Existing comment:
Mysteriously Absent
Shakespeare's play about King John makes no mention of Magna Carta and omits the theme of the balance of power between king and nobles that appears in most accounts of King John's reign. The play focuses instead on questions of legitimacy as King John defends his position against several claimants to the throne. This theme, along with the danger of foreign invasion and conflicts with the pope, which also animate the play, echoed living concerns for Elizabethan audiences. This page is from the First Folio, the first complete edition of Shakespeare's plays. |