In the play “Richard the Third”, Richard, the Duke of Gloucester is clearly identified as malicious as he rises to power to king through corruption. One of the members of the Lancaster royal family, Richmond, on the other hand fights for justice in England. Richard and Richmond’s speeches addressed to their respective troops before the battle illustrates distinctive qualities of their personality. Through their diction, the characters true colors as well as their motives are revealed as. Considering the dreams that each of the characters had earlier, Richard’s speech is influenced from fear while Richmond’s is hopeful. Each of the characters rhetoric reflects their true nature while foreshadowing the outcome of the battle.
Richmond confidently …show more content…
Richmond says, “If you do fight against your country’s foes, your country’s fat shall pay your pains the hire” (5.3 272-273). His statement represents patriotism emphasizing that the troops are fighting for their country. Richmond explains that winning the battle not only will bring victory, but it will bring justice for their families saying, “If you do fight in safeguard of your wives, your wives shall welcome home the conquerors. If you do free your children from the sword, your children’s children quits it in your age.” (5.3 274-277) This epitomizes Richmond’s selflessness as he cares not just for him and his troops, but also for their families and England as a whole. Using pathos, Richmond reminds the troops of their families, forcing them to consider the negative effects of Richard being king.
Richmond’s speech ends on a cheerful note as he exclaims, “Draw your willing swords. For me, the ransom of my bold attempt shall be this cold corpse on the earth’s cold face; But if I thrive, the gain of my attempt the least of you shall share his part thereof. Sound drums and trumpets boldly and cheerfully” (5.3 279-284). His call for his troops to draw their swords shows confidence with no trace of being afraid about what is going to happen to him. Because of Richmond’s sincere urgency to seek justice for England, his compelling speech causes pronounced confidence among his
Richmond confidently …show more content…
Richmond says, “If you do fight against your country’s foes, your country’s fat shall pay your pains the hire” (5.3 272-273). His statement represents patriotism emphasizing that the troops are fighting for their country. Richmond explains that winning the battle not only will bring victory, but it will bring justice for their families saying, “If you do fight in safeguard of your wives, your wives shall welcome home the conquerors. If you do free your children from the sword, your children’s children quits it in your age.” (5.3 274-277) This epitomizes Richmond’s selflessness as he cares not just for him and his troops, but also for their families and England as a whole. Using pathos, Richmond reminds the troops of their families, forcing them to consider the negative effects of Richard being king.
Richmond’s speech ends on a cheerful note as he exclaims, “Draw your willing swords. For me, the ransom of my bold attempt shall be this cold corpse on the earth’s cold face; But if I thrive, the gain of my attempt the least of you shall share his part thereof. Sound drums and trumpets boldly and cheerfully” (5.3 279-284). His call for his troops to draw their swords shows confidence with no trace of being afraid about what is going to happen to him. Because of Richmond’s sincere urgency to seek justice for England, his compelling speech causes pronounced confidence among his