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Appearan­ce vs Reality in Richard III and Macbeth

6.702 / ~20 sternsternsternsternstern Gregor S. . 2019
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Literaturwissenschaft

I.E.S. en Lenguas Vivas J. R. Fernández, Buenos Aires

2019

Gregor S. ©
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Appearance vs. Reality

Subject: Literature


Inhaltsverzeichnis

1.          Introduction. 1

2.          Development2

2.1.     Introduction of the main characters. 2

2.2.     Development of characters. 11

2.3.     Apparitions. 14

2.4.     Guiltiness. 15

3.          Conclusion. 18

4.          Works Cited:19

1.          Introduction

  In this paper, we will deal with the topic of appearance vs. reality in Shakespeare’s plays Macbeth and Richard III. In order to undertake this task, we will analyze and compare both plays focusing on several aspects of them, for example, the rise and fall of the main characters, their development and the attitudes they have towards the different events in the play.

By writing this paper, we will intend to show the differences and similarities between these two pieces, how Macbeth’s fake attitude differs from Richard’s upfront behaviour will be the baseline of this paper from which the discussion of the chosen themes will derive.

  Before we analyse the aforementioned fields, it is necessary to highlight some aspects that are found in the plays so as to retrieve their contexts. In the first place, it can be seen that both Richard and Macbeth are skillful warriors, both burn with ambition to be king and willing to destroy those who stand between them and the throne or who threaten their security once they achieve the kingship. “Despite these similarities of goal and destructive motives these men share, there are important differences between them that distinguish the two as individuals”. (Hart, 1972, p.827)

  Macbeth is motivated by the desire to become king and ambition, that and nothing more. But Richard´s motivations seem more complex, though he is considerably less complex than Macbeth as a character. He wants to be king as well as him but that goal seems not so much an end in itself but it is his triumph over other power-hungry but  men whom he detests and to whom he feels, both inferior and superior at the same time.      He has not, as he himself acknowledges, ‘the social graces and personal charm to compete in the courtly pursuits of “this weak piping time of peace” (Shakespeare, Richard III, p.9)’ (Hart, 1972, p.197).

His body is “rudely stamped”, “not shaped for sportive tricks” (Shakespeare, Richard III,p. 9). But he is more ingenious than all the rest and courage to reach which seems unattainable. Thus, though he may have a body at which even the dogs bark, housed in that deformed body are an intellect and a nature able to convince and manipulate and of taking advantage over those who disdain him.  He takes great pleasure in his successful conspiracies; each victory delights him.

  Such is not the case with Macbeth. Never does he get excited about his successes; never does he feel more than momentary satisfaction in them. His are self-defeating triumphs driving him to consolidate his role as a tragic hero who declines from being an honorable soldier to a traitor. Richard’s, as opposed to Macbeth, are glorious achievements stimulating him to look for further challenges.

2.          Development

2.1.      Introduction of the main characters

  To begin with, we are going to compare how the main characters of the plays are introduced in order to show the differences between their personalities and their attitude towards life.

  Macbeth is introduced twice. The reason why he is first introduced by three witches and later by a captain may be that he tries to show two different personalities to the society where he belongs to. As regards Macbeth’s presentation by the witches, it can be stated that there is a dark aspect related to his character, since at that moment, witches and supernatural events were considered suspicious so Macbeth will be associated most probably with committing impure or bad intended acts.

The atmosphere of this introduction (thunder and lightning) can give the reader a hint that something terrible will happen later in the play. People related to witchcraft were heavily judged by the rest of the community because as witches were the instrument of the devil, having a connection with witches revealed that these individuals would probably perform an action which goes against God.

On the other hand, when the captain introduces Macbeth, he depicts him as a brave and honourable man “For brave Macbeth – well he deserves that name –” (Shakespeare, Macbeth, p.4). He is seen by the captain, by the king, and the rest of the soldiers as a strong and worthy soldier. They admire him because of his military skills and celebrate his return being astonished by the way in which he fought in his last battle “O valiant cousin, worthy gentleman! (Shakespeare, Macbeth, p.6)”.

Although in the second description he is introduced as a noble, worthy and loyal warrior, the description of the witches helps the reader to realize that in fact, he is not as loyal as he may seem. His real personality is different from the one that he acts in front of the king and his supporters.  He has dark aspects that he tries to hide to avoid being suspected by the rest of them.

