King John, The Life and Death of
King John, The Life and Death of,a historical play by Shakespeare , possibly based on an anonymous play, The Troublesome Raigne of John King of England ( 1591 ), though the latter may be a derivative rather than a source. The date of Shakespeare's play is uncertain. It was first printed in the folio of 1623 .
The play, with some departures from historical accuracy, deals with various events in King John's reign, and principally with the tragedy of young Arthur. It ends with the death of John at Swinstead Abbey. It is striking that no mention of Magna Carta appears in it. The tragic quality of the play, the poignant grief of Constance, Arthur's mother, and the political complications depicted are relieved by the wit, humour, and gallantry of the Bastard, supposed son of Faulconbridge, actually the son of Richard Cœur de Lion.
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