About the lecture

In this module, we think about the political significance of the murder of the boys in the tower in Shakespeare’s Richard III, focusing on: (i) Richard’s discussion with the young princes in Act 3, Scene 1, (ii) the use of double entendre in the play, (iii) Prince Edward’s humanist education and potential to be a good ruler, and (iv) Richard’s abuse of rhetoric.

About the lecturer

Professor Andrew Hadfield is Professor of English at the University of Sussex. His research and teaching focuses on Early Modern Literature. His publications include Lying in early modern English culture: From the oath of supremacy to the oath of allegiance (2017) and Shakespeare and Republicanism (2005).