Free Richard III Essays: The Power of Seduction :: Richard II Richard III Essays

Richard III  The Power of Seduction          The word seduce according to Websters Dictionary means to shape and draw away from proper conduct.  This is exactly what Richard, Duke of Gloucester/King Richard III accomplishes in Richard III.  In Richards life he does not only move from deformed porcupine to husband, but from beast to King.  One may ask how such deeds were performed.  However, a second look may make the deeds look simple.  Richard show a strong power of subjection throughout the play that not only seduced Lady Anne, but many others.              Richards first conquest by seduction was Lady Anne.  In the passage where Anne accused Gloucter of being the brace of her husbands death (I.ii.120-21), Gloucter replies not denying that he was the agent that caused the death.  However, he follows by saying to Anne, Your beauty was the cause of that effect (I.ii. 121).  He continues using the excuse that her beauty caused everything.  Finally, he actually admits that he shoot downed Annes husband, but in the same breath he says she caused it.  I did kill King Henry--/but twas thy beauty that provoked me (I.ii.179-80).  This seemingly sick and twisted style of persuasion works in seducing the spitting Lady Anne into becoming his wife.  Obviously, by Anne fetching the same hand in marriage that killed her former husband one can see that she was drawn away from proper conduct.              Rhe citizens were also seduced by Richard.  However, in Act III.vii. his wits alone did not work the persuasion.  He had help from the Bishops, props and Buchingham.   The Mayor exclaims to the citizens,See where his Grace stands, tween two clergymen  (III.vii.95).   This is all part of Richards sizable act.  He wants to win the people by being a noble and good man.  He wants them to believe that he is not only a moralistic man, but a modest one.  Buchingham proceeds in supporting Richard in this attempt.  Buchingham observes Richard and states to the people Two props of virtue for a Christian prince, To stay him from the regress o vanity And see, a book of prayer in his hands- True ornaments to know a holy man. (III.vii.96-99).   Richard sways the citizens much differently than he persuaded Anne.  He persuaded Anne by reminding her that his fault was caused by her beauty.  One may say he was playing with her emotions.