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Richard III explores the corrupting nature of unchecked ambition and power. Richard’s manipulation, ruthlessness, and moral decay ultimately lead to his downfall. Through the key quotes and moments in the play, Shakespeare reveals the consequences of tyranny and the inevitable triumph of justice.
Does Richard III die at the end of the play? Is Richard III a comedy or a tragedy? Was Richard III really deformed? Did Richard III really murder the two princes? What is the meaning of the quote “My Kingdom for a horse!” in the play?
Read our selection of the very best quotes from Richard III, along with speaker, act and scene. The play is set across England in the run-up to the reign of King Richard III and is littered with quotes from characters that resonate in the common consciousness to this day.
- Spoken by Richard
- Spoken by Lady Anne
- Spoken by Duke of Clarence
- Spoken by King Edward IV
- Spoken by Queen Margaret
- Spoken by Richmond
Those eyes of thine from mine have drawn salt tears, Shamed their aspect with store of childish drops: These eyes that never shed remorseful tear, No, when my father York and Edward wept, To hear the piteous moan that Rutland made When black-faced Clifford shook his sword at him; Nor when thy warlike father, like a child, Told the sad story of my f...
What, do you tremble? Are you all afraid? Alas, I blame you not; for you are mortal, And mortal eyes cannot endure the devil. Avaunt, thou dreadful minister of hell! Thou hadst but power over his mortal body: His soul thou canst not have; therefore begone… Foul devil, for God’s sake, hence, and trouble us not; For thou hast made the happy earth thy...
O, I have pass’d a miserable night, So full of ugly sights, of ghastly dreams, That, as I am a Christian faithful man, I would not spend another such a night Though ’twere to buy a world of happy days, So full of dismal terror was the time! Methoughts that I had broken from the Tower, And was embark’d to cross to Burgundy; And in my company my brot...
Have I a tongue to doom my brother’s death, And shall the tongue give pardon to a slave? My brother slew no man; his fault was thought, And yet his punishment was cruel death. Who sued to me for him? who, in my rage, Kneel’d at my feet, and bade me be advised Who spake of brotherhood? who spake of love? Who told me how the poor soul did forsake The...
Bear with me; I am hungry for revenge, And now I cloy me with beholding it. Thy Edward he is dead, that stabb’d my Edward: Thy other Edward dead, to quit my Edward; Young York he is but boot, because both they Match not the high perfection of my loss: Thy Clarence he is dead that kill’d my Edward; And the beholders of this tragic play, The adultera...
More than I have said, loving countrymen, The leisure and enforcement of the time Forbids to dwell upon: yet remember this, God and our good cause fight upon our side; The prayers of holy saints and wronged souls, Like high-rear’d bulwarks, stand before our faces; Richard except, those whom we fight against Had rather have us win than him they foll...
Find the quotes you need in William Shakespeare's Richard III, sortable by theme, character, or scene. From the creators of SparkNotes.
1. The importance of power and ambition: King Richard III portrays the ruthless ambition and desire for power that drives Richard to commit heinous acts in his quest for the throne. This tale serves as a cautionary reminder of the dangers of unchecked ambition and the corrupting influence of power.
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1. Ambition and power can lead to ruthless and immoral actions: Richard III's pursuit of power at any cost, including murder and manipulation, highlights the dangers of unchecked ambition. His willingness to betray and deceive those around him for personal gain ultimately leads to his downfall.
