# Scene II explained — Richard III

> Chapter companion for Richard III by William Shakespeare.

## What happens

King Richard, now crowned, tests Buckingham's loyalty by revealing his desire to have the young princes murdered. Buckingham hesitates, and Richard turns to Tyrrel to carry out the deed. Richard also plots to spread rumors of Queen Anne's illness and to marry his brother's daughter to secure his throne. Buckingham, feeling spurned, begins to plot against Richard.

## Themes in this chapter

### Ambition and Power

Richard's ruthless pursuit of power drives him to order the murder of the princes and manipulate those around him.

### Deception and Manipulation

Richard deceives Buckingham and others, spreading false rumors about Queen Anne's health to further his plans.

### Conscience and Guilt

Richard acknowledges his path of sin, stating 'sin will pluck on sin,' yet shows no remorse.

## Character check-ins

### King Richard III

Crowned king, he plots the murder of the princes and schemes to secure his rule.

### Duke of Buckingham

Hesitates to consent to the princes' murder and feels betrayed when Richard denies his promised earldom.

### Sir James Tyrrel

Recruited by Richard to murder the princes in the Tower.

### Sir William Catesby

Instructed by Richard to spread rumors of Queen Anne's illness.

### Lord Stanley

Brings news of Dorset's flight to Richmond and is warned by Richard about his wife's correspondence.

### Marquis of Dorset

Reported to have fled to Richmond.

## Key lines

> I wish the bastards dead; And I would have it suddenly perform’d.

Richard orders the immediate murder of the young princes.

_Richard reveals his plan to kill Edward V and his brother._

> Rumour it abroad That Anne, my wife, is sick and like to die: I will take order for her keeping close.

Richard instructs Catesby to spread false news that Queen Anne is dying.

_Richard manipulates public perception to clear the way for a new marriage._

> I am in So far in blood that sin will pluck on sin: Tear-falling pity dwells not in this eye.

Richard acknowledges his deep involvement in crime and his lack of pity.

_Richard reflects on his escalating violence and moral decay._

## Links

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