This proves Plato’s examination of the unjust soul or the despot ruler. His insecurities and fears worsened as he gained more and more power. Richard’s reign as king lasted only two years, and during this two year period Richard was never once happy, thus showing how the unjust soul will never be happy. This title did not bring comfort, and Richard continued to kill anybody who posed a threat in keeping him from remaining king. After killing off his brothers and many others, who were eligible to succeed, Richard finally became King of England. Richard quickly became aware of this and he therefore began his rampage to insure himself the throne.

His shrewd attitude and a physical deformity, that left him nearly paralyzed, were two of the many reasons why Richard would be kept of the throne. Richard, like his other brothers, wanted the title of king quite badly, but as time pressed on it seemed less likely that Richard would succeed in gaining the throne. One of three brothers, Richard was in constant competition of who would succeed in gaining the throne of England. In order to comprehend why such a high level of fear and insecurity can be brought about, a look at the upbringing and personal life of Richard should be brought into discussion. This examination of the despot ruler by Plato clearly shows the motives by which despot rulers rule, but it fails to explain why and how these motives originate in the human mind. Despot rulers are also never satisfied with the power they have at any given time, thus exposing their constant fear of retaliation from their subjects. Their anxieties and insecurities lead to a hatred that has a desire to destroy, deep-rooted in violence. Plato’s Republic, a fascinating look at the comparison of the just soul and the unjust soul, allows one to see the philosophical motives behind despot rule.

The comparison of Adolf Hitler to that of Richard, shown by the modern motion picture Richard III, will show the rapid rise and fall of the despot and the reality of totalitarian rule. From Plato’s examination of despot rule in the Republic, we see the motives of what drives despot rulers.Ī look at the background of Richard and how his upbringing and personal life contributed to his insecurities will help to understand why someone may become a despot. The character type of Richard has been examined and marveled for thousands of years. In William Shakespeare’s Richard III, we see Shakespeare’s interpretation of despot rule and the parallels that stem from this interpretation.

Richard III by William Shakespeare