Richard III

by William Shakespeare

RenaissanceDrama
31,218 words25 chapters~125 min read
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Shakespeare's Renaissance drama follows the ruthless Duke of Gloucester as he manipulates and murders his way to England's throne, becoming the infamous King Richard III. The play explores political ambition and moral corruption through Richard's darkly charismatic soliloquies and his eventual downfall at the Battle of Bosworth Field.

Opening lines

Now is the winter of our discontent Made glorious summer by this son of York; And all the clouds that loured upon our house In the deep bosom of the ocean buried. Now are our brows bound with victorious wreaths, Our bruised arms hung up for monuments, Our stern alarums changed to merry meetings, Our dreadful marches to delightful measures. Grim-visaged war hath smoothed his wrinkled front; And now, instead of mounting barbed steeds To fright the souls of fearful adversaries, He capers nimbly in a lady’s chamber To the lascivious pleasing of a lute. But I, that am not shaped for sportive tricks, Nor made to court an amorous looking-glass; I, that am rudely stamped, and want love’s majesty To strut before a wanton ambling nymph; I, that am curtailed of this fair proportion, Cheated of feature by dissembling nature, Deformed, unfinished, sent before my time Into this breathing world scarce
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About William Shakespeare

An English playwright and poet from Stratford-upon-Avon (1564-1616) who transformed theater with timeless works like Hamlet, Romeo and Juliet, and Macbeth. His profound exploration of human nature, masterful use of language, and innovative storytelling techniques revolutionized drama and continue to captivate audiences worldwide four centuries later. All works by William Shakespeare

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