King John (Cyclopedia of Literary Characters)
At a glance:
- Author: William Shakespeare
- First Published: 1623
- Type of Work: Play
- Type of Plot: Historical
- Time of Work: Early thirteenth century
- Setting: England and France
- Genres: Drama, History play
- Subjects: Family or family life, Power, personal or social, France or French people, England or English people, Kings, queens, or royalty, Catholics or Catholic Church, Middle Ages, Thirteenth century
- Locales: France, England
Characters Discussed
King John, who, as a champion of opposition to the Church of Rome, is treated with a sympathy rare in English literature. John is not a clearly characterized or consistent figure. His conscience or his sense of expediency torments him when he hears that his nephew Arthur is dead by his command. He submits to Rome to save his land from France, but he dies poisoned by a monk at Swinstead Abbey before he can learn that his country is saved.
Queen Elinor, the king’s mother. A strong, arrogant, and domineering woman, she guides and encourages her son...
[The entire page is 1260 words long]
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