Homicide et folie morale dans Richard III de Shakespeare : essai historique

Abstract

The author first notes that the human species is peculiar in the animal world for the capacity of its members to commit violence intentionally. He recalls the philosophical thinking of Albert Camus on individual and collective crime and the theoretical position of Dr De Greeff on the neurobiological bases of homicidal behaviour. He then makes some general remarks about Shakespeare and his theatrical creations before demonstrating how the classic French psychiatric studies on madness are epitomized in the work of the brilliant English playwright. After briefly presenting the historical fresco that Richard III represents, the author attempts to define the criminological profile of king Richard III and to analyse the characteristics of his voluntary homicides driven by political ambition. The king's terrible physical congenital malformations are listed along with his pathological mental characteristics. While the former alienist physicians would have considered him as a depraved individual suffering from “moral insanity”, Shakespeare’ Richard might nowadays be diagnosed as a serial killer with personality disorders characterized by antisocial, narcissistic and paranoid traits. The author concludes that only the moral education of children and the fear of criminal repression can protect human beings from their innate tendencies to commit criminal violence, i.e. the dichotomy between nature and nurture constantly underpins their existence.