King John

King John is a history play by William Shakespeare dramatizing the reign of King John of England, ruler of England from April 1199 to October 1216. King John was one of Shakespeare's most frequently staged plays during the Victorian era, however, in contemporary times, the play has dropped in popularity and stagings of it are very rare.

Fast Facts

1. Writer: William Shakespeare
2. Written: 1590-1595
3. Setting: England and France
4. First Publication: First Folio (1623)
5. First performance: 1737 - Theatre Royal, Drury Lane.
6. ISBN 9781903436097
7. Primary source: The Troublesome Reign of King John, circa 1589
8. The 1899 silent production is the earliest Shakespeare play on film

Dramatis Personæ (Characters)

1. King John of England.
2. Queen Elinor: Mother to King John.
3. King Philip of France.
4. Prince Henry, Son to the King.
5. Arthur: Duke of Britaine, Nephew to the King.
6. Philip the Bastard: King John's half-brother.
7. Louis: the Dauphin.
8. Cardinal Pandolf, the Pope's Legate.
9. Hubert De Burgh.
10. Constance: Mother to Arthur.
11. The Earl of Pembroke.
12. The Earl of Salisbury.
13. Robert Falconbridge: Son to Sir Robert Faulconbridge.
14. Blanch of Spain: Niece to King John.

Famous Quotes

1. Bell, book, and candle shall not drive me back, when gold and silver becks me to come on!
2. Life is as tedious as a twice-told tale vexing the dull ear of a drowsy man.
3. I do not ask you much: I beg cold comfort.

The Magna Carta

Although King John of England is today most remembered for his signing of the Magna Carta, the play does not mention this event. In Shakespeare's time the famous document was not highly regarded as a foundation of personal liberty, but as a shameful attempt to weaken the central monarchy. Additionally, The play deals mostly with succession and changing alliances in the English monarchy during John's reign so any mention of the Magna Carta would be out of place.

Categories