This ‘false identity’ will allow him to reach the objective of becoming the new king easier.

  Richard introduces himself telling that as he is a deformed man and because of his inability to love, the only role available and suitable for him in this play, is the role of the villain. He tries to justify his attitude towards life. In some point of his soliloquy, he is resigned to that kind of life. Instead of attempting to be a loyal, honourable and noble gentleman admired and respected by his community, he takes the easy way and decides to be a villain who does not care the methods that he has to use in order to reach his objective, in this case, of being the next king.

His soliloquy may show the hint that he suffers from mental illnesses. He explains step by step the evil tactics that he is planning to employ to become the new king of England. Taking into account what he expresses in his description, he does not feel guilty of trying to kill and plot against his own family to obtain power. He admits being ‘subtle, false and treacherous…’ and he considers these characteristics as useful and necessary for the plan that he is going to conduct.

Although he does not lie about his personality, his ability to distort the reality is used in his plan to increase his power. He invents a prophecy in order to kill his brother.  He does not feel any affective relationship with the members of his family or friends. He is not interested in being loved; he is only interested in being powerful and in obtaining the control of the country.

That objective is probably the reason why he lives for. His family, friends and supporters are secondary agents in his life, and he definitely does not doubt to trick, betray or even kill them if it is necessary for his evil intentions.  His ambition for dominating England is stronger than the feelings he has for the people who surround him.

And hate the idle pleasures of these days.

Plots have I laid, inductions dangerous,

By drunken prophecies, libels, and dreams,

To set my brother Clarence and the King

In deadly hate, the one against the other;

And if King Edward be as true and just

As I am subtle, false, and treacherous,

This day should Clarence closely be mewed up

About a prophecy which says that “G”

Of  Edward’s heirs the murderer shall be.

            (Shakespeare, Richard III, Act 1, Sc 1)


  By comparing the introductions of these two characters, we can identify some differences in their personalities and actions. To begin with, as Macbeth is described twice, it is difficult to realize which of the two descriptions is the real and appropriated for him. In the case of Richard, as he describes himself, we are assured that he is not lying in his own description since he is the one who describes himself.

At first sight, comparing the two descriptions, we reach to the conclusion that Richard is a villain, he is proud of fulfilling that role and he is not mentally affected by the role that he has chosen in his life. On the other side, Macbeth is portrayed as a hero but we know, if we consider the introduction of the witches he seems to be a hero who is tempted by them and induced to betray his values.

As the play develops, he emerges as a villain too.


Richard and Macbeth from other character’s perspective and their relationship with the audience

  In the beginning of both plays, the appreciation that some characters have of the main characters changes as the plays progresses. The characters seem to be loyal to the crown, supporters and friends but they end up betraying everyone. Their appearances disappoint all their allies.

  At first, we can reach the conclusion that Macbeth is a very successful and admired gentleman. He is part of an exclusive social group who profits from a lot of benefits than lower classes are not provided with. Macbeth proves his strength, loyalty and bravery after defeating the Irish invaders “Worthy Macbeth, we stay upon your leisure. (Shakespeare, Macbeth, p.14). It seems that he would die for the country that he is fighting for.

Macbeth

The service and the loyalty I owe,

In doing it, pays itself. Your Highness’ part

Are to your throne and state, children and servants,

Which do but what they should by doing every thing

Safe towards your love and honour.

(Shakespeare, Macbeth, Act 1, sc 4)

  By analyzing how he interacts with Duncan, the king, we can state that Macbeth respects and supports him. The king trusts Macbeth completely and he does not suspect that he may attempt to commit any harmful act against him. “This castle hath a pleasant seat; the air, Nimbly and sweetly recommends itself,Unto our gentle senses.” (Shakespeare, Macbeth Act 1, sc 6)

  After his encounter with the witches and having invited the king to his castle, Macbeth is persuaded by Lady Macbeth and decides to kill Duncan while he sleeps, but he does not imagine that something like that could happen insidethe castle of one of his most loyal warriors.  As regards the citizens’ point of view from the society where Macbeth belongs to, they consider that Macbeth is a hero whose fame in battlefields made him evolve into one of the most important members of that society.

