Shakespeare's Richard III: Key Concepts

Shakespeare's Richard III is a dramatized portrayal of the historical king, focusing on his Machiavellian rise to power. Richard, driven by jealousy and ambition, manipulates and murders his way to the throne, including imprisoning his brother Clarence and marrying Lady Anne. His tyrannical rule leads to widespread fear and paranoia, ultimately resulting in his defeat by the Earl of Richmond, who restores peace to the kingdom.

What is the historical context in which Shakespeare's Richard III is set?

• The reign of King Henry VIII

• The reign of King Edward IV

• The reign of Queen Elizabeth I

• The reign of King James I

What physical deformity does Richard III have in Shakespeare's play?

• A limp

• A hunchback

• Blindness

• A missing arm

What prophecy does Richard use to have Clarence arrested?

• A prophecy about a dragon

• A prophecy about a lion

• A prophecy about a comet

• A prophecy about a name starting with G

How does Richard manipulate Lady Anne?

• By threatening her family

• By claiming he killed her husband out of love for her

• By offering her wealth

• By promising her a title

What is Queen Elizabeth's concern after King Edward's death?

• Her own health

• Her popularity

• Her sons' safety

• Her financial status

What rumor does Richard spread to position himself as the rightful king?

• That Clarence is still alive

• That he is the true heir by birthright

• That the queen is plotting against him

• That the princes are illegitimate

Who does Richard order to execute the two young princes?

• Queen Elizabeth

• The Duke of Buckingham

• Sir James Tyrell

• Lord Hastings

Who turns against Richard and allies with Henry Earl of Richmond?

• Queen Elizabeth

• Lord Rivers

• The Duke of Buckingham

• Lady Anne

What does Richard experience on the eve of the battle with Richmond?

• A vision of victory

• Nightmares of the ghosts of those he killed

• A sudden illness

• A message from a prophet

What famous line does Richard cry out during his final battle?

• To be or not to be

• A horse, a horse, my kingdom for a horse

• All the world's a stage

• Et tu, Brute?