Richard III Act 4 Scene 4

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The two interpretations performed for Richard III Act 4, scene 4, lines 110-147, were one as the universal tragic and the other as comedic. The tragic interpretation of the scene follows the universal perception of the play. Richard is this angry and psychopathic character who seeks to be villainous. The women in the scene are all scared of Richard as they are aware of his deeds. Queen Elizabeth asks Margaret to “teach me how to curse mine enemies” (4.4, 111) because she is scared and wants Richard to pay for his crimes. The women speak in conspiracy so the tone of their words is quiet and secretive. They are aware that if Richard hears what they have to say, it could also be the end for them. The Duchess attempts to be brave when she is about to speak to Richard; however she is struck with fear once the women “intercept his expedition” (4.4, 130). …show more content…

Thus he asks his preceding band to “strike alarum” (4.4, 143) in order to drown out his moral distress. Richard is angry and instills even more fear into the women as he pushes them back with his words. This corresponds with the entirety of the play because Richard does eventually allow his moral conscious to have a moment of realization where in his dream he understands his wrong doings in Act 5, scene 3. Richard could only drown out the truth for so long. Richard closes the scene of with “thus I will drown your exclamations” (4.4, 147). because he wishes to drown out their hurtful words; they bother him so he needs to ignore them. This is why his tone throughout all his lines is in irritation and