GCSE: English Literature: Drama: By Author: William Shakespeare: Richard III Coursework

About Richard III.

In "Richard III" Shakespeare uses real people from history as the basis for his play. The story tells how Richard uses murder and seduction to win the crown of England - among those in his way are his own brother and the famous Princes in the Tower. Richard's reign as King is marked by plotting and more deaths. Eventually Henry, Earl of Richmond, raises an army to challenge the evil monarch. On the night before the battle Richard is visited by the ghosts of his victims and he finally begins to feel some remorse, but it is all too late. Henry wins the day and becomes King Henry VII.

Historians debate how accurate Shakespeare's story is. It is worth remembering that Shakespeare wrote "Richard III" during the reign of Elizabeth I, Henry VII's grand-daughter. Maybe it was safer to depict Richard as an evil monster!

Richard III: What Will I Study?

Studying "Richard III" for GCSE English Literature means you developing a good understanding of the plot and characters in the play. In the exam you'll be asked to answer question on extracts from the text, but you'll need that good background knowledge to gain extra marks. You'll be asked to explain the characters' motives and describe how an audience would respond the action.

You may be asked to study different film versions of "Richard III" and comment on how the directors have chosen to show the story. Asking you to advise an actor or actress playing one of the major roles is another common piece of homework.

Richard III... What Comes Next?

You may cover the reign of Richard's successor, Henry VII, in history lessons. If you fancy some more Shakespeare then A Level English Literature should include another of his plays. For some light relief the 1998 film "Shakespeare in Love" is an entertaining story loosely based on the great man's life.

More About Richard III.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/drama/shakespeare/60secondshakespeare/themes_richardiii.shtml

http://www.william-shakespeare.info/shakespeare-play-king-richard-iii.htm

http://www.englishbiz.co.uk/mainguides/play.htm