Richard III - Villain As A Hero, Oxford University, August 1,2011
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The document discusses the influence of Niccolò Machiavelli's political philosophy on Shakespeare's portrayal of King Richard III, emphasizing the tension between morality and the ruthless pursuit of power. It explores the character's villainous actions, the dilemma of effective leadership, and the tragic waste of Richard's potential as a hero. Ultimately, it concludes that while Machiavellian tactics can be effective in politics, they can lead to detrimental consequences for leaders and their kingdoms.
Richard III - Villain As A Hero, Oxford University, August 1,2011
- 1. Richard III – Villain as Hero Machiavelli’s Influence on ShakespeareMy Kingdom for a StageJim MukerjeeAugust 1, 2011
- 2. AgendaNiccolo MachiavelliKing Richard IIIInfluence of Machiavelli’s PhilosophyDilemma of LeadershipConclusionEpilogue
- 3. Niccolo Machiavelli (1469 – 1527)The Prince, published in Italy,1532
- 4. King Richard III (1452 - 1485) “Every tale condemns me for a villain”.
- 5. Influence of Machiavelli’s Political Philosophy“Learn how not to be good”: The ends justify the means A ruler must survive – do whatever it takes, moral or immoral, to get and retain the throneGeorge is Richard’s first targetArranged to kill his brother with impunity!“Learn well to disguise true character: feign and pretend”Egregious pretence of a pious life of prayer and meditationImmediate switch back to accepting the throne when pressed
- 6. Influence of Machiavelli’s Political Philosophy“IT is necessary to seem to have the required qualities. In politics appearance trumps reality”: Form is more important than substanceRichard makes a mockery of love and camaraderie So do all others present at Edward IV’s deathbed“Avoid usurping property, women & children of subjects”: Arranged to kill two young, innocent princes in the towerReneged on promise of property and Dukedom to Buckingham
- 7. Dilemma of LeadershipIf you have to commit immoral and evil acts to become a successful leader, how can you also be a good person?Richard does not triumph at the endHuman instinct forces people to act in outrage when sufficiently provoked: Richard loses allies, family, and the audienceUse good judgment to balance between Villain and HeroShakespeare: Pride goeth before a fall!
- 8. ConclusionAlthough necessary in politics, taking Machiavellian philosophy too far is not a prudent strategy for leadership
- 9. Leaders must learn from history, or be doomed to repeat the same mistakes
- 10. Richard loses good judgment and does not value the importance and responsibilities of being a true king
- 11. Had Richard not been so persistently evil, he indeed would have been a real Hero – a tragic waste of a heroic opportunity - Villain as Hero!HonniSoit Qui Mal Y Pense
- 12. EPILOGUE
- 13. EpilogueGood ‘morrow my noble lords and ladies of class,Close reading, thrust stage, mixed metaphors, prolepsis ‘n puns, soliloquies alas,If blind ambition, cold conscience ‘ere guidesfor thee,What sort of king doth think you would be?