Life and Death of King John

Shakespeare’s play, The Life and Death of King John is a bit of an oddity. General scholarship places it written after Henry VI, part 2, but before the rest of the Henry VI trilogy.

Bloom suggests The Life and Death of King John, as presented in folios, was a reworking of an earlier version of the play, from 1590, and scholars agree that it was probably written — or rewritten — 1595–6, with a production recorded in 1596.

Your mileage may vary.

The Life and Death of King John

Another point that Bloom reiterates is that the play is like two plays, with one play being Acts I – III and then another play is Acts IV – V.

The Life and Death of King John

The publishing history of the play intrigued me, albeit only slightly, as that tells their story of what was acceptable, due to the popularity of the king’s background. The play appeared, briefly, in 1595–6, then was dropped from the folio until the posthumous publication in 1623.

The Life and Death of King John

“Asked about the history of the title character, many might summon up associations with the Magna Carta, the historic document of 1215 by which a reluctant John was compelled to share power with his rebellious barons, laying the groundwork for constitutional liberties.” Page 270.

Shakespeare After All by Majorie Garber

The Life and Death of King John

Odd facts, according to sources, the only two plays that were 100% verse? Richard 2 and King John; however, Henry 6 part 1 and part 3 also show up as 100% verse, according to the Shakespeare app.

Shakespeare scholarship is such an inexact science. Sigh.

The Life and Death of King John

In performance, The Life and Death of King John, University of Texas / Winedale.

Withhold thine indignation, mighty heaven,
And tempt us not to bear above our power!

The Bastard in King John V.vi.37-8

It’s a little performed play because it’s kind of a “Charlie Foxtrot” of a piece, but I walked away with a huge amount of respect for the players in this production, as the language was gorgeous. Then, too, the idea of power and corruption — perhaps a warning for the current state of politics? The Bastard reminds us not to be tempted, or the heavens might strike us down.

I’m an astrologer, I know how that works.

Now, now, you stars, that move in your right spheres,
Where be your pow’rs?

The Bastard in King John V.vii.78-9

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