Monster in Disguise

      Our class discussion on what tonypandy, literature, and history is becomes relevant the second we dive into Shakespeare's Richard III. Richard's opening monologue not only provides a brief summary of his intentions, but also reveals a story being told that discusses greed, righteousness, and deceit. The lines, "I...cheated of feature by dissembling nature, deform'd, unfinish'd, sent before my time...that dogs bark at me as I halt by them," solidify the imagery of Richard as a dastardly, ugly villain. His very appearance evokes a horror story (1. 1. 14-23). Shakespeare at every turn during act one makes Richard seem treacherous -- the second George leaves, he mutters to himself about his desire to kill him. When he receives news of Edward's illness, he just hopes he doesn't die before George can be murdered. Shakespeare also makes George seem gentle and a bit aloof: "We know thy charge, Brackenbury, and will obey," at least compared to Richard's standoffish attitude to Brackenbury and Hastings (1. 1. 105). Knowing the true events of Richard's life and ascent to the throne, it's fascinating to see how every detail is both familiar and utterly different. From our point of view, this seems like a text published with the goal of hiding the truth. Or, more unfortunately, this perception is the only truth that will be believed. Overall, the character we see here perfectly represents a blending of history and tonypandy, and for that reason alone this text is an interesting read.

Richard's description is reminiscent of Quasimodo.

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