Richard III

Lesson 4

4 areas of focus: characterthemelanguageperformance

2 extracts:must write about both (Act 3 scene 4+5 and Act 4 scene 2)

quotations: relevant and embedded

word choice: use as many words related to the key words in the question as possible

summaries: use the grey boxes to help link extracts to question in first paragraph

structure: must make a point of view into a controlled argument

Language questions:

How does Richard use language to deceive others and to hide his plans to become King? (2006)

How does Macbeth’s language show that he feels afraid but is determined to keep his power? (2005)

How does Viola use language to hide her true feelings from Orsino and Olivia? (2003)

Read the summary of the set scenes and make up 4 language-based questions from the information you are given:

Act 3 scene 4

Hastings falls victim to Richard’s ruthless vengeance. He is led into a trap by Richard and Buckingham whereby he condemns himself to death. As he realises his folly, he curses Richard and prophesies misery for England.

Act 3 scene 5

Richard and Buckingham are meticulously plotting further duplicity to justify their execution of Hastings. They are dressed in armour as though frightened of immediate attack. The Lord Mayor is duped into believing them and is persuaded to inform the public of Hastings’ betrayal, thus absolving all guilt from Richard. Richard then instructs a willing Buckingham to spread malicious rumours about the conduct of his brother, the former King and suggest that his ancestry, and that of his sons, is debatable.

Act 4 scene 2

Richard tries to make Buckingham kill the Princes. When Buckingham asks for time before making his decision, Richard is enraged and privately arranges for him to be killed. When Buckingham asks for the rewards that Richard initially promised, Richard is cool and refuses, infuriating Buckingham.

In these extracts, how do the characters use language to manipulate others?

Extract 1:

SECTION 1 and SECTION 2

In this scene Hastings gives Richard advice that is turned on to himself.

Extract 2:

In this scene Buckingham finally feels the wrath of Richard after serving him so loyally throughout the play.

In these extracts, how do the characters use language to manipulate others?

Do we agree with the question?

How can we use the summaries?

Model answer

Same extracts – different focus

What might a question on theme/performance/character look like using the same texts and how might our choice of quotations change?