Episode 160

A synopsis of the play

The sources and dating of the play

The problems with a historical drama in verse

The historical accuracy of the play

King John as neither a hero nor anti-hero

Philip the bastard as a central character in the play

The theme of self-identity and changing fortune in the play

Blanche as a representation of innocence manipulated

Queen Eleanor as the power behind the throne

Constance in grief and, maybe, madness, but eloquent

Movement towards the personal in the second half of the play

The confusion over the character of Hubert

The fate of the king as a metaphor for England

The performance history of the play

Link to the silent film from 1899 of the death of king John

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King John: ‘New Made Honour Doth Forget Men’s Names’