Richard III and Adolf Hitler

Richard III and Adolf Hitler

In William Shakespeare's Richard III, we see Shakespeare's

interpretation of despot rule and the parallels that stem from this

interpretation. The character type of Richard has been examined and marveled

for thousands of years. From Plato's examination of despot rule in the

Republic, we see the motives of what drives despot rulers. A look at the

background of Richard and how his upbringing and personal life contributed to

his insecurities will help to understand why someone may become a despot. The

comparison of Adolf Hitler to that of Richard, shown by the modern motion

picture Richard III, will show the rapid rise and fall of the despot and the

reality of totalitarian rule.

Plato's Republic, a fascinating look at the comparison of the just soul

and the unjust soul, allows one to see the philosophical motives behind despot

rule. Despot rulers are simply driven by fear. Their anxieties and

insecurities lead to a hatred that has a desire to destroy, deep-rooted in

violence. Despot rulers are also never satisfied with the power they have at

any given time, thus exposing their constant fear of retaliation from their

subjects. This examination of the despot ruler by Plato clearly shows the

motives by which despot rulers rule, but it fails to explain why and how these

motives originate in the human mind.

In order to comprehend why such a high level of fear and insecurity can

be brought about, a look at the upbringing and personal life of Richard should

be brought into discussion. One of three brothers, Richard was in constant

competition of who would succeed in gaining the throne of England. Richard,

like his other brothers, wanted the title of king quite badly, but as time

pressed on it seemed less likely that Richard would succeed in gaining the

throne. His shrewd attitude and a physical deformity, that left him nearly

paralyzed, were two of the many reasons why Richard would be kept of the throne.

Richard quickly became aware of this and he therefore began his rampage to

insure himself the throne. After killing off his brothers and many others, who

were eligible to succeed, Richard finally became King of England.