Oxford and surrey in richard iii – Oxford and Surrey, two enigmatic figures in Shakespeare’s Richard III, play pivotal roles in the unfolding drama. Their loyalties, ambitions, and betrayals shape the play’s narrative, reflecting the tumultuous political landscape of 15th-century England.
As we delve into the world of Richard III, we’ll explore the historical context that shaped these characters, analyze their literary significance, and uncover the themes and literary devices employed by Shakespeare to bring them to life.
Literary Significance of Oxford and Surrey in Richard III
Oxford and Surrey are two significant characters in William Shakespeare’s play “Richard III.” They play vital roles in the plot and represent different factions within the English court.
Role in the Plot
Oxford and Surrey are initially supporters of King Henry VI and his son, Edward, Prince of Wales. However, they later switch sides and support Richard, Duke of Gloucester, who becomes King Richard III. This betrayal is a key turning point in the play and contributes to the downfall of the House of Lancaster.
Factions within the English Court
Oxford and Surrey represent two opposing factions within the English court. Oxford is a member of the House of Lancaster, which supports Henry VI and his son. Surrey, on the other hand, is a member of the House of York, which supports Richard, Duke of Gloucester.
The rivalry between these two factions is a major theme throughout the play.
Character Development
Oxford and Surrey undergo significant character development throughout the play. Oxford starts as a loyal supporter of Henry VI, but he gradually becomes disillusioned with the king’s weakness and indecisiveness. He eventually switches sides and supports Richard, who he believes is a stronger and more capable leader.
Surrey, on the other hand, starts as a loyal supporter of Richard, but he gradually becomes disillusioned with the king’s tyranny and cruelty. He eventually turns against Richard and supports the House of Lancaster.
Historical Context of Oxford and Surrey
The Earls of Oxford and Surrey played significant roles during the reign of Richard III. John de Vere, the 13th Earl of Oxford, was a staunch supporter of the Yorkist cause, while Thomas Howard, the 2nd Earl of Surrey, initially supported the Lancastrians but later switched allegiance to the Yorks.The
political climate during Richard III’s reign was turbulent. The Wars of the Roses had left England deeply divided, and Richard’s accession to the throne was met with suspicion and hostility from many quarters. Oxford and Surrey were both involved in the political struggles of the time, and their actions had a significant impact on the course of events.Historically,
Oxford was a loyal Yorkist who fought for Richard at the Battle of Bosworth Field. Surrey, on the other hand, was a Lancastrian who initially opposed Richard but later switched sides and fought for him at Bosworth.In Shakespeare’s play, Oxford and Surrey are portrayed as complex and nuanced characters.
Oxford is a loyal and honorable man, while Surrey is a more ambitious and self-serving individual. Both characters are ultimately victims of Richard’s treachery, but they leave a lasting legacy as symbols of the political and social turmoil of the period.
Comparison of Historical Figures with Play Portrayals
While Shakespeare’s play is based on historical events, he took some liberties with the characters of Oxford and Surrey. In the play, Oxford is a more prominent figure than he was in real life, and he is portrayed as a more central figure in the plot.
Surrey, on the other hand, is a less prominent figure in the play than he was in real life, and he is portrayed as a more sympathetic character.Overall, Shakespeare’s portrayal of Oxford and Surrey is largely accurate, but he does make some changes to the characters in order to fit them into the dramatic structure of the play.
Themes Related to Oxford and Surrey
The characters of Oxford and Surrey in Richard III embody several key themes of the play, including loyalty, betrayal, and ambition. These themes are central to the play’s overall message about the corrupting influence of power.
Loyalty
Oxford and Surrey are both initially loyal to King Richard III. However, as the play progresses, they both begin to question his legitimacy and his motives. Oxford is the first to turn against Richard, and he eventually joins the rebellion led by the Earl of Richmond.
Surrey remains loyal to Richard until the end, but he is eventually executed for treason.
Betrayal
The theme of betrayal is also evident in the characters of Oxford and Surrey. Oxford betrays Richard by joining the rebellion against him. Surrey betrays Richard by conspiring with the Duke of Buckingham to overthrow him. These acts of betrayal contribute to the play’s overall sense of tragedy.
Ambition
The theme of ambition is also present in the characters of Oxford and Surrey. Oxford is ambitious for power, and he is willing to betray Richard in order to achieve it. Surrey is also ambitious, but he is more cautious than Oxford.
He is willing to wait for the right opportunity to make his move.
The actions of Oxford and Surrey contribute to the play’s overall message about the corrupting influence of power. These characters show how power can lead to betrayal, ambition, and even death.
Literary Devices Used in the Portrayal of Oxford and Surrey
Shakespeare employs a range of literary devices to depict the characters of Oxford and Surrey, shaping their personalities and contributing to the play’s dramatic impact.
Imagery
Shakespeare uses vivid imagery to create memorable impressions of Oxford and Surrey. Oxford is associated with light and purity, symbolized by his “white lily” and “shining morning face.” Surrey, in contrast, is linked to darkness and mystery, with references to his “dark eyes” and “raven hair.”
Metaphor, Oxford and surrey in richard iii
Shakespeare uses metaphors to convey the characters’ inner qualities. Oxford is described as a “flower” and a “star,” highlighting his beauty and nobility. Surrey is compared to a “serpent” and a “tiger,” suggesting his cunning and ferocity.
Foreshadowing
Shakespeare uses foreshadowing to hint at the characters’ tragic fates. Oxford’s “white lily” foreshadows his untimely death, while Surrey’s “raven hair” suggests his association with the forces of evil.
Contrast
Shakespeare contrasts Oxford and Surrey to emphasize their opposing natures. Oxford is virtuous and idealistic, while Surrey is ambitious and ruthless. This contrast creates tension and conflict, driving the plot forward.
Key Questions Answered: Oxford And Surrey In Richard Iii
Who were the historical figures of Oxford and Surrey?
Oxford and Surrey were prominent nobles during the reign of Richard III. Oxford was a supporter of the Yorkist cause, while Surrey was a loyalist to the Lancastrian king, Henry VI.
How do Oxford and Surrey represent different factions within the English court?
Oxford represents the Yorkist faction, which supported the claim of Edward IV to the throne. Surrey represents the Lancastrian faction, which supported the claim of Henry VI.
What are the main themes explored through Oxford and Surrey’s characters?
Loyalty, betrayal, and ambition are key themes explored through Oxford and Surrey’s characters. Their actions and motivations demonstrate the complexities of human nature and the challenges of navigating a treacherous political landscape.
