# Scene II explained — Richard III

> Chapter companion for Richard III by William Shakespeare.

## What happens

The Duchess of York comforts Clarence's children, who suspect their father's death. Queen Elizabeth enters distraught over King Edward IV's death. The group mourns collectively. Gloucester, Buckingham, and others arrive; Gloucester feigns piety and seeks his mother's blessing. Buckingham proposes fetching the young prince with a small train to avoid conflict, and Gloucester agrees. Left alone, Buckingham and Gloucester plot to separate the queen's kindred from the prince.

## Themes in this chapter

### Deception and Manipulation

Gloucester feigns piety and grief while secretly plotting with Buckingham to seize power.

### Tyranny and Legitimacy

The debate over fetching the prince with a small train reflects concerns about legitimate succession and potential tyranny.

### Conscience and Guilt

The Duchess of York expresses shame over Gloucester's deceit, hinting at his moral corruption.

## Character check-ins

### Duchess of York

Comforts Clarence's children and laments the deaths of her sons Edward and Clarence.

### Queen Elizabeth

Grieves the death of King Edward IV and fears for her children's future.

### George, Duke of Clarence

Mentioned as deceased; his children mourn him.

### King Edward IV

Recently died, causing widespread grief.

### King Richard III

Arrives feigning grief and piety; secretly plots with Buckingham.

### Duke of Buckingham

Proposes fetching the young prince with a small train; conspires with Gloucester.

### Earl Rivers

Supports Buckingham's plan to fetch the prince with a small train.

### Marquis of Dorset

Attempts to comfort Queen Elizabeth.

## Key lines

> Oh, that deceit should steal such gentle shapes, And with a virtuous vizard hide foul guile!

The Duchess laments that deception can wear a kind face and hide evil under a mask of virtue.

_The Duchess sees through Gloucester's false piety._

> My other self, my counsel's consistory, My oracle, my prophet! My dear cousin, I, like a child, will go by thy direction.

Gloucester calls Buckingham his other self and oracle, vowing to follow his lead like a child.

_Gloucester reveals his dependence on Buckingham's plotting._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/richard_iii_se/chapters/act-ii-scene-ii
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/richard_iii_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/richard_iii_se/chapters