Richard III · Chapter
Scene IV explained
Clarence recounts a terrifying dream to Brakenbury, foreshadowing his death and guilt.
What happens
Clarence recounts a terrifying dream to Brakenbury, foreshadowing his death and guilt. Two murderers, sent by Richard, arrive at the Tower. After a moral struggle, the Second Murderer overcomes his conscience for reward. They confront Clarence, who pleads his innocence and appeals to their humanity, but they stab him and plan to drown him in a malmsey-butt.
Themes in this chapter
Conscience and Guilt
Clarence's dream reveals his guilt over past betrayals, while the Second Murderer wrestles with conscience before succumbing to greed.
Deception and Manipulation
Richard's manipulation is evident as he uses the murderers to eliminate Clarence while feigning brotherly love.
Fate and Prophecy
Clarence's dream of drowning and the ghosts of Warwick and Prince Edward foreshadow his inevitable doom.
Characters to notice
- George, Duke of Clarence
Imprisoned in the Tower, Clarence recounts a prophetic dream of drowning and faces his murderers, pleading for his life.
- Sir Robert Brakenbury
The Tower lieutenant who listens to Clarence's dream and reluctantly hands him over to the murderers.
- King Richard III
Though absent, Richard is revealed as the orchestrator of Clarence's murder, having sent the killers.
Key passages
“O, I have pass'd a miserable night, So full of ugly sights, of ghastly dreams, That, as I am a Christian faithful man, I would not spend another such a night, Though 'twere to buy a world of happy days, So full of dismal terror was the time!”
Clarence tells Brakenbury he had a terrible night filled with horrifying dreams, so awful he wouldn't endure another even for eternal happiness.
Clarence's dream sequence establishes his psychological torment and guilt.
“What we will do, we do upon command. And he that hath commanded is the king.”
The First Murderer justifies the killing by claiming they are following the king's orders.
The murderers deflect moral responsibility onto King Edward, though Richard is the true instigator.
“In the Duke of Gloucester's purse.”
The Second Murderer says his conscience is in Richard's purse, meaning it is bought by the promised reward.
This line highlights how greed overrides moral scruples.