# Scene VII explained — Richard III

> Chapter companion for Richard III by William Shakespeare.

## What happens

Buckingham reports to Richard that the citizens are reluctant to acclaim him king. They stage a public scene at Baynard's Castle where Richard appears between two bishops, feigning piety and reluctance before accepting the crown under pressure from Buckingham and the mayor.

## Themes in this chapter

### Deception and Manipulation

Richard and Buckingham stage a false show of piety and reluctance to manipulate public perception and secure the throne.

### Ambition and Power

Richard's calculated performance of humility masks his ruthless ambition to seize the crown.

### Tyranny and Legitimacy

Buckingham argues that Edward IV's children are illegitimate, framing Richard's usurpation as a restoration of rightful rule.

## Character check-ins

### King Richard III

Feigns religious devotion and reluctance to accept the crown, ultimately yielding to Buckingham's orchestrated plea.

### Duke of Buckingham

Orchestrates the public spectacle, coaching Richard to appear holy and reluctant, and persuades the mayor and citizens to demand Richard's kingship.

### Sir William Catesby

Acts as messenger between Buckingham and Richard during the staged encounter.

### Lord Mayor of London

Leads the citizens to Baynard's Castle and entreats Richard to accept the crown.

## Key lines

> The citizens are mum and speak not a word.

The citizens are silent and refuse to respond.

_Buckingham reports the public's unwillingness to endorse Richard._

> Play the maid's part, still answer nay, and take it.

Act coy like a maiden, refuse at first, but then accept.

_Buckingham instructs Richard to feign reluctance before accepting the crown._

> I am not made of stones, But penetrable to your kind entreats, Albeit against my conscience and my soul.

I am not unfeeling; I am moved by your pleas, even though it goes against my conscience.

_Richard pretends to be reluctantly persuaded by the citizens' request._

## Links

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