Richard III Essay On Guile

The word guile is used twice in Richard III, both times as a describing term for an actions or our protagonist Richard of Gloucester. According to the Oxford English Dictionary, the word has evolved in its spelling but gained its modern spelling and interpretation in 1671, “Insidious cunning, deceit, treachery”. This seems to be a fitting word to describe the character of Richard who serves as our main character, though he is also the villain of the play. He backstabs people who are friends and family, and has little regard for others lives when it contradicts his own will. His plans are subtle and sly, enough to give him power over others, which helped keep other from confronting him for so long. The most interesting use of the word is in act two scene one when Buckingham speaks of himself, as deserving of a friend who is, “Deep, hollow, treacherous, and full of guile …show more content…
Shakespeare). His friend he gains, Richard, is the leader to Buckingham whom he devotedly serves in his journey to power. Later in the play, Buckingham loses his faithful dedication to Richard and his demands which leads to his demise. Despite Buckinghams loyal following throughout most of the play he ends up being a casualty in Richard’s process to gain power. His earlier declaration comes true when he is left with Richard as an acquaintance, who does not care about the well being of Buckingham. Guile is an encompassing word that can sum up the actions of Richard towards Buckingham; he took advantage of his loyalty and encouraged cunning activities so that both may gain power. Richard however, has little intention of sharing his power with Buckingham and repaying him for his help, which does well in exemplifying the definition of