Act 4, scene 3

In this scene, Tyrell explains the deaths of the princes Edward and Richard in the Tower of London. It was interesting to find out how real and haunting this part of the play was.  History says that the princes were sent to the Tower of London after their father’s death to live, because the Tower used to be partially a place of residence.  However, after the princes moved to the Tower, they were never seen again.  There were many conspiracy theories surrounding the princes' disappearance, including Richard III being the killer, and even a theory that the younger prince (Richard) escaped.  Speculation around the disappearance entertained many, and I wonder if this sole event inspired Shakespeare to write this story.  Later, in 1674, two skeletons were found under a staircase in the White Tower.  In line 29 of this act, Tyrell explains to Richard III that he does not know where the bodies were hidden, so Shakespeare acknowledges that no bodies had been found (at that time).

Bones of two bodies were found under a staircase in the White Tower in 1674 and many believed that these were the missing bones on the princes.  Charles II approved the bones to be moved to Westminster Abby.  In 1933, forensic research was done on the bones to see if it could be proven that they were the young princes', but it could not be determined what age and gender the bones were.

Most Londoners believed that Richard III had a part in their killing, but nothing was ever fully proved.  Shortly before his execution in 1501, it is said that James Tyrell admitted to killing the two princes under the authority of Richard the III.  There are also theories that Richard's right hand man, Buckingham had a part in the killing; an even more far fetched its the theory that  Henry VII, previously Henry Tudor, had them killed after his succession to the throne.  I find that a little hard to believe because he married the princes older sister Elizabeth of York, and that should have ensured him to the throne so that he would not have to kill her brothers to keep the crown.

info from: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Princes_in_the_Tower 

Act 2 response

Act 2, scene 2:
     Clarence's son questions if his father is dead, and his grandmother, the Duchess of York, says he is, but not by the king's hand.  I think it is interesting that she knows her son Richard is a liar. After this, news breaks that King Edward IV has died, and the women and children argue over who has the most grief.  This part made me wonder if Shakespeare was trying to say that women are as weak as children, especially when faced with an emotional issue.  Queen Elizabeth, the Duchess of York, and Clarence's son and daughter all seem to act immature, arguing over something so subjective as grief over loved ones.  When the men learn of the Kings death, they instantly go to work, preparing to fetch the Prince so he can be crowned the new King.  Shakespeare shows the men's maturity near the end of the scene when they decide it would be better to not fight so soon after the King's death.   There definitely seems to be an undertone that says women are as weak as children, while men are mature and are capable of caring for themselves.