Margaret is a pivotal, albeit tragic, figure in William Shakespeare's Richard III, known as the wife of the late King Henry VI. She appears in the play as a powerful voice of anguish and resentment, a former queen who has lost everything.
Margaret's Identity and Tragic History
Margaret's presence in Richard III is deeply rooted in the historical context of the Wars of the Roses, a brutal period of civil conflict for the English throne. She was the queen consort, married to King Henry VI, whose Lancastrian claim was ultimately usurped by the Yorkist faction.
- Wife of the late King Henry VI: Her identity is inextricably linked to her deceased husband, whose defeat and death paved the way for the Yorkist ascent and the rise of Richard.
- Former Queen: She once held the highest position as Queen of England, a status she has been violently stripped of.
A Portrait of Grief and Rage
By the time she appears in Richard III, Margaret is not merely a background character but a living embodiment of the Lancastrian suffering. She is portrayed as an aged widow, consumed by immense grief and an inability to control her overwhelming anger.
- Cursing and Resentful: Her dialogue is frequently filled with bitter curses aimed at her enemies, especially the Yorkist family, reflecting her profound resentment towards those who contributed to her downfall and the murder of her loved ones.
- Aged Widow: Her advanced age underscores the long period of loss and hardship she has endured since the peak of her power.
- Uncontainable Rage: Her emotional state is characterized by an explosive anger that she cannot suppress, driven by the profound traumas she has experienced.
The Depth of Her Losses
Margaret embodies the ultimate victim of the political turmoil of the era, having suffered catastrophic personal losses that define her character and fuel her rage. She has been stripped of her family, her status, and her future.
| Loss Type | Detail | Impact on Margaret |
|---|---|---|
| Son | Her only son, Edward, Prince of Wales, was killed. | Deprived of her heir, her lineage, and her future hope. |
| Husband | King Henry VI, her husband, was murdered. | Stripped of her companionship and her royal status through him. |
| Position | Lost her status as Queen of England. | Humiliated, exiled, and stripped of all power and influence. |
Her Role in the Play
Despite her diminished status, Margaret plays a significant role in Richard III. She serves as a stark reminder of the past violence and a prophetess of future doom. Her powerful curses often foreshadow the fates of others, particularly those who have wronged her or are caught in Richard's machinations, making her a formidable and unforgettable presence.
