Scene II explained

What happens

Themes in this chapter

• Deception and Manipulation

  Catesby feigns loyalty while testing Hastings, and Buckingham hides his knowledge of Hastings' fate.

• Fate and Prophecy

  Stanley's dream of the boar and his warnings foreshadow Hastings' doom, which Hastings arrogantly ignores.

• Revenge and Justice

  Hastings rejoices in the execution of his enemies, unaware that he will soon face a similar fate.

Characters to notice

• Lord Hastings

  Dismisses Stanley's warnings, boasts of his safety, and refuses to support Richard's claim to the crown.

• Lord Stanley

  Warns Hastings of danger through a messenger and in person, expressing fear of Richard's intentions.

• Sir William Catesby

  Tests Hastings' loyalty to Richard and reports the execution of the queen's kindred.

• Duke of Buckingham

  Meets Hastings and makes an aside about his impending death.

• Earl Rivers

  Mentioned as one of the executed enemies of Hastings.

• Lord Grey

  Mentioned as one of the executed enemies of Hastings.

• Sir Thomas Vaughan

  Mentioned as one of the executed enemies of Hastings.

Key passages

• “To-day the lords you talk of are beheaded.”

  The lords we discussed have been executed today.

  Hastings confirms the execution of Rivers, Grey, and Vaughan.

• “I'll have this crown of mine cut from my shoulders Ere I will see the crown so foul misplaced.”

  I would rather lose my own head than see the crown placed on Richard's head.

  Hastings refuses to support Richard's usurpation.

• “He dreamt to-night the boar had razed his helm”

  He dreamed last night that the boar (Richard) had shattered his helmet.

  Stanley's dream warns of Richard's danger.