Lins

Shakespeare - The disturbing world Lins

Seminar paper from the year 2005 in the subject English Language and Literature Studies - Literature, grade: 90% (High Distinction-highest), Monash University Melbourne (School of Literature), course: Shakespeare- Interpretations and Transmutations, 16 entries in the bibliography, language: English, comment: This paper was written in my exchange semester in Australia. The term paper explores characteristics of Richard III and Edmund of King Lear in comparison and whether they can be considered as psychopaths or not. , abstract: 'Now is the winter of our discontent made glorious summer by this sun of York' (Richard III, 1.1.1). The famous opening scene of the 'history play' Richard III is known throughout the world and not a few spectators have been fascinated by the character of Richard described by Greenblatt as the 'monster of evil' or the 'virtual devil incarnate' (1997, p.507). In the play itself, Richard is characterized by Margaret as 'elvish-marked, abortive rooting hog' (1.3.227). The play focuses on Richard, who murders his way to the crown. Shakespeare's Edmund in King Lear shows as well a high amount of ruthlessness. Greenblatt, again, states that 'language' and 'social order' are 'merely arbitrary constraints' or 'obstacles' in the way of the 'triumph of his will' (1997, p.2309). He 'seethes' with 'murderous resentment' over the advantages of his brother Edgar, who is a legitimate child (Cohen 1997, p.2309). Whilst generally agreeing on the villainy of both characters, scholarly attention given to them has been generally less convergent over the years. According to Oestreich-Hart (2000), Richard has been described as an 'intrepid warrior', a 'comic or satirical Vice', a diabolic Machiavel', 'a heartless villain of Senecan melodrama', 'a proficient rhetorican' or even a 'spurned child' (p.242). Edmund, the subplot character of King Lear, has been described as 'a most vile' (Utterback 1976, p.203) or 'most toad-spotted traitor' (5.3.137). Due to the