Explanation
Correct answer: C.
Choice C is the best answer because it accurately describes what happens in the text. Richard admits he committed “the wrong” and blames others for his own “secret mischiefs.” He reveals that he has “cast [Clarence] in darkness” (that is, caused his imprisonment) but feigns grief—“I do beweep”—before “many simple [gullible people],” namely Derby, Hastings, and Buckingham. He tells them that the queen and her allies are the ones who turned the king against Clarence. Richard’s use of “beweep” and his labeling of his audience as gullible confirm that his grief is a performance. Thus, Richard pretends to be aggrieved and blames the queen while actually being responsible for Clarence’s predicament.
Why the other choices are wrong
Choice A
Choice A is incorrect because it characterizes Richard’s grief as earnest, claiming that his sincere grief moved others to accept his claims. However, Richard admits his wrongdoing and calls his audience “simple [gullible people],” making clear that they were deceived by a calculated performance rather than persuaded by genuine emotion. Rather than being sincere, Richard’s weeping is part of a deliberate scheme to blame the queen and her allies for what he did.
Choice B
Choice B is incorrect because Richard does not attribute any portion of Clarence’s troubles to the queen; he reveals that he “cast [Clarence] in darkness” and merely tells others the queen is responsible. Additionally, Derby, Hastings, and Buckingham are not identified as the queen’s allies; rather, Rivers, Dorset, and Grey are implied to be the queen’s allies.
Choice D
Choice D is incorrect because the text does not address whether Richard has maintained the trust of the queen and her allies. Instead, Richard tells Derby, Hastings, and Buckingham that the queen is to blame for Clarence’s troubles, and they in turn urge him to seek revenge on Rivers, Dorset, and Grey, who are implied to be the queen’s allies. The speech focuses on Richard’s manipulation of others, not on his standing with the queen.