Richard III Pt. II

Richard III Acts 2 & 3

In Acts II and III we see that not everyone is manipulated or deceived by Richard. Richard's young nephews, who would be next in line for the throne, can see right through him. They feel unsafe with Richard, and likewise, the common people of London can also see right through Richard's actions. Richard's nephew, Edward, also seems to have a way with words like his uncles Richard and Clarence. He tells Richard that he wants his uncles, and indirectly tells Richard that he doesn't want him around. When the common people hear that Richard may be the next ruler of England, they do not cheer but rather are terrified and disgusted at the idea. I imagine that the opinion of the common people was and is more important to the average Shakespeare audience, simply because they solely want to make sure they will be ruled by a just ruler, a ruler who will help them progress in their daily life. With Richard, even a modern audience sees the danger in having someone as deceitful as Richard rule over them.