Essay about Richard as an Anti-hero - 1000 Words

Richard as an Anti-hero: To what extent does Richard embody this archetype? In William Shakespeare’s play, Richard III, Richard is portrayed as physically deformed and psychologically affected. It is believed that his inner soul is a reflection of his physical deformities. Richard is considered as the protagonist of this play, however this is highly contradictive. A protagonist is the hero of the story who exhibits characteristics of courage and perseverance, and is admired for their brave deeds as well as their noble qualities. Richard however, contradicts the character portrayal of a hero and demonstrates himself as the exact opposite: an anti-hero. The play opens up with Richard’s, (Duke of Gloucester) soliloquy: â€Å"I am determined to†¦show more content†¦Richard says to Lady Anne: â€Å"Your beauty was the cause of the effect: Your beauty, that did haunt me in my sleep To undertake the death of all the world, So I might live one hour in your sweet bosom† (1.2.126-129) Richard takes a huge risk, handing Anne a knife and demanding she take away his life for he had murdered both her father and husband. He insists to her it is only fair that she take his life in response. Lady Anne rejects, falling for Richard’s trap for she accepts his proposal of love. Richard succeeds in manipulation. In the scene, Richard plays the role of a lover who will provide Anne with the emotional support she would need; especially after suffering two loses. By persuading and manipulating Lady Anne, Richard was able to get what he was really after; the power and a truce with the house of Lancaster. This method of persuasion and manipulation are the basic fundamentals that Richard uses on those he sees as useful in accomplishing his devilish deeds. Family, loyalty, trust and marriage are some of the values and traditions that Richard ignores. â€Å"Richard acts like a caring brother (to Clarence), devoted lover, the innocent who is unjustly accused, a pious man of God and the simple fellow who is too modest to become King† (Cambridge 235). â€Å"I will deliver for you or else lie for you† (1, 1,115.) are the exact words that Richard expresses to Clarence when Clarence was being sent to the tower. As soon as Clarence is out of sight, Richard’sShow MoreRelatedThe Maxx By Sam Keith954 Words   |  4 PagesThe Maxx by Sam Keith is story that follows the adventures of a supposedly purple hero through a real world and an alternative reality. Written in the era known as the â€Å"nineties anti-hero† the Maxx is considered a peculiar comic with a weird purple character. 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