리처드 3세의 몰락과 비극성

The Fall and the Tragedy of Richard III in Shakespeare's First Tetralogy

This paper aims to explore the tragic aspect of Richard III in his first tetralogy. Richard III is described as a tyrant who murdered brothers and nephews to usurp the throne in Shakespeare's First Tetralogy. The image of Richard III was influenced by Shakespeare's comtemporary history books such as Historia Angliae and The History of King Richard Ⅲ. In Shakespeare's First Tetralogy, however, Richard III is not a mere villain but a very complicated figure who changes over time. After his father's death, Richard changes into a villain and a revenger. Richard III who has deformity is compared to brutal animals, which makes Richard a political monster. According to Renaissance theory of kingship, Richard is a character who violates God's perfection that should be reflected in kings. By representing improper kings, Shakespeare encourages the spectators to reconsider the presence of a veritable king. Richard III becomes a tragic hero and a victim what is called pharmakos who disturbs a balance of the world and should die for the recovery of the balance. Thus, Shakespeare represents that this kind of regeneration is constantly repeated in history.