Original Text(~250 words)
Stand all apart. Cousin of Buckingham. BUCKINGHAM. My gracious sovereign? RICHARD. Give me thy hand. [He ascends the throne] Thus high, by thy advice And thy assistance, is King Richard seated. But shall we wear these glories for a day? Or shall they last, and we rejoice in them? BUCKINGHAM. Still live they, and for ever let them last! RICHARD. Ah, Buckingham, now do I play the touch, To try if thou be current gold indeed. Young Edward lives: think now what I would speak. BUCKINGHAM. Say on, my loving lord. RICHARD. Why, Buckingham, I say I would be king. BUCKINGHAM. Why, so you are, my thrice-renowned liege. RICHARD. Ha! am I king? 'Tis so: but Edward lives. BUCKINGHAM. True, noble prince. RICHARD. O bitter consequence, That Edward still should live 'true noble prince'! Cousin, thou wast not wont to be so dull: Shall I be plain? I wish the bastards dead. Richard is crowned king, but his paranoia immediately emerges. In this crucial scene, Richard tests Buckingham by asking him to eliminate the young princes. When Buckingham hesitates, Richard turns on him, showing that manipulators can never trust anyone - not even those who helped them. Richard's paranoia is revealing: he knows how manipulation works, so he expects it from others. The isolation of tyranny begins. This scene shows how power corrupts and isolates - once Richard has the crown, he becomes suspicious of everyone, including his closest ally. The paranoia is self-destructive: by trusting no one, Richard isolates...
Continue reading the full chapter
Purchase the complete book to access all chapters and support classic literature
As an Amazon Associate, we earn a small commission from qualifying purchases at no additional cost to you.
Available in paperback, hardcover, and e-book formats
Summary
Richard is crowned king, but his paranoia immediately emerges. In this crucial scene, Richard tests Buckingham by asking him to eliminate the young princes. When Buckingham hesitates, Richard turns on him, showing that manipulators can never trust anyone - not even those who helped them. Richard's paranoia is revealing: he knows how manipulation works, so he expects it from others. The isolation of tyranny begins. This scene shows how power corrupts and isolates - once Richard has the crown, he becomes suspicious of everyone, including his closest ally. The paranoia is self-destructive: by trusting no one, Richard isolates himself and creates the conditions for his own downfall. This is a crucial turning point: Richard has achieved his goal, but the achievement brings isolation and paranoia rather than security.
That's what happens. To understand what the author is really doing—and to discuss this chapter with confidence—keep reading.
Terms to Know
Paranoia
Irrational suspicion and mistrust of others, often based on projection of one's own methods
Modern Usage:
Like a manipulator who suspects everyone of manipulation because they know how it works
Isolation of Tyranny
How absolute power isolates the ruler, creating a cycle of suspicion and mistrust
Modern Usage:
Like a leader who becomes so suspicious they trust no one, isolating themselves
Characters in This Chapter
Buckingham
Richard's closest ally and supporter
Even Richard's ally becomes a target, showing that manipulators trust no one. Buckingham's hesitation to kill the princes marks the end of their alliance.
Modern Equivalent:
Someone who helped a manipulator but becomes a target themselves when they show hesitation or moral limits
Why This Matters
Connect literature to life
Manipulators become paranoid because they know how manipulation works. This skill helps you recognize when paranoia is projection.
Practice This Today
When someone becomes paranoid after gaining power, consider whether they're projecting their own methods onto others. Manipulators suspect manipulation because they've used it themselves.
You have the foundation. Now let's look closer.
Key Quotes & Analysis
"Ah, Buckingham, now do I play the touch, To try if thou be current gold indeed."
Context: Richard testing Buckingham's loyalty
Richard tests Buckingham, revealing his paranoia. He's testing whether his ally is 'true gold' - completely loyal. This shows how manipulators can never fully trust, even their closest allies.
In Today's Words:
I'm testing you to see if you're really loyal
"Shall I be plain? I wish the bastards dead."
Context: Richard directly asking Buckingham to kill the princes
Richard's directness is revealing - he's testing Buckingham's willingness to commit murder. When Buckingham hesitates, Richard knows he can't fully trust him.
In Today's Words:
Let me be direct: I want them dead
Intelligence Amplifier™ Analysis
The Road of Paranoia
How manipulators become paranoid because they know how manipulation works - they expect it from others, leading to isolation and self-destruction
Thematic Threads
Isolation
In This Chapter
Power isolates Richard
Development
Tyrants trust no one
In Your Life:
When someone becomes paranoid after gaining power, consider whether they're projecting their own methods onto others
Paranoia
In This Chapter
Richard's paranoia emerges immediately
Development
Manipulators expect manipulation from others
In Your Life:
Manipulators become paranoid because they know how manipulation works - they project their methods onto others
Modern Adaptation
The Paranoia CEO
Following Vince's story...
Vince becomes CEO. But now he's paranoid. He tests his closest allies, suspecting everyone. 'I need to know who I can trust,' he says. But he trusts no one. He turns on his closest allies, those who helped him rise. When they show hesitation or moral limits, he sees them as threats. The isolation of power begins. Vince's paranoia is revealing: he knows how manipulation works, so he expects it from others. He projects his own methods onto everyone. The paranoia is self-destructive - by trusting no one, he isolates himself and creates the conditions for his own downfall. The paranoia trap: manipulators become paranoid because they know how manipulation works. They suspect manipulation because they've used it themselves.
The Road
Vince's road is paved with paranoia. Power brings isolation, not security.
The Map
The map shows the paranoia trap: manipulators expect manipulation from others, leading to isolation and self-destruction. The map also shows the cycle: power brings paranoia, paranoia brings isolation, isolation brings downfall.
Amplification
Richard's paranoia teaches us that manipulators become paranoid because they know how manipulation works. They expect it from others, leading to isolation. When someone becomes paranoid after gaining power, consider whether they're projecting their own methods onto others.
You now have the context. Time to form your own thoughts.
Discussion Questions
- 1
Why does Richard become paranoid immediately after gaining power? What does this reveal about manipulators?
analysis • deep - 2
How does Richard's paranoia contribute to his isolation and downfall? What is the paranoia trap?
reflection • medium - 3
Have you witnessed paranoia in someone who gained power? How did they project their methods onto others?
application • surface
Critical Thinking Exercise
The Paranoia Analysis
Richard becomes paranoid because he knows how manipulation works. Think about why manipulators become paranoid.
Consider:
- •Why do manipulators expect manipulation from others?
- •How does paranoia isolate?
- •What is the paranoia trap?
- •How can you recognize when paranoia is projection?
Journaling Prompt
Write about a time when you saw paranoia in someone who gained power. How did they project their methods onto others? How did the paranoia isolate them?
Coming Up Next...
Chapter 18: Act IV, Scene 3: The Princes' Murder
What lies ahead teaches us the ultimate act of evil, and shows us innocence is no protection. These patterns appear in literature and life alike.