The Character of Richard III Argumentative Essay Example
The Character of Richard III Argumentative Essay Example

The Character of Richard III Argumentative Essay Example

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  • Pages: 4 (891 words)
  • Published: January 28, 2018
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In the Shakespearean play "Richard III," the character Richard is crafted as a representation of the old, ego, and superego of psychology. The concept of the old demands immediate satisfaction, an impulsive component of human qualities.

The ego is concerned with devising a realistic strategy to obtain pleasure, which tries to avoid consequences and seek social acceptance. On the other hand, the superego is based on moral values, where the individual is aware of their rights and wrongs. Throughout Richards's conquest for the throne, Richard displays qualities of the 'd, ego, and superego.

The old start at the beginning of the play.

The old is displayed by Richard's desire to claim the throne. He has an impulsive desire to get rid of the individuals that threaten his opportunity to the crown. An example would be Hastings's execution, the massacre

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of Elizabethan family, and the replacement of Lady Anne. Through Richard's plot to reign, Richard discovers Hastings' favor of the young princes who, in fact, threaten Richard's hunger for kingship. With Richard's realization of Hastings' position, Richard Impulsively says, "Thou art a tractor off with his head" (3. 4. 6-77).

The id is shown here because of the demand for immediate satisfaction. Richards need for instant gratification is also shown through a messenger's news to Elizabeth. The messenger says, "Lord Rivers and Lord Grey are sent to Foment... SSL prisoners" (2. 4.46-47). Elizabethan brothers are later executed by Richard's command. Richard will generate on Instinct and detach empathy for the living relatives of his victims. Not only that, the young princes, who are also a threat, become his Instinctive victims.

Richard says "Dart's thou resolve to kill

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friend of deep enemies, goes to my rest, and my sweet sleep's disturbers" (4. . 73-75). To purge the competition, Richard desperately seeks a way to plot their death, which also reveals the pleasure that the id seeks to obtain. Lastly, Richard's id is displayed by his quick disregard of his wife, Lady Anne. In order to strengthen his reign, he learns that he must create marital ties with his brother's daughter.

He declares, "Rumor it abroad that Anne my wife Is... Grievous slack... And Like[lay] to die... L must be married to my brothers daughter or else my kingdom stands on brittle glass" (4. 2. 53;64).

It is hinted that Richard plans to murder Lady Anne, his wife, to receive a new fresh wife, who will strengthen his reign as king. Again, he displays no remorse for his actions, it is a take and conquers game just like the id prefers. The ego is shown through Richards realistic ways of satisfying the id's demands, which would be Richards plots of avoiding his consequences and obtaining social acceptance. To avoid the consequences of his murders, and of course to take away any threats of competition, Richard creates a blame scheme against his enemies. For, ... L am bewitched... Old my arm... His is Edwards wife, that monstrous instance "witch, consorted with that harlot, strumpet Shore... Talk; SST thou to me with 'ifs? Thou art a traitor..." (3. 4. 70-76).

Richard creates a fabricated accusation and in the end, Hastings becomes hesitant on Richards claim. Richard declares Hastings as a traitor, thanks to Hastings' hesitation and his favor for the princes. To gain trust, and to, in addition,

the ego crafts Richards social acceptance. Richard is not a favorable man, especially not to Queen Elizabeth.

He's slightly gotten rid of the competition, so Richard plans to pursue a much more positive image.

For instance, Richard says "There, at your meets vantage of the time, infer the bastards of Edwards children. Tell them how Edward put to death a citizen only for saying he would make his son Heir to the Crown..." (3. 5. 75-80). Richard declares Bucking to present a speech to the people of London. He is to stir ill words against King Edward IV and the young princes. He implies that the princes are not Edwards legitimate heirs.

Richard's goal is to make the people demand Richard to the throne, instead of the princes. Before vying the orders of their death, Richard conducts a scheme that will avoid consequences.

Ultimately, he seeks methods to gain the crown, in a much more socially acceptable way. The superego of Richard is entirely absent. The superego is based on morals and judgment, however, it is expressed lightly. Richard is now king, and with Richmond battle ahead of Richard, the murders come to haunt King Richard in his sleep.

He dreams of the ghosts, and they curse Richard. After the haunts, Richard states, "Is there a murderer here? No. Yes, I am...' am a villain... My conscience hath a thousand overall tongues, and every tongue brings in several tales, And every tale condemns me for a villain" (5. 196-207). Richard becomes aware of his wrongs, he understands that his actions have stained his hands as a villain. However, he has gotten what the id has been hungry for,

the throne. He dismisses it and focuses on the battle against Richmond. He declares to engage in this battle against their rebellion, and their opposition towards the rightful king, which is himself.

The id has entirely conducted Richards psyche. He has fulfilled the id's desire, therefore, the superego is shaded in the back of Richards mind.

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