King Richard III Chapter Summary & Analysis - Act 3, Scene 4 Summary

Act 3, Scene 4 Summary

Hastings, Stanley, Buckingham and Bishop Ely gather and discuss the coronation date for Edward. Bishop Ely suggests the next day. Richard enters, late, and asks if he has missed anything. He is told he has not and Buckingham pulls him aside to tell him that Hastings will not join them. In Richard's absence, Hastings remarks that Richard seems cheerful today; he can tell because "never a man in Christendom/ Can lesser hide his love or hate than he, / For by his face straight shall you know his heart." Thus, Hastings concludes that Richard is not angry with anyone there.

Richard re-enters the room with Buckingham, angry that witchcraft has been used against him. He shows his arm, which is deformed, and claims that Queen Elizabeth and Hastings' mistress Shore have caused the deformation. Hastings is ordered taken away and beheaded.

Hastings laments his foolishness at not listening to Stanley....
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