Moreover, a major strategy employed in these four lines is appealing to emotion. Gloucester “reminds the audience of his (York) past glory” and suggests that his belligerent attitude should not be disregarded since it was the mean by which the impasse between the two houses was ended (57). Hence, “now” highlights the moment, the present time, compared to the past. It serves as a ground for his propaganda toward a future that avails [the] prophecy, which says that ‘G’ of Edward’s heirs the murderer shall be.” (I.i 39). Had he opened the speech with “this”, the temporal effect would have been lost. The speech is crafted to separate “the now and then” in which the former represents the Yorks, namely, Richard. Hence, the audience is presented to a leader that …show more content…
Why? Because the speech is a preamble of his course of action; it gives the reader a hint of how Shakespeare perceives King Richard III as a leader and as civilian. Specifically, it is almost inconceivable to digest the thought of how he does not lose character amidst all the insults Anne says to him. Nevertheless, in her effortful attempt, she fails to reverse Richard’s desire for her love and she ends up giving in and accepting the ring that symbolizes marriage and the halt of their interpersonal quarrel. Perseverance leads to the conquest of what appears to be an impossible or forbidden love that from Burton’s analysis simultaneously fuels the intensity and sophistication of his rhetoric. The trap is set up by Gloucester is deployed systematically using a dialectical logic that takes Anne from one point to the next preventing any counterattack. Even the nasty episode of spitting in his face is reverted into a logical fallacy. Everything he says makes sense and follows a critical thinking pattern where Anne is ingratiated or