ENG 2D7

In english class, we've just finished studying Such a Long Journey, by Rohinton Mistry, which an informative glimpse into the cultures of the peoples of India in post-war times (1970's). We just started our study of William Shakespeare's King Richard III and I must admit, I really am enthralled by this work. Language-wise, it's the same as Romeo and Juliet (which I, like everyone else, studied in grade nine english), but the context is a bit harder to grasp than just a simple tragic love story. Nevertheless, I found some lines (from just the first couple - literally - of scenes) that were almost too allegorical for comfort.

- Here's a conversation of Act 1 Scene 2 of King Richard III between the scheming Richard and a grieving Anne. Richard is trying to persuade those in Anne's livery to obey his commands.

Richard -
Unmannered dog, stand thou when I command.
Advance thy halberd higher than my breast, (40)
Or by Saint Paul, I'll strike thee to my foot
And spurn upon thee, beggar, for thy boldness.

Anne -
What, do you tremble? Are you all afraid?
Alas, I blame you not, for you are mortal,
And mortal eyes cannot endure the Devil. (45)
Avaunt, thou dreadful minister of Hell.
Thou hadst but power over his mortal body;
His soul thou canst not have. Therefore be gone.

The villanous Richard, who because of his physical deformity cannot make what is good and pleasing, has taken a vow to play the villain, to be the most evil and heinous being possible. Remind you of anyone? Richard plays his part marvellously, hurling empty insults (39, 42!) and threats (41-42). But Anne, the angry and bold master of the servants steps in to steel their hearts against this assault. Questioning whether they are afraid (43), she sympathizes with their plight (44) and outwardly, forwardly accuses Richard of being a devil in guise. She emboldens our hearts and shields them from the villain's attacks by exposing him for what he really is, the prowling lion that the Devil is, as described by 1 Peter 5:8.

"So humble yourselves before God. Resist the Devil, and he will flee from you." James 4:7