Conscience in Richard III -

[BigFunt]

Hi, I came across the topic "Shakespeare presents a cynical view of conscience. Do you agree"

I'm struggling to  understand what it means by a "cynical view of conscience"

anyone got any ideas?


is it the idea that nobody in the play richard III has a conscience?

[acinod]

It means the play suggests that many characters don't really give a fiddle about their conscience. But Shakespeare teaches us a very clear lesson that if you DO ignore your conscience, then you have to suffer the consequences. On the other hand, there's Richmond who is described as like the perfect man and he has a conscience. By having him defeat Richard, who suppresses his conscience, Shakespeare actually tells us just how important our conscience is and we can't ignore it.

[BigFunt]

I still don't understand how that is presented as cynical.

[burbs]

First thoughts: cynical as in he shows conscience as irrelevant or not present, and it is one of those topics that suggests disagreeing is not a bad approach?

[spikey]

Do you guys think the topic this year will be on conscience?

[mykey]

^ I hope not. I would prefer something to do with Richard's interactions with other characters, and how that leads to his rise and/or downfall.

[acinod]

My prediction of the two prompts:

• Richard claims that '[c]onscience is a word that cowards use', yet Shakespeare demonstrates that justice strikes at those who ignore their conscience. Do you agree?
• Although Richard goes to extremes to gain power, his true motivations are unclear. Discuss.

If the theme isn't conscience and justice (the two are kind of related) then it'll probably be something on the supernatural like dreams, curses and prophecies but I doubt any one prepares for that and VCAA doesn't want to to screw us up right?

[mjwalka]

Totally agree acinod

My prediction of the two prompts:

• Richard claims that '[c]onscience is a word that cowards use', yet Shakespeare demonstrates that justice strikes at those who ignore their conscience. Do you agree?
• Although Richard goes to extremes to gain power, his true motivations are unclear. Discuss.

If the theme isn't conscience and justice (the two are kind of related) then it'll probably be something on the supernatural like dreams, curses and prophecies but I doubt any one prepares for that and VCAA doesn't want to to screw us up right?

How would you go about handling the second prompt?
Like I would i thought there are contributing factors to gain power, not like one clear defined reason?

[spikey]

If the theme isn't conscience and justice (the two are kind of related) then it'll probably be something on the supernatural like dreams, curses and prophecies but I doubt any one prepares for that and VCAA doesn't want to to screw us up right?

Man, if it's on something supernatural I am screwed...I'm hoping it will be on why Richard can't successfully be king

[spikey]

Totally agree acinod

My prediction of the two prompts:

• Richard claims that '[c]onscience is a word that cowards use', yet Shakespeare demonstrates that justice strikes at those who ignore their conscience. Do you agree?
• Although Richard goes to extremes to gain power, his true motivations are unclear. Discuss.

If the theme isn't conscience and justice (the two are kind of related) then it'll probably be something on the supernatural like dreams, curses and prophecies but I doubt any one prepares for that and VCAA doesn't want to to screw us up right?

How would you go about handling the second prompt?
Like I would i thought there are contributing factors to gain power, not like one clear defined reason?

I would have argued that he is motivated by his innate sense of evil and emphasise that he has no desire for the actual responsibilities that come with being king as shown by the "A horse! A horse my kingdom for a horse" quote

[BigFunt]

I think that quote you metioned is more indicative of the desperation that Richard shows in that situation

[acinod]

nevermind

[Anon123]

Clarence and Richard's dream scenes are good.

What kind of arguments/points would you be making for a prompt on conscience?

Also does anyone have quotes for:
-Clarence having a guilty mind

[cltf]

My prediction of the two prompts:

• Richard claims that '[c]onscience is a word that cowards use', yet Shakespeare demonstrates that justice strikes at those who ignore their conscience. Do you agree?
• Although Richard goes to extremes to gain power, his true motivations are unclear. Discuss.

If the theme isn't conscience and justice (the two are kind of related) then it'll probably be something on the supernatural like dreams, curses and prophecies but I doubt any one prepares for that and VCAA doesn't want to to screw us up right?

If those are the prompts for this year. I think I would literally jizz my pants in the exam, and so will half the year level

[cltf]

Clarence and Richard's dream scenes are good.

What kind of arguments/points would you be making for a prompt on conscience?

Also does anyone have quotes for:
-Clarence having a guilty mind

+1

Conscience related prompts, depending on the breath of the actual prompt, I would talk about
-What one is capable of without a conscience, and why that is undesirable
-how the lack of conscience blind-sights an individual of things that may be important - religion
-the importance of always having one and not suppressing it, for when it returns....