Discussion Questions
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What do you learn about Richard's character in his opening speech?
Are you attracted to his character or repulsed by it--or both? Do
your feelings about Richard change as the play develops?
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Can you identify distinctive characteristics of Richard's rhetoric?
What kinds of metaphors and images does he use?
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Compare 1.2 to 4.4. What is similar about these scenes? What
is different?
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Why do you think Anne allows herself to be seduced by Richard? Is
this believable? Do you, as a reader, want her to be seduced?
Why or why not?
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To what extend do Richard's sinister actions depend on elements of drama
and theater? Can you identify metatheatrical elements in the play?
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Compare the language and behavior of Richard to Richmond in Act 5. What
do you think Shakespeare is trying to achieve, dramatically and thematically,
with Richmond's final speech?
