Richard III Bones (2) Art is Art

King Richard III

Dr. Phil Stone, chairman of the Richard III Society, said: "Examination of Richard III's remains shows that he had a scoliosis, thus confirming that the Shakespearean description of a 'bunch-backed toad' is a complete fabrication - yet more proof that, while the plays are splendid dramas, they are also most certainly fiction not fact."

Reference: King Richard III's 'Hunchback' Was Exaggerated By William Shakespeare.

Anzan Hoshin Roshi posted this article on our Shakespeare community on Google+, and I felt compelled to comment:

In defense of scientists who examined Richard III's bones, and the Richard III Society as well, I want to acknowledge that some of us, maybe many of us, are prone to view a film or a play as factual. Apparently, for example, some were shocked to hear that Captain Phillips wasn't such a hero, as Paul Greengrass portrayed him in his film. That character that Tom Hanks played was simply that: a character, not Captain Phillips himself. So, at the end of the day, there is a need to set the facts straight. But these experts and critics must do so, not at the expense of a sincere, legitimate artistic effort.