Free Richard III Essays: The Power of Seduction :: Richard II Richard III Essays

Richard III  The Power of Seduction          The word seduce harmonize to Websters Dictionary means to tempt and draw away from kosher conduct.  This is exactly what Richard, Duke of Gloucester/King Richard III accomplishes in Richard III.  In Richards life he does non and move from deformed hedgehog to husband, but from beast to King.  One may ask how such deeds were performed.  However, a second look may render the deeds look simple.  Richard demonstrated a strong power of seduction throughout the play that not only seduced gentlewoman Anne, but many others.              Richards for the first time conquest by seduction was Lady Anne.  In the passage where Anne accused Gloucter of being the cause of her husbands death (I.ii.120-21), Gloucter replies not denying that he was the agent that caused the death.  However, he follows by saying to Anne, Your beauty was th e cause of that effect (I.ii.121).  He continues using the excuse that her beauty caused everything.  Finally, he actually admits that he killed Annes husband, but in the same breathing space he says she caused it.  I did kill King Henry--/but twas thy beauty that provoked me (I.ii.179-80).  This seemingly sick and twisted style of persuasion works in seducing the spitting Lady Anne into becoming his wife.  Obviously, by Anne taking the same hand in marriage that killed her former husband one can see that she was drawn away from proper conduct.              Rhe citizens were also seduced by Richard.  However, in Act III.vii. his wits alone did not work the persuasion.  He had help from the Bishops, props and Buchingham.   The Mayor exclaims to the citizens,See where his Grace stands, tween deuce clergymen  (III.vii.95).   This is all part of Richards goodly act.  He wants to win the people by being a noble and good man.  He wants them to believe that he is not only a moral man, but a modest one.  Buchingham proceeds in supporting Richard in this attempt.  Buchingham observes Richard and states to the people Two props of virtue for a Christian prince, To stay him from the fall o vanity And see, a book of prayer in his hands- True ornaments to know a holy man. (III.vii.96-99).   Richard sways the citizens much otherwise than he persuaded Anne.  He persuaded Anne by reminding her that his fault was caused by her beauty.  One may say he was playing with her emotions.