NOTE: Q1 is a repeat from the last set of questions, since we didn't get to touch on it at all. So if you didn't answer them last time, you can take a shot at them now if you like.
Answer TWO of the following:
Q1: In another scene reminiscent of Hamlet, the Murderers come to kill Clarence in Act 1, scene 4, but have trouble going through with the act. Why might some of their fears--and Clarence's attempts to dissuade them--echo some of Hamlet's misgivings in his play? What IS the consequence of enacting a just revenge (since Clarence IS guilty of murder himself)?
Q2: Shakespeare brings women to the forefront of this play, from Lady Anne to Queens Elizabeth and Margaret, and the Duchess. Sort of related to Q4 below, how do the women tell a different story--and focus on different details--than the men? Why might Shakespeare be keen to let them tell part of the story, and what does it add to Richard's plot of revenge and ambition?
Q3: All of Shakespeare's plays are about acting in one way or another, and this is certainly true of Richard III. Besides the scene with Lady Anne in Act 1.2, where else do we see him acting/performing for others. Is his 'role' consistent throughout the play, or does it change depending on the audience? Do people generally believe his act? And if someone doesn't, who and why not?
Q4: Unusually for a play about kings and queens, Shakespeare shifts the action to the common people in Act 2.3, with a short scene between "citizens." How does he portray the common citizens, and what language do they speak? How does their view of the play contrast with the upper classes? In other words, why might it be a very different story if THEY were telling it?
No comments:
Post a Comment