Discuss the use of humour in Richard III.

You are right in identifying that this play, in spite of
its status as a historical tragedy with a focus on evil in the person of its title
character, is actually full of plenty of examples of humour. However, it is appropriate
that this humour, as befitting the overall tone and mood of the play, is darkly funny
and consists mainly of black humour. Most of the humour is based around Richard's
ability to laugh and make fun of himself, but also there are various examples of how he
ridicules those who foolishly place confidence in him.

For
example, you might like to consider the way in which dramatic irony adds to the humour
of the play. For example, in Act I scene 1, Richard makes many kind and caring comments
to his brother Clarence as he is being taken to prison, even though we know that Richard
is actually the one responsible for Clarence being locked up in the first
place.

Secondly, parody is used by Richard at various
stages to poke fun at someone or something that is meant to be treated with a serious
attitude. This is perhaps most clearly seen when Richard parodies both himself and Anne
following the success of his romantic overtures. Note how he makes fun of himself in the
following lines from Act I scene 2:

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I'll be at charges for a
looking-glass,

And entertain a score or two of
tailors

To study fashions to adorn my
body.

Richard, therefore,
although he is a figure of evil, is nonetheless somebody who manages to present an often
grimly humorous take on what happens in the play and his own conduct, even being willing
to make fun of himself to add to the comedy.