Shakespearean Wordplay and the Art of Persuasion: An Analysis of Rhetoric in Act IV, Scene IV of Richard III

Presentation Type

Oral and/or Visual Presentation

Presenter Major(s)

English, Communications - Film and Video

Mentor Information

Dr. D. Ihrman

Department

English

Location

Kirkhof Center 2215

Start Date

10-4-2013 12:00 AM

End Date

10-4-2013 12:00 AM

Keywords

Culture, Philosophy/ Literature

Abstract

In the Modern era, an intense reverence for William Shakespeare and his works-a condition sometimes called "Bardolatry"-pervades the academic realm, from high school classrooms to universities. As it manifests itself in the public, an aspect of this condition seems to be an appreciation for and a keen interest in the ways in which Shakespeare manipulates language to the benefit of his characters and his themes. In this essay, I examine that element of the Bard's work in microcosm. Focusing on Act IV, Scene IV of Richard III, I attempt to bring to light the subtleties and nuances of Shakespearean rhetoric and wordplay by examining an argument between King Richard and Queen Elizabeth. Tracking the argument to its end, I aim to explicate how each character uses certain rhetorical devices to gain the upper hand-devices that are, needless to say, thoroughly Shakespearean.

This document is currently not available here.

Share

COinS
 
Apr 10th, 12:00 AM Apr 10th, 12:00 AM

Shakespearean Wordplay and the Art of Persuasion: An Analysis of Rhetoric in Act IV, Scene IV of Richard III

Kirkhof Center 2215

In the Modern era, an intense reverence for William Shakespeare and his works-a condition sometimes called "Bardolatry"-pervades the academic realm, from high school classrooms to universities. As it manifests itself in the public, an aspect of this condition seems to be an appreciation for and a keen interest in the ways in which Shakespeare manipulates language to the benefit of his characters and his themes. In this essay, I examine that element of the Bard's work in microcosm. Focusing on Act IV, Scene IV of Richard III, I attempt to bring to light the subtleties and nuances of Shakespearean rhetoric and wordplay by examining an argument between King Richard and Queen Elizabeth. Tracking the argument to its end, I aim to explicate how each character uses certain rhetorical devices to gain the upper hand-devices that are, needless to say, thoroughly Shakespearean.