Summary
Act III, Scenes 5-7: The Propaganda Machine
Richard III by William Shakespeare
With Hastings's blood still wet, Richard's propaganda machine launches at full force. He instructs Buckingham on the lies to spread at Guildhall: claim Prince Edward and his siblings are bastards because Edward had previous marriage contracts; paint Edward as lustful, forcing himself on citizens' wives and daughters; even suggest—carefully—that Edward himself was illegitimate, born while their father was in France (making Richard the true heir). 'Touch this sparingly,' Richard warns, 'because my mother lives.' A Scrivener appears with devastating evidence: he spent eleven hours writing Hastings's indictment, which was sent to him the night before. 'Yet within these five hours Hastings lived, untainted, unexamined, free, at liberty.' The execution was pre-planned—the 'trial' pure theater. 'Who is so gross that cannot see this palpable device? Yet who so bold but says he sees it not? Bad is the world... when such ill dealing must be seen in thought.' People see the manipulation but dare not speak. Buckingham returns from Guildhall: the citizens were silent as 'dumb statues,' refusing to cheer for Richard. Only a few of Buckingham's own plants shouted 'God save King Richard,' which Buckingham spun as 'general applause.' Now comes Richard's masterstroke of theater. Buckingham coaches him: 'Get a prayer book in your hand, and stand between two churchmen... be not easily won to our requests, play the maid's part, still answer nay.' When the Mayor arrives, Richard appears aloft between two bishops, prayer book in hand, the picture of piety. He pretends reluctance, feigns humility, performs deep religiosity—making the crown seem thrust upon him rather than seized by him. Every element is calculated theater designed to create the appearance of legitimate, reluctant succession while concealing the murders, lies, and manipulation that created this moment.
Coming Up in Chapter 13
Richard continues to justify his actions and position himself for the crown, using process and procedure to mask his true intentions.
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An excerpt from the original text.(~458 words)
My lords, at once: the cause why we are met Is to determine of the coronation. In God's name, speak: when is the royal day? BUCKINGHAM. Are all things ready for the royal time? STANLEY. They are, my lord, and time expects all things. RICHARD. I know the duke of Buckingham is noble, And that he will not break his word with me; But yet I would be glad to know the reason Why he departed hence in such a post. HASTINGS. My lord, I know not what the reason is, But I am sure he is not come. RICHARD. Come, come, you mock me; this is not the way To win your daughter-in-law. Nay, you mock me. HASTINGS. My lord, I do not mock you. RICHARD. Well, well, you mock me; but I'll be even with you. My lords, a sudden thought strikes me, And I must tell you of it. Here's a paper, Found in the pocket of the dead Hastings, That doth import the death of me and mine. With Hastings's blood still wet, Richard's propaganda machine launches at full force. He instructs Buckingham on the lies to spread at Guildhall: claim Prince Edward and his siblings are bastards because Edward had previous marriage contracts; paint Edward as lustful, forcing himself on citizens' wives and daughters; even suggest—carefully—that Edward himself was illegitimate, born while their father was in France (making Richard the true heir). 'Touch this sparingly,' Richard warns, 'because my mother lives.' A Scrivener appears with devastating evidence: he spent eleven hours writing Hastings's indictment, which was sent to him the night before. 'Yet within these five hours Hastings lived, untainted, unexamined, free, at liberty.' The execution was pre-planned—the 'trial' pure theater. 'Who is so gross that cannot see this palpable device? Yet who so bold but says he sees it not? Bad is the world... when such ill dealing must be seen in thought.' People see the manipulation but dare not speak. Buckingham returns from Guildhall: the citizens were silent as 'dumb statues,' refusing to cheer for Richard. Only a few of Buckingham's own plants shouted 'God save King Richard,' which Buckingham spun as 'general applause.' Now comes Richard's masterstroke of theater. Buckingham coaches him: 'Get a prayer book in your hand, and stand between two churchmen... be not easily won to our requests, play the maid's part, still answer nay.' When the Mayor arrives, Richard appears aloft between two bishops, prayer book in hand, the picture of piety. He pretends reluctance, feigns humility, performs deep religiosity—making the crown seem thrust upon him rather than seized by him. Every element is calculated theater designed to create the appearance of legitimate, reluctant succession while concealing the murders, lies, and manipulation that created this moment.
