# Scene II explained — Richard III

> Chapter companion for Richard III by William Shakespeare.

## What happens

Hastings dismisses warnings from Stanley about Richard's treachery, boasts of his security after the execution of Rivers, Grey, and Vaughan, and refuses to support Richard's usurpation, unknowingly walking into his own doom.

## 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.

## Character check-ins

### 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 lines

> 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._

## Links

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