Quotes (Richard III)

This section explains the key quotes from the play Richard III by William Shakespeare. Richard III is one of Shakespeare's history plays, depicting the rise and fall of the notorious Richard, Duke of Gloucester, who manipulates, murders, and schemes his way to the English throne. The play is known for its exploration of power, manipulation, and the consequences of tyranny, with Richard III as one of Shakespeare's most iconic villains.

"Now is the winter of our discontent / Made glorious summer by this sun of York" (Act 1, Scene 1)

Analysis: This famous opening line reflects Richard’s dissatisfaction with his position in the newly peaceful England, ruled by his brother King Edward IV (the "sun" of York). It signals his intention to disrupt the peace for personal gain.

"I am determined to prove a villain" (Act 1, Scene 1)

Analysis: Richard acknowledges his choice to embrace villainy and manipulate those around him. His self-awareness and determination to be evil is central to his character.

"Plots have I laid, inductions dangerous" (Act 1, Scene 1)

Analysis: Richard hints at his devious plans, showing his meticulous nature in plotting to undermine his family and climb to the throne.

"Was ever woman in this humour wooed? / Was ever woman in this humour won?" (Act 1, Scene 2)

Analysis: After successfully wooing Lady Anne, the widow of a man he killed, Richard marvels at his own manipulation. This reveals his cunning nature and mastery of deceit.

"The world is grown so bad / That wrens make prey where eagles dare not perch" (Act 1, Scene 3)

Analysis: This reflects the corruption of society under the Yorkist rule, where weaker figures, like Richard, take advantage of more honourable men. It speaks to the disorder of the kingdom.

"Why, I can smile, and murder whiles I smile" (Act 3, Scene 2)

Analysis: Richard’s ability to mask his true intentions is one of his greatest strengths. His capacity for hypocrisy and his lack of conscience allow him to commit atrocities without guilt.

"So wise so young, they say, do never live long" (Act 3, Scene 1)

Analysis: Richard cynically foreshadows the murder of the young princes in the Tower. His comment reflects his ruthlessness and willingness to eliminate any obstacle to his throne.

"Tear-falling pity dwells not in this eye" (Act 4, Scene 2)

Analysis: Richard denies any sense of empathy or remorse, embodying the play’s theme of moral corruption and illustrating his lack of humanity.

"I’ll have her, but I will not keep her long" (Act 4, Scene 2)

Analysis: Richard speaks of his intention to marry Elizabeth of York, but this line hints at his cruel, disposable attitude towards women and his overarching ambition to consolidate power.

"The king’s name is a tower of strength" (Act 5, Scene 3)

Analysis: Richard expresses his belief in the invincibility of royal authority. However, this confidence is misplaced, as his rule is unstable and corrupt, making him vulnerable.

"A horse! A horse! My kingdom for a horse!" (Act 5, Scene 4)

Analysis: In the heat of battle, Richard’s desperation is evident. This quote encapsulates the irony of his situation—he has sacrificed everything for power, but in the end, is reduced to needing something as simple as a horse.

"I shall despair. There is no creature loves me, / And if I die, no soul will pity me" (Act 5, Scene 3)

Analysis: In a rare moment of introspection, Richard acknowledges his isolation. His lack of love or loyalty from others highlights the consequences of his ruthless actions.

"Conscience is but a word that cowards use" (Act 5, Scene 3)

Analysis: Richard dismisses the concept of conscience, further underscoring his moral decay. His inability to feel guilt or remorse plays a significant role in his ultimate downfall.

"O coward conscience, how dost thou afflict me!" (Act 5, Scene 3)

Analysis: Despite his earlier dismissal of conscience, Richard is haunted by it in this scene, showing the inner conflict between his ruthless ambition and his suppressed guilt.

"Shadows tonight / Have struck more terror to the soul of Richard / Than can the substance of ten thousand soldiers" (Act 5, Scene 3)

Analysis: After being visited by the ghosts of those he has murdered, Richard admits that his own fears and guilt are more terrifying than any physical threat.

"Bloody thou art, bloody will be thy end" (Act 4, Scene 4)

Analysis: The Duchess of York curses her son Richard, predicting that his violent reign will result in his own bloody demise. This foreshadows his downfall and emphasises the theme of divine justice.

"For God’s sake, let us sit upon the ground / And tell sad stories of the death of kings" (Act 3, Scene 2)

Analysis: Richard speaks philosophically about the transient nature of power and the inevitable downfall of kings. This serves as a commentary on the fragility of authority and mortality.

"O, no! Alas, I rather hate myself" (Act 4, Scene 2)

Analysis: Richard, in a moment of rare honesty, reveals self-loathing. This fleeting glimpse of his internal struggle contrasts with his usual self-confidence and cruelty.

"I am unfit for state and majesty" (Act 4, Scene 4)

Analysis: Richard recognises, perhaps too late, that he is ill-suited to be king. This moment of self-awareness adds depth to his character and signals his impending downfall.

"Let us to’t pell-mell, if not to heaven, then hand in hand to hell" (Act 5, Scene 3)

Analysis: This defiant line, delivered before battle, shows Richard’s acceptance of his fate. He is prepared to face the consequences of his actions, even if it means eternal damnation.

Conclusion

Richard III explores the corrupting nature of unchecked ambition and power. Richard’s manipulation, ruthlessness, and moral decay ultimately lead to his downfall. Through the key quotes and moments in the play, Shakespeare reveals the consequences of tyranny and the inevitable triumph of justice.