... ."" Tillyard believes the apricots represent Richard's subjects who are overpowering his reign. The word "stoop- has two important meanings: the first definition means, "to bend,"" representing the physical movement of the tree branches from the weight of the apricots. The second definition, "to lower oneself,"" presents Richard as a complacent king, allowing his advisors to overrun his kingdom In addition, Shakespeare includes a reference to ... grows to seed; things rank and gross in nature Possess it merely. That it should come to this! But two months dead The first soliloquy reveals ...

• Word Count: 1869
• Approx Pages: 7