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Richard III Research Paper

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Jake Power
Mr. Dineley
ENG 1D1-05
21 April 2023
The Role of The Supernatural in Richard III Richard III, written by William Shakespeare, follows the rise and fall of Richard of Gloucester and his kingdom including the terrible actions that he committed along the way. Throughout the novel, two of the most evident themes are the themes of guilt and innocence. However, many of the story’s other themes lurk beneath the surface waiting to be discovered and deciphered by the reader. One of these underlying themes is the role of the supernatural and how it foreshadowed later events and influenced the guilt and innocence of the characters, especially Richard. The supernatural is utilized throughout Richard III to develop the themes of guilt and innocence. …show more content…

These ghosts appear to Richard and Richmond the night before their battle and consist of King Henry VI, Clarence, Buckingham, Lady Anne, the princes and many more. Each of them curse Richard to die in battle and bless Richmond to succeed. However, the ghosts delivering the most powerful and impactful lines are the princes as they were the rightful heirs to the throne before they were killed. The ghosts of the two princes curse out Richard by saying:
Dream on thy cousins smothered in the Tower.
Let us lead within thy bosom, Richard,
And weigh thee down to ruin, shame, and death.
Thy nephews’ souls bid thee despair and die. (5.3. 150-153)
In this quote, the supernatural develops the theme of guilt because the princes condemn Richard to carry the guilt of ending their young and bright lives throughout his battle against Richmond. Although, the princes are not the only ones who cursed Richard to carry this guilt during the battle. Indeed, all of Richard’s victims sentenced him to a conscience full of despair before he would die. Contrarily, the ghosts wish nothing but success and hope onto Richmond in his dreams. The princes demonstrate this great contrast when they tell Richmond:
Sleep, Richmond, sleep in peace and wake in joy.
Good angels guard thee from the boar’s annoy.
Live, and beget a happy race of kings.
Edward’s unhappy sons do bid thee

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