EN 3535 Lecture Notes - Elizabeth Woodville, Richard Burbage, Jane Shore
Document Summary
Lecture 5 part 2 richard iii oct 18. One of the most famous actors in shakespeare"s time. Played the lead role in richard iii. Background to the play: shakespeare"s sources for the story of richard iii. Wars of the roses (period of civil war in england; lancastrians and yorkists). Women"s roles in the play, the power of cursing. Figure of the machiavel associated with the work of the italian political theorist. Nicolo machiavelli, especially his treatise the prince (1513; published 1532). I am determined to prove a villain" (1. 1. 30) And if king edward be as true and just/ as i am subtle, false, and treacherous " (1. 1. 36-37). Thus, like the formal vice, iniquity, i moralize two meanings in one word" (3. 1. 82- Like aaron and lago, richard uses the prejudices of his peers to his advantage, exploiting misogynist discourse in his campaigns against elizabeth woodville, and his older brother edward iv. Works to discredit his rivals (or has them killed).
