This thesis will focus on persuasive non-factual rhetoric within three history plays (Julius Caesar [1599], Henry V [1599], and Richard III [1592]) as means to legitimise the characters‟ violent...Show moreThis thesis will focus on persuasive non-factual rhetoric within three history plays (Julius Caesar [1599], Henry V [1599], and Richard III [1592]) as means to legitimise the characters‟ violent behaviour. The main characters persuade other players, or are themselves persuaded, through private and public speeches, laced with fabricated rhetoric, into murderous actions. This non-factual rhetoric is masterfully applied in William Shakespeare‟s plays. Particularly in the historic plays written by Shakespeare, the reader can discern political manipulation to achieve personal goals throughout three different periods of time, demonstrating a pattern of false rhetoric through history.Show less
