7.4 Shakespeare's History Plays and Their Historical Context
2 min read•july 24, 2024
Shakespeare's history plays draw inspiration from the and key historical figures. He relied on sources like and Hall's writings, while 's reign influenced his portrayal of Tudor history.
The plays explore themes of kingship, power, and legitimacy. They depict the , , and the consequences of . Shakespeare also examines gender dynamics and the influence of advisors on royal decision-making.
Shakespeare's Historical Sources and Themes
Inspirations for Shakespeare's histories
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- Wars of the Roses (1455-1487) pitted House of Lancaster against House of York in dynastic struggle shaped English politics for decades
- Key battles reshaped power balance (St. Albans, Towton, Tewkesbury)
- Notable historical figures provided rich character material
- 's weak rule led to civil unrest
- 's controversial reign ended Wars of the Roses
- Henry V's military prowess glorified in nationalist narratives
- Holinshed's Chronicles served as primary source for historical details and plot elements
- 's The Union of the Two Noble and Illustre Families of Lancaster and York offered additional historical context
- Elizabeth I's reign influenced Shakespeare's portrayal of Tudor history emphasizing legitimacy and
Kingship and power in histories
- Divine right of kings concept portrayed monarchs as God's earthly representatives justifying absolute rule
- Machiavellian politics depicted characters using manipulation and scheming to gain or maintain power
- explored tensions between hereditary succession and usurpation (Richard III)
- Weak leadership consequences illustrated through civil unrest and rebellion (Henry VI)
- Advisors and courtiers shown wielding significant influence on royal decision-making ( in Henry VIII)
- Gender and power dynamics examined through portrayal of queens and female characters in authority positions ( in Henry VI)
Nationalism and Historical Representation
Nationalism in historical depictions
- English military victories glorified to boost national pride (Henry V at )
- National unity emphasized as means to overcome internal divisions for greater good
- Foreign threats portrayed to unite audience against common enemy (France as rival power)
- English exceptionalism promoted through depiction of England as chosen nation
- Rousing speeches and rhetoric used to stir patriotic sentiment (St. Crispin's Day speech in Henry V)
- English language and culture celebrated through integration of folk traditions and local customs
Fact vs fiction in histories
- Historical timelines compressed to fit dramatic structure events occurring closer together than reality
- Character amalgamation combined multiple historical figures into single characters for narrative clarity
- Dramatic license in dialogue and motivations created speeches and inner thoughts for historical figures
- Anachronisms included elements from Shakespeare's time in historical settings for contemporary relevance
- emphasized to heighten tensions between characters for theatrical effect
- prioritized over strict to convey moral lessons and political commentary
- Source material adapted selectively interpreting historical accounts to suit dramatic needs
Key Terms to Review (17)
Agincourt: The Battle of Agincourt was a significant conflict fought on October 25, 1415, during the Hundred Years' War between England and France. It is particularly notable for the English army's surprising victory against a much larger French force, showcasing the effectiveness of longbowmen and the tactical brilliance of King Henry V. This battle has been immortalized in literature, especially in Shakespeare's history plays, which reflect its historical context and themes of leadership, honor, and national identity.
Divine right of kings: The divine right of kings is a political and religious doctrine that asserts a monarch's legitimacy is conferred directly by God, making the king accountable only to divine authority. This concept reinforced the idea that monarchs were chosen by God to rule and that their authority was absolute and unquestionable, leading to significant implications in governance, politics, and societal structures during the period.
Dramatic Conflict: Dramatic conflict is the central struggle between opposing forces in a narrative, driving the plot forward and creating tension. In the context of literature, particularly in plays, this conflict often reflects broader societal issues and personal dilemmas, making it a key element that engages audiences emotionally and intellectually.
Edward Hall: Edward Hall was a prominent English historian and chronicler during the early 16th century, known primarily for his work 'The Union of the Two Noble Families of Lancaster and York.' His writings significantly influenced the historical narrative of England, particularly concerning the Wars of the Roses, which set the stage for Shakespeare's history plays.
Elizabeth I: Elizabeth I was the Queen of England and Ireland from 1558 until her death in 1603. She is best known for her role during the Elizabethan Era, which is characterized by a flourishing of English drama, including the works of William Shakespeare, and a strong sense of national identity. Elizabeth's reign