He is also admired by their comrades. Their friendship and esteem are quite evident and he is supported by many of them. “Duncan, True, worthy Banquo; he is full so valiant, And in his commendations I am fed:It is a banquet to me. Let’s after him,Whose care is gone before to bid us welcome. It is a peerless kinsman.” (Shakespeare, Macbeth Act 1, sc 4)

  The relationship with Lady Macbeth seems to be very close and a relationship of complete trust. He tells her his plot in detail and seeks for her advice. Macbeth needs her, she is indispensable for him, and she is his confidant.

Lady Macbeth

You wait on nature’s mischief. Come, thick night,

That my keen knife see not the wound it makes,

Nor heaven peep through the blanket of the dark,

To cry ‘Hold, hold’ (Shakespeare, Macbeth Act, 1 sc 5)


  As the play grows, Macbeth’s appreciation changes abruptly. The main consequence of this modification is triggered by Duncan’s murder.  After committing this crime, a group of characters start to suspect that maybe the one who killed the king was Macbeth.  Banquo belongs to this group and decides to unveil the truth.

Lady Macbeth

How now, my lord? Why do you keep alone,

Of sorriest fancies your companions making,

Using those thoughts which should indeed have died

With them they think on? Things without all remedy

Should be without regard; what’s done is done.

(Shakespeare, Macbeth Act 3, sc 2)


   Unfortunately, when Macbeth realizes that his friend is suspecting him, he contracts two assassins to kill him. Most of his supporters and comrades leave him alone because he committed an unnatural deed; Duncan was a good king who did not deserve to be killed and apart from that he brings chaos and terror to this nation. “Malcolm, I grant him bloody,Luxurious, avaricious, false, deceitful, Sudden, malicious, smacking of every sin, That has a name; but there’s no bottom, none.” (Shakespeare, Macbeth Act 4, sc 3)

Macduff

Bleed, bleed, poor country!

Great tyranny, lay thou thy basis sure,

For goodness dare not check thee; wear thou thy wrongs,

The title is affeered. Fare thee well, lord;

I would not be the villain that thou think’st

For the whole space that’s in the tyrant’s grasp,

And the rich East to boot.

(Shakespeare, Macbeth Act 4, sc 3)


  The relationship with Lady Macbeth also changes abruptly, after his coronation; he decides to hide information about his plans from his wife. He does not tell her that he will send murderers to kill Banquo, and after that, their relationship is not as close as it was before killing the king. He decides to proceed alone.

  In the case of Richard, he is not seen as a villain as he describes himself. He is appreciated by his community, brothers, comrades, and friends. Being a duke is an honour and an exclusive place in the society, in this case, Richard is the duke of Gloucester and as a consequence of that, lower classes admire him and respect him because he is part of the royal family.

Richard
Well, your imprisonment shall not be long.

I will deliver you or else lie for you.

Meantime, have patience.

Go tread the path that thou shalt ne’er return.

Simple, plain Clarence, I do love thee so

That I will shortly send thy soul to heaven,

If heaven will take the present at our hands.

(Shakespeare, Richard III, Act 1, sc 1)

  Buckingham is Richard’s right-hand man and helps Richard in his plan to gain power. These two characters have similar personalities, both of them are ambitious and do not feel guilty of committing an immoral act or, if necessary, killing a human being to reach their objective. Queen Margaret is the one of the few characters who believes that Richard is not a loyal, noble gentleman but a traitor.

She is able to see through his disguise and appreciate his real identity and intentions.

Queen Margaret

Affrights thee with a hell of ugly devils.

Thou elvish-marked, abortive, rooting hog,

Thou that west sealed in thy nativity

The slave of nature and the son of hell,

Thou slander of thy heavy mother’s womb,

Thou rag of honour, thou detested---

(Shakespeare, Richard III, Act 1, sc 3)

   She desperately attempts to convince the king that he is not as a good brother as he seems. Unfortunately for her, Edward does not believe her and make a great effort to join Margaret with Richard. As the play develops, we are able to see mayor changes in the appreciation of these characters. To begin with, after being crowned as the new king, the society which admired him in the past, changes its mind and starts to feel that Richard is not a good king.

The citizens consider him as a tyrant and a homicide.

Third / First citizen

Third citizen: For emulation who shall now be nearest

Will touch us all too near if God prevent not

O, full of danger is the Duke of Gloucester,

And the Queen’s sons and brothers haught and proud,

And were they to be ruled, and not to rule,

This sickly land might solance as before.

First citizen: Come, come, we fear the worst. All will be well.

(Shakespeare, Richard III, Act 2, Scene 3)


  His brother Clarence realizes that Richard does not feel affection for him when the assassins that Richard hired, tell him that the one who ordered his assassination was his younger brother. Clarence feels deeply betrayed and confesses that he discovered his brother’s real identity too late.

Second murderer: You are deceived. Your brother Gloucester hates

you.

Clarence: O no, he loves me, and he holds me dear…

…It cannot be, for he bewept my fortune,

And hugged me in his arms, and swore with sobs

That he would labor my delibery.

(Shakespeare, Richard III, Act 1, sc 4)


  After knowing that Richard is not going to give him the lands that he promised in the past, Buckingham, his loyal right-hand, regrets helping and trusting him.

Buckingham

This is the day wherein I wished to fall

By the false faith of him whom most I trusted.

This, this All Souls’ Day to my fearful soul

Is the determined respite of my wrongs.

That high All-see which I dallied with

Hath turned my feigned prayer on my head

And given in earnest what I begged in jest.

Thus doth he force the swords of wicked men

To turn their own points in their masters’ bosoms.

Thus Margaret’s curse falls heavy on my neck:

“When he,” quoth she, “shall split thy heart with

sorrow,

Remember Margaret was a prophetess”

(Shakespeare, Richard III, Act 5, sc 1)

  When we have to compare the evolution of the characters’ perspectives in both plays we must say that they are closely related. Macbeth and Richard at the beginning of the play were respectable, honorable and trusted members of royalty. But as they start working in order to obtain the power that they desire, most of the characters change their attitudes towards them.

At the end of the play, a great number of people who were supporters, comrades or even friends, go against Macbeth and Richard respectively because they are not righteous kings and as a consequence of that, they bring chaos to their countries. They are two ambitious men who in their attempt to become kings, they end up losing everything that they had, their family, their status in the society, their friends, and even their lives.


Malcolm

When I shall tread upon the tyrant’s head

Or wear it on my sword, yet my poor country

Shall have more vices than it had before,

More suffer, and more sundry ways than ever,

By him that shall succeed.


Richmond

A bloody tyrant and a homicide;

One raised in blood, and one in blood established;

One that made means to come by what he hath,

And slaughtered those that were the means to help

him;

A base foul stone, made precious by the foil

Of England’s chair, where he is falsely set;

One that hath ever been God’s enemy.

Then if you fight against God’s enemy,

God will, in justice, ward you as his soldiers.

If you do sweat to put a tyrant down,

You sleep in peace, the tyrant being slain.

If you do fight against your country’s foes,

Your country’s fat shall pay your pains the hire.

If you do fight in safeguard of your wives,

Your wives shall welcome home the conquerors.

If you do free your children from the sword,

Your children’s children quits in your age.

Then, in the name of God and all these rights,

Advance your standards; draw your willing swords.

(Shakespeare, Richard III, Act 5, sc 3)


  The characters have opposing relationships with the audience due to their different personalities. Richard shows his true self and tells the audience about his plans and intentions from the beginning of the play whereas Macbeth does not have a close relationship with the audience and his ambition cannot be perceived at first. Macbeth does not invite the audience to see his true intentions and plans.

Richard establishes a close relationship between the audience and him and confesses his plots. In his soliloquy, he reveals all the necessary information that we need to get to know him and to realize how he is going to behave and act throughout the play. He confesses that he is not the hero, but the villain of the play. After being informed about his way of thinking, we can expect the methods that he may use to attain his main objective.

Although the relationship between the audience and these two characters is different, we end up knowing them in detail and realizing when they are lying, when they are being fake and when they are telling the truth.

2.2.      Development of characters

  The main characters of Macbeth and Richard III almost share the same pattern of development: The rise and fall of a great man, the rest of the play follows the disintegration of all they have achieved, a process which culminates with their deaths and the installment of new kings. Macbeth and Richard seem to be loyal and noble soldiers but the rest of the characters of these two plays learn that they cannot judge a book by looking at its cover.


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