The true nature of Richards character Essay Example for Free

The true nature of Richards character Essay In his opening soliloquy, the true nature of Richards character is revealed, his villainy being divulged in the devious plans that he has plotted in order to usurp the throne. An array of puns, metaphors, and antitheses are used with ironic flair to convey the undertones in his monologue, granting the audience valuable insight to the play. The language that is used masterfully conveys the sarcasm in Richardss words, this being seen in the antithesis of winter and summer in the first two lines. The contrasting metaphors in these lines are seemingly used as a tool to relay the contrary meanings in his words, suggesting that what he speaks is not what he thinks. This hence serves as a hint to the fact that he is not entirely happy about the victory of the son of York- a pun for the house of York, as it was followed by the crowning of his brother. Also, it is evident that Richard is not agreeable to changes in his life, this being exemplified in another antithesis seen in stern alarums changed to merry meetings (1.1.7). In fact, he explicitly speaks of this unhappiness in the line where he states that in this weak piping time of peace, he has no delight to pass way the time (1.1.24-25). As such, it is clear that Richard is one who is innately evil; he is never satisfied in peaceful times, with chaos seemingly the only thing would truly allow him to feel alive. Furthermore, the covert bitterness that he feels is subtlely made known with the suggestive and deliberate comparison of wartime activities and the present ones; And now, instead of mounting barbed steeds.he capers nimbly in a ladys chamber (1.1.10-12). With this, he implies that the glorious tasks that he has accomplished in war have been reduced to frivolity in peacetime; spending his time in the company of women. In the subsequent lines, Richard proceeds on to an extensive elaboration on the ugliness of his physique; the deformities that separate him from society. The assonance in cheated of feature emphasizes and reminds the audience of the extent of his ugliness, perhaps, also suggestive of his moral deformities. Once again, the bitterness is evident in his tone as he claims that nature is unfair towards him hence preventing him from proving a lover. He then goes on to proclaim that he is thus determined to prove a villain (1.1.30), as though the fact that nature has create him as such was reason enough, and the sole motivations for his evil ways. Here, it would seem that Richard is attempting to find justification for his wrongdoings, and that the evil in his nature is merely a by-product of the unfairness of his physical appearance. Apart from the soliloquy, it would be difficult for the audience to grasp Richards character as he scarcely exhibits such honesty throughout the play. As such, the fact that the soliloquy is used as a dramatic device in Richards opening speech is extremely important; it gives the audience an accurate insight to his true character. Finally, Richard launches into the evil plans that he has made in order to acquire the throne, conveying them with little feeling or guilt. This is stark proof of his ruthlessness, also serving as a foreshadow to the further evil that he was to commit with the progression of the plot. It is interesting to note that Shakespeare chooses to put Richards self-depreciating lines before his plans. This is perhaps, done so to allow the audience to feel some pity for him before they are enlightened to his evil, and also understand the motivations behind all his wrongdoing. In the conveyance of his plans, Richard shows brutal honesty in his admittance of his evil nature and compares himself to his brother, King Edward. Once again, the use of antithesis is seen in the comparison of his brothers true and just nature to his own false and treacherous one. Here, Richard shamelessly reveals to the audience his plans to exploit the good character of his own brother, a further affirmation of his evil nature. Richards use of language in the soliloquy presents him as a witty and charismatic individual to the audience. In spite of his evil nature and deformed physique, Richard appeals to the audience by speaking directly to them in all but brutal honesty with regards to himself. His interesting choice of formal and figurative elements of language also makes him a dramatic and intriguing character, allowing the audience to appreciate the side of him which is not seen in other parts of the play. In Laurence Olivier and Al Pacinos performance of the opening soliloquy, the audience is exposed to very different interpretations of Richards character. While Olivier begins his monologue facing the audience, Pacino does his with his back constantly faced to the camera, with only one side of his face revealed. The choice of Pacinos body positioning creates a sinister impression perhaps, a reflection of Richards dark nature. On the other hand, the fact that Olivier chooses to allow a full frontal view of his face depicts the straightforwardness of Richards character, an aspect that is overtly presented in his soliloquy. Also, while Oliviers intonation throughout his monologue is almost delivered in a sing-song manner, Pacino alternates between quiet utterances and whispers. This contrasting intonation puts forth another difference in the actors interpretation of Richard; while Olivier is spirited and confident, Pacinos presentation is more subdued and seemingly, defeated. This sense of defeat is also apparent in the manner in which Pacino lets himself fall back against the wall behind him as he speaks of his physical appearance, a subtle indication to the resignation that he feels. However, it is important to note that there is one similarity in the way that both actors deliver their lines; the conveyance of a sense of bitterness which is especially apparent in the lines of self-analysis. While Olivier relays this with the rising of his voice, Pacino does so in a much more subtle manner; with the down turning of his lips. The differences in the actors portrayal of Richard can also be observed in the different aspects of mise-en-scene. One such difference can be seen in the costumes; Oliviers Richard is garbed in richly coloured and stylised clothes, the emphasis being evidently put on his kingly status. On the other hand, Pacino does not dress the like; opting to instead don costumes that make him appear plain and quite common. As such, it is evident that Pacino is attempting to instil a sense of realism to the interpretation of Richard perhaps, the fact that apart from the riches and status, he is just an ordinary man. In addition, the types of lighting used in both scenes also create a very different atmosphere; while Olivier makes use of artificial lighting to simulate daytime, Pacino does the opposite, using low-key lighting which shrouds his surroundings in darkness and shadows. The result of using low-key lighting has a pronounced effect on the audiences view of Pacino in the play as his face is almost always hidden in the shadows, a sense of mystery is created around his character. Interestingly, the contrast of the greenery visible through the windows to the dark interior walls in Pacinos scene reflects a covert facet of Richards inner world; he is caged by the demons within himself, living in a darkness that separates him from everyone else. The manner in which the audience interprets both scenes is also affected by the editing of the shots. In comparison to Oliviers six shots in seven minutes, Pacino does eighty-nine in the same time span, with the speed of the cuts creating a sense of spontaneity that is often seen in theatre performances. (Method acting and Pacinos looking for Richard, pg.7). Also, the fast sequences can be seen as a reflection of Richards mind; it moves at great speeds as he is constantly plotting against his brothers and thinking of ways to usurp the throne. The constant switching of scenes between Pacinos soliloquy and the various commentaries also creates a sense of suspense for the audience, compelling them to wait in anticipation and at the same time, allowing a better understanding of Richards character. More importantly, the fast rhythm of Pacinos play keeps the audiences on their toes, creating a sense of constant change that is ever present in the chaotic world that Richard thrives in. Hence, it is apparent that the Richard that Olivier and Pacino attempts to present are vastly different. The aspects of mise-en-scene and the fashion in which they act and deliver their lines serve to further illustrate this fact. While Oliviers play is highly dramatized with fake medievalism, Pacino chooses to put forth a much more realistic version, creating a Richard that is much more relevant and comprehensible to the contemporary audience. References Shakespeare, William. Richard III. 2nd revised Ed. New York, Signet Classics. 1998. Print. Su, Peirui. Method Acting and Pacinos Looking for Richard. CLC web: Comparative Literature and Culture. Volume 6 Issue 1. Purdue University Press. (March 2004). Web.

What Buddhism and Christianity Teach about the Significance, Purpose, and Value of Human Life :: essays research papers

What do Buddhism and Christianity Teach About the Significance, Purpose And Value of Human Life? BUDDHISM " The concern of Buddhism is with man rather than with the material universe. The phenomenal world is held to be without substance and to be in a constant condition of flux. Man himself is no less impermanent than the material world."* Â ¾ Human life is subject to Anicca, the law of impermanence. This means that nothing ever stays the same To be born human is a rare opportunity. Buddhists take this notion so seriously that a story was written for the sole purpose of illustrating it. It is called ‘The Turtle and The Yoke'. A turtle is described, swimming around in the ocean, popping up for air every thousand years or so. It is claimed that the chance of being incarnated human are the same as that of the turtle putting his head through the yoke (which also floats around the ocean) on one of his trips to the top. It follows, therefore, that to waste it is to waste numberless lives spent trying to gain this precious rebirth and also the chance of enlightenment. The law of Karma says: All actions will entail consequences in the next life, so a Buddhist's freedom could be said to be somewhat compromised. This law means that, to be reincarnated human, you must live a near-perfect life. Any wrong doing on our part is foolish, because the condition experienced in present existence is regarded as having been caused by past deeds. It is beneficial, therefore, to use the golden opportunity wisely, as you are unlikely ever to get another `crack at the apple'. Buddhism and therefore human life is ‘a quest to free us and the world from suffering and to promote happiness.' CHRISTIANITY "Human life is the basis of all values; it is the source and indispensable condition for every human activity and all society" Each human is made in the image of God, with power to reason and choose. Therefore every human life should be cherished and preserved and all lives, rich or poor, strong or weak, young or old. ‘Society itself can be judged by its attitude towards its weaker members.' God `owns' our lives and bodies, or rather he gave them to us as a gift and we must not give it up or abuse it. "Do you know that your body is a temple of the holy spirit, which you have from God? You are not on your own, you were bought with a price. So glorify God in your body. Pope Jean Paul II summed up this idea in a statement he issued in 1980.

The Great Depression The Biggest Economic Downfall

The Great Depression is the biggest economic downfall America has ever experienced. It was a time when almost all Americans suffered, one way or another. It was a devastating period for several people and, therefore, thousands went through rough family separations, poverty, and other emotionally challenging experiences. Starting in 1929 lasting ten years, this was one of the longest economic downfalls in the history of such a modernized world, and unfortunately, the people were highly affected, as over fifteen million people became unemployed, which is a prodigious twenty-five percent of the population (Taylor, par. 7). Due to the fact that America was one of the most industrialized nations, this depression was truly unexpected. One stock market crash set America in a completely different direction, and the American dream that everyone aspired to achieve in their lifetimes suddenly vanished. Thousands of people became jobless and got thrown into the streets, not knowing what to do. 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