Theme Of Power In Richard Iii

1647 Words7 Pages
Exploring connections between texts allows insight into the idea of power in Shakespeare’s ‘Richard III’ and Al Pacino’s ‘Looking for Richard’. Through close study of the connections between Shakespeare’s ‘Richard III’, written in the Elizabethan times, and a modern day adaption ‘Looking for Richard, the reader is allowed insight into particular themes that are explored in both. The theme of power and more specifically the pursuit of power plays a fundamental role in Shakespeare’s ‘Richard III’, the notion being characterised by the protagonist Richard. The audience are presented with an evil and ruthless protagonist, Richard of Gloucester who is determined to be king and demonstrates his thirst for power in a number of different ways. Firstly, he eliminates those who stand before him in the line of the crown by vigilantly plotting their deaths. Secondly, he allows power to make much of his decisions leading him to marry a woman for his own personal gain. Thirdly, he continues to stay aware of his followers and enemies, eradicating those who do not believe in him or could compromise him. The exploration of the theme of power is continued through to the modern day docu-drama adaption in Al Pacino’s ‘Looking for Richard’ as further insight and explanation is provided through the utilisation of cinema techniques. By creating connections between texts the reader is provided with insight into the theme of power and in particular the pursuit of power. The evil protagonist, Richard, plots the deaths of those that stand in his way; his older brother Clarence and his two child nephews. His pursuit of power is so strong that he is free from moral limitations and so can commit these murders. Richard sends Clarence to the tower under the impression that he will be safe, however Richard sends two murderers to the tower to kill him. “Go, tread the path that thou shall
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