Both influenced by their respective contexts, Shakespeare and Pacino convey conflicting portrayal for Richard’s downfall. In Shakespeare’s medieval period the concept of ‘Divine Rights of Kings” were widely accepted; it is a sin to revolt against god’s anointed deputy on Earth and would bring destruction upon themselves. In his opening soliloquy “I am determined to prove villain”, Richard is revealed to be orchestrating his own fate through the tenacious tone. However the fact that the fate that he has chosen is a ‘villain’ is ironic as it manifests that he will ultimately fail. Furthermore, Shakespeare's use of spirits to haunt Richard with the juxtaposition “despair and die” and “live and flourish” relate strongly to the Elizabethan audience
