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Similarities Between Richard III And Al Pacino

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An exploration of both Shakespeare’s historical tragedy King Richard III (1592) and Al Pacino’s docudrama Looking for Richard (1996) highlights how each text can enrich the audience’s understanding of the other in their exploration of the universal theme of power. Set in 16th century Elizabethan England, Shakespeare explores the Machiavellian use of power through Richard III’s manipulation of others through deception and his mastery of language. Al Pacino’s adaptation of this concept in Looking for Richard in postmodern America offers a new perspective on the significance of language, and the reality in America. However despite the evolving contexts, the comparison of the both texts reveals that the lust for power is inherent in all human condition.
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Despite the Christian values of modesty and loyalty which were prominent during Shakespeare’s context, Richard is portrayed morally diverging and treacherous which signifies these values in the play. Richard’s sycophantic language in “true…duteous…noble” in Act II.I shows his deception to present himself as loyal and righteous. Richard’s acting in Act III.VII using the high modality language in “Yet so much is my poverty of spirit” displays his humility as he feigns reluctance to coronation which ironically persuades the people of court to advocate his kingship. Also, Richard’s religious reference in “Come, let us to our holy work again” portrays him as a dedicated, holy man. This deceptive appearance of Richard ultimately legitimises his throne by portraying him as the rightful heir set by God which alludes to the theatrical nature in the pursuit for power. Thus, Shakespeare explores this notion of power in relation to the deceptive appearance of Richard to also reflect the significance of his contextual values of integrity and

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Power can be displayed in various different ways, whether it be physical force, manipulation, coercion or persuasion, it has an inevitable effect on the environment facing it. The nature of power influences people who have too much authority to become overly conceited, resulting in failure driven by manipulation and neglect. This phenomenon is vividly portrayed in Hamlet by William Shakespeare and The Glass Castle by Jeanette Walls. In both narratives, characters demonstrate an excessive abuse of power, ultimately leading to failure for themselves and those around them. The power they are given is a valid proof of Abraham Lincoln’s quote, “Nearly all men can withstand adversity; but if you want to test a man’s character, give him power.”

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How does the reimagining and reframing of a text reveal common or disparate issues, values and ideas in society Textual conversations provide individuals with the ability to reimagine and reframe allowing people to gain new insights whilst reflecting common ideals and disparate perspectives. Shakespeare's historical play Richard III(KRIII) was written in the Elizabethan era, reflecting the political instability and the social upheaval for power with the purpose of reinforcing the legitimacy of the Tudor Myth through the lens of the villainous character, Richard. The documentary film Looking for Richard(LFR) directed by Al Pacino in 1996, sought to engage a contemporary American audience with the deconstruction of Shakespeare's play KRIII.By

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One’s reputation is gathered by the honor bestowed on them. Throughout the ancient and modern world honor is envied by many. During the study and read of Julius Caesar, a Shakespearian play following the death of Pompey and Caesar’s downfall, many characters are tested to being honorable. The merit of having honor and being honorable are central themes within the play. Characters are affected by their decisions because of their lust for reputation.

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Shakespeare’s use of language helps to portray the major theme of deception in the play Hamlet. The utilization of diction helps to equate Claudius to an evil person, while metaphors help to make the comparison between Claudius and a deathly animal. By making comparisons and using specific word choice that help support the theme, Shakespeare is able to portray the deceitful antics of King

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Deception is an action driven with the motive to employ one purpose which can be to mislead another individual in order to gain knowledge, to get revenge, or to reveal a plan unknown to the public eye and keeping it that way for the dutiful well-being of the Kingdom of Denmark. In the tragedy Hamlet by William Shakespeare, deception develops into the character trait that initiates the actions, heartbreak, and revenge driving this play. This attribute held by Hamlet is the leading cause of this same flaw development in Ophelia, King Claudius, and many others in an attempt to reinforce the theme. This theme is one of heroism, but the deceptive notion each action reveals challenges the perception the reader has on each of the main characters. In order to be able to fully analyze the part Hamlet’s deception plays in driving the plot and storyline of this tragedy, one must understand that a foil character juxtaposes each character to illuminate their shortcomings.

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