Values In King Richard III

The attitudes towards values are revealed when comparatively investigating texts separated by centuries, reflective of the beliefs in one’s society. When a social belief system is challenged, individuals being to question the absence of values such as moderation and integrity in their contribution to the downfall of an individual regardless of contexts. A challenge towards the belief of providentialism in Shakespearean society is explored in King Richard III, portraying the impacts of an aspiration of power towards one’s humanity, rejecting God’s will for an improved social position. This notion is reimagined by Pacino in Looking for Richard to mirror the social ideal of the Great American Dream enabling individuals to pursue their goals but similarly criticises the lack of restraint and integrity when one utilises immoral …show more content…
His frustration towards his fated identity causes a rejection of his self-restraint, in turn, emphasises the paradox in his “[determination] to prove a villain”. In the conclusion of the War or Roses, Richard’s lost identity as a warrior perpetuates his challenge to God and pursuit of power, challenging the Divine Right of Kings. Comparatively the social ideal of the Great American Dream cause Pacino to reshape the perceptions towards Richard due to a shift in the values of aspiration. The increased complexity in Richard’s character in Looking for Richard is representative of modern society’s villains possessing inner conflict as illustrated in the high angle mid shot of Richard holding Edward in the Cloisters in the opening soliloquy. The turmoil Richard possess in his contemplation of Edward’s incoming death evokes sympathy within the audience as Richard has demonstrated human characteristics of conflict and thus restraint, however this is discarded as his desire for power increases. The turmoil is similarly present by Shakespeare in the rhetorical question “O coward