Richard III
by William Shakespeare

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Richard III: Setting 1 key example

New! Understand every line of Richard III.
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Definition of Setting

Setting is where and when a story or scene takes place. The where can be a real place like the city of New York, or it can be an imagined... read full definition
Setting is where and when a story or scene takes place. The where can be a real place like the city of New York, or... read full definition
Setting is where and when a story or scene takes place. The where can be a real place like the... read full definition

Key Examples in Richard III

Setting
Explanation and Analysis:

The setting of Shakespeare's Richard III is deeply intertwined with the play's plot, characters, and themes. Set in 15th century England, its events are situated at the tail end of the Wars of the Roses. These were a a series of civil wars for the English throne that dragged on for just over 30 years. They were fought between the “Red Rose” of Lancaster and the “White Rose” of York, two powerful rival houses. This historical setting is fundamental to understanding the characters' motivations, as family infighting and dynastic rivalries are at the center of the action.