In the famous title quote from Richard III, William Shakespeare has his protagonist disregard the concept of conscience as a mere ,word‘, an invention of no further consequence to a brave person. Meanwhile Hamlet complains that “conscience does make cowards of us all“ and thereby infers a strong significance of conscience to mankind. These popular, though seemingly contradictory statements raise the question just what exact understanding of said moral concept Shakespeare wanted to relay to his audience. What was conscience to him, his audience and his contemporary writers? Was conscience seen as ,but a word‘, a cowardly excuse for inaction or as an innate concept dwelling in every man? What were the underlying principles of his set of moral values?
Both the author and his contemporaries had an interest towards both the specific moral phenomenon of conscience and the intricacies of the human persona and its inner moral values.
In the two plays at hand, Richard III and Hamlet, conscience is displayed as an innate concept. In their beliefs towards this concept, heroes and villains do not contradict, but complement each other. All relevant scenes from the two plays taken together exhibit a comprehensive image of the discourse of conscience in the Elizabethan Age. It ranges from personified character and externality to an inner contemplation with God and man‘s own soul, from an exhilarating righteous feeling to purgatory-like torment on Earth. It shows a broad understanding of the term, much more extensive than our modern perception of it, which has narrowed down to the single meaning of discernment between good and evil. Nevertheless, conscience stands in a long tradition of philosophical debates and Shakespeare adds his own touch to it with Richard III. and Hamlet, leaving modern eyes with a better appreciation of concept of conscience.

Leseprobe

Introduction
What is Conscience?

The Elizabethan Concept of Moral Responsibility

The Doctrine of the Three Souls
The Passions

Discourse of Conscience
Conscience in Theater

Conscience as a Phenomenon

Conscience in Richard III.

Richard's Character
A Material Intruder to the Body
Rejecting Conscience and Richard's Trial
Clarence's Trial

Conscience in Hamlet

Claudius
Hamlet's Internal Conscience
Moral Ambiguities
Stricken by Melancholy and Conscience
Stained Conscience to Perfect Conscience

Conscience and Cowardice

Conclusion

Objectives and Key Themes

This paper aims to analyze Shakespeare's understanding and portrayal of conscience in Richard III. and Hamlet, considering the Elizabethan concept of moral responsibility and its evolution. It seeks to explore the apparent contradictions in how conscience affects the characters' actions and mindsets in both plays, demonstrating the relevance of these portrayals in the ongoing discourse on conscience.

The Elizabethan concept of moral responsibility and its philosophical underpinnings.
The representation of conscience in Elizabethan theater and its evolution.
The contrasting portrayals of conscience in Richard III and Hamlet.
The relationship between conscience, action, and moral ambiguity in Shakespeare's plays.
The enduring relevance of Shakespeare's treatment of conscience to contemporary understandings of morality.

Chapter Summaries

Introduction: This introduction sets the stage by presenting contrasting quotes from Richard III. and Hamlet regarding conscience, highlighting the central question of Shakespeare's intended understanding of the concept. It introduces the key figures in the Elizabethan discourse on conscience (Perkins, Ames, Burton, Bright) and briefly touches upon the broader context of understanding morality within Shakespeare's works, emphasizing both the individual's perspective and the role of fate or fortune. The introduction then defines "conscience" according to the Oxford English Dictionary and emphasizes the importance of considering the Elizabethan understanding of the term to appreciate Shakespeare's work fully.

What is Conscience?: This chapter delves into the Elizabethan understanding of moral responsibility, tracing its roots in the Doctrine of the Three Souls and the influence of the passions. It explores the discourse surrounding conscience in Elizabethan England, drawing upon key works from the period, and examines how the concept manifested in Elizabethan theatre.

Conscience as a Phenomenon: This chapter analyzes the concept of conscience in both Richard III. and Hamlet. In Richard III., conscience is externalized, almost a character itself, similar to morality plays; its presence is grudgingly acknowledged by minor characters while Richard actively rejects it. In Hamlet, conscience is internalized, operating as both a wise advisor and a tormentor, influencing Hamlet's internal deliberations and subsequent procrastination. The chapter contrasts the villains, Richard and Claudius, and explores the role of conscience in Hamlet's moral struggles and eventual actions.

Keywords

Conscience, Elizabethan morality, Shakespeare, Richard III, Hamlet, moral responsibility, moral ambiguity, theater, inner conflict, action, procrastination.

Shakespeare's Portrayal of Conscience: Frequently Asked Questions

What is the main topic of this text?

This text analyzes Shakespeare's understanding and portrayal of conscience in Richard III and Hamlet, examining the Elizabethan concept of moral responsibility and its influence on the characters' actions and mindsets. It explores the contrasting representations of conscience in the two plays and their continuing relevance to contemporary understandings of morality.

What are the key themes explored in the analysis of Shakespeare's plays?

The analysis focuses on the Elizabethan concept of moral responsibility, the representation of conscience in Elizabethan theater, the contrasting portrayals of conscience in Richard III and Hamlet, the relationship between conscience, action, and moral ambiguity, and the enduring relevance of Shakespeare's treatment of conscience to modern perspectives on morality.

How does the text define "conscience" within its Elizabethan context?

The text uses the Oxford English Dictionary's definition of conscience and emphasizes understanding the Elizabethan interpretation of the term to fully appreciate Shakespeare's work. It explores the Elizabethan concept of moral responsibility, tracing its roots in the Doctrine of the Three Souls and the influence of the passions. The discourse surrounding conscience in Elizabethan England and its manifestation in Elizabethan theater are also examined.

How does the text portray conscience in Richard III?

In Richard III, conscience is depicted as externalized, almost a character itself. Its presence is acknowledged by minor characters, while Richard actively rejects it. This is contrasted with morality plays, where conscience often has a more prominent role.

How does the text portray conscience in Hamlet?

In Hamlet, conscience is internalized, acting as both a wise advisor and a tormentor, influencing Hamlet's internal deliberations and procrastination. The text explores how conscience affects Hamlet's moral struggles and actions.

How does the text compare the portrayals of conscience in Richard III and Hamlet?

The text contrasts the villains, Richard and Claudius, highlighting the differing ways conscience manifests in each play. In Richard III, conscience is external and rejected; in Hamlet, it is internal and a source of both guidance and torment, leading to internal conflict and procrastination.

What are the key figures mentioned in the Elizabethan discourse on conscience?

The text mentions key figures in the Elizabethan discourse on conscience, including Perkins, Ames, Burton, and Bright, and their influence on the understanding of morality in Shakespeare's works.

What is the overall conclusion of the text regarding Shakespeare's portrayal of conscience?

The text concludes by demonstrating the relevance of Shakespeare's portrayal of conscience in both Richard III and Hamlet to the ongoing discourse on conscience, highlighting the complexities of moral responsibility and the enduring power of Shakespeare's exploration of this theme.

What are the keywords associated with this text?