Richard the III is a character in Shakespeare that has a limp, a withered arm, and a hunchback. He was a criminal genius. He is responsible for multiple deaths, some of which include his young nephews, his brother, and his wife.
However, in real life, Richard was not as popular as his brother, Edward the IV. Richard was the last king to die in combat, not just commanding his troops from the sideline. Which, I think is a very good impression for the last king in the house of York.
But why was he a villain in Shakespeare’s play? Well, one reason is that he was disabled. Back then, disabled people were a sign of evil. He had scoliosis, which was a disadvantage in battle, and it weakened his mobility and posture (which explains the hunchback). Remember, even though Shakespeare was a master at plays, that does not mean he didn’t believe in medieval superstition. Even in the play, Richard is repeatedly insulted by his mother, his future bride, and the lords in his court.
One other detail that makes Richard different than other kings is that his burial site wasn’t discovered until recently. It was found by a team of archaeologists from the University of Leicester. They found the grave in 2012.
In conclusion, Richard III is a villain in Shakespeare’s play but was not a villain in real life.
Article: Why Shakespeare’s Richard III became a controversial villain – BBC Culture.pdf
However, in real life, Richard was not as popular as his brother, Edward the IV. Richard was the last king to die in combat, not just commanding his troops from the sideline. Which, I think is a very good impression for the last king in the house of York.
But why was he a villain in Shakespeare’s play? Well, one reason is that he was disabled. Back then, disabled people were a sign of evil. He had scoliosis, which was a disadvantage in battle, and it weakened his mobility and posture (which explains the hunchback). Remember, even though Shakespeare was a master at plays, that does not mean he didn’t believe in medieval superstition. Even in the play, Richard is repeatedly insulted by his mother, his future bride, and the lords in his court.
One other detail that makes Richard different than other kings is that his burial site wasn’t discovered until recently. It was found by a team of archaeologists from the University of Leicester. They found the grave in 2012.
In conclusion, Richard III is a villain in Shakespeare’s play but was not a villain in real life.
Article: Why Shakespeare’s Richard III became a controversial villain – BBC Culture.pdf
