Understanding Today's Crossword Puzzle
Today's clue is "Burgoynes was the first. Shakespeares the second and third." The answer for this clue is "RICHARD".
This clue refers to two famous individuals named Richard in history and literature. Let's break down the clue to understand why "RICHARD" is the correct answer:
- Burgoynes was the first: This part of the clue suggests that the first Richard being referred to is someone with the surname "Burgoynes." Since no widely known historical or literary figure fitting this description exists, we can infer that this is a misdirect. It wants us to think that there is an unfamiliar Richard who was the first in a specific context.
- Shakespeares the second and third: Here, the clue directs our attention to William Shakespeare, a renowned playwright who wrote a historical play series known as the "Henriad." In this series, the second and third plays are "Henry IV, Part 2" and "Henry V." In both these plays, the main character is Prince Hal, who eventually becomes King Henry V. However, Prince Hal's given name is "RICHARD"! This connection provides us with the link between the clue and the answer.
By combining the first misdirect with the information from Shakespeare's plays, we understand that the answer "RICHARD" corresponds to the main character Prince Hal in the plays "Henry IV, Part 2" and "Henry V." The clue cleverly disguises the true answer by using misdirection and wordplay.
So, in today's crossword puzzle, "Burgoynes was the first. Shakespeares the second and third" is a cryptic clue that leads us to the answer "RICHARD" based on the connection to Prince Hal's given name in Shakespeare's plays. Keep up the crossword-solving journey to uncover more intriguing connections like this!
Definition of "RICHARD"
the name of three kings of England.
That crossword clue published 1 time/s & has 1 answer/s.
Crossword | Date | Answer |
The Times Specialist | 7 March 2014 | RICHARD |