Scene I, Richard states in his opening soliloquy, “I am determined to prove a villain.” We can view this words as Richard simply stating that he is self-aware of his own diabolical nature, and that he chooses to commit these schemes based solely on his own accord. However, it is also possible to view Richard’s use of the word “determined” as his confession to lacking free-will, as his his destiny as an outsider and non-lover is already bestowed upon him. Thus, he must act as a villain, as it is the fate that he did not choose, but was given. If we were to compound this theory with the fact that the people who has surrounded him in his life have often treated him negatively an with disdain, then it is possible to see Richard’s actions and eventual downfall as a tragedy, rather than the simple vanquishing of a villain.