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Intelligence Amplifier™ Analysis
The Road of Process as Weapon
Using legitimate processes and procedures to mask illegitimate goals, making manipulation appear legitimate and democratic
Why This Matters
Connect literature to life
Some manipulators use legitimate processes for illegitimate ends. This skill helps you recognize when process is a mask for manipulation.
Practice This Today
Examine whether processes are genuine or masks. Are meetings for discussion or announcement? Are procedures followed or weaponized? Watch for people who control process to control outcomes.
Now let's explore the literary elements.
Terms to Know
Process Manipulation
Using legitimate procedures and processes to achieve illegitimate goals, making manipulation appear legitimate
Modern Usage:
Like using company policies or procedures to justify firing someone, or using meetings to announce decisions already made
Legitimacy Mask
The appearance of following proper procedures to hide illegitimate actions
Modern Usage:
Like having a 'performance review' that's actually just a pretext for termination
Characters in This Chapter
Lord Buckingham
Richard's closest ally, helping him manipulate the council
Buckingham represents those who help manipulators, thinking they're safe because they're allies. He'll later learn that no one is safe.
Modern Equivalent:
Someone who helps a manipulator, thinking their alliance protects them
Lord Stanley
Cautious nobleman, stepfather to Richmond
Stanley remains cautious and observant, not fully trusting Richard. His caution will save him.
Modern Equivalent:
Someone who stays alert and doesn't fully trust a manipulator, even when others do
Key Quotes & Analysis
"My lords, at once: the cause why we are met Is to determine of the coronation."
Context: Richard opening the council meeting
Richard frames the meeting as a legitimate discussion about the coronation, but it's actually a stage for manipulation. The process masks the purpose.
In Today's Words:
We're here to discuss the leadership transition (but really I'm here to eliminate you)
"Here's a paper, Found in the pocket of the dead Hastings, That doth import the death of me and mine."
Context: Richard using fabricated evidence to justify his actions
Richard creates false evidence to justify his tyranny. The document is fabricated, but the process makes it seem legitimate.
In Today's Words:
I have evidence (that I created) proving why I had to do this
Thematic Threads
Manipulation
In This Chapter
Process becomes a tool for manipulation
Development
Legitimacy masks illegitimacy
In Your Life:
Watch for people who use legitimate processes for illegitimate ends - they're using process as a weapon
Power
In This Chapter
Richard controls process to control outcomes
Development
Process becomes a form of control
In Your Life:
When someone controls process, they control outcomes - even when the process appears democratic
You now have the context. Time to form your own thoughts.
Discussion Questions
- 1
How does Richard use the council meeting process to advance his agenda? What makes this manipulation effective?
analysis • deep - 2
What's the difference between legitimate process and process manipulation? How can you tell?
reflection • medium - 3
Have you witnessed process manipulation? How was legitimate process used for illegitimate ends?
application • surface
Critical Thinking Exercise
The Process Analysis
Richard uses legitimate process to mask manipulation. Think of a time when you saw process manipulation - when legitimate procedures were used for illegitimate ends.
Consider:
- •How can you tell when process is genuine versus when it's a mask?
- •What are the signs of process manipulation?
- •How do manipulators control process to control outcomes?
- •What can you do when you recognize process manipulation?
Journaling Prompt
Write about a time when you saw process manipulation. How was legitimate process used for illegitimate ends? How did you recognize it?
Coming Up Next...
Chapter 13: Act III, Scene 7 (cont.): The Reluctant King
What lies ahead teaches us manipulators justify their actions, and shows us false justifications are dangerous. These patterns appear in literature and life alike.