Shakespeare’s Pursuit of Metaphysics In Richard III

 

16 May 2005

 

 

Shakespeare’s Pursuit of Metaphysics

In Richard III

 

           Shakespeare pursues metaphysics through The Tragedy of King Richard III by implying God will judge people from their moralities. For this purpose, Shakespeare exposes the power of absolute existence through Queen Margaret’s foreshadowing words, and he proves its moral consequences throughout the play. Margaret curses not only Richard who slaughters his kinsmen to usurp the throne and then kills his own men, but also people who show their apathy when York family killed her son. Grey is the one of them who proves her curse to death, stating in Act III.3, “Now Margaret’s curse is fall’n upon our heads” (15). Margaret’s curse proves existence of metaphysical power. Finally, in the most dramatic event to prove metaphysical power, Richard is slain by Richmond who represents God’s hand fighting against God’s enemy at the end of the play. It is also proved from Margaret’s curse to Richard in Act I.3, “Which God revenge!” (137), and “As it is won with blood, lost be it so” (272). Richard seems to have invincible power, yet he is also judged by the greatest power. Richard’s atrocious slaughters cause him to be slaughtered by God’s hand. Therefore, Shakespeare shows metaphysics, the power of absolute existence, through “The Tragedy of King Richard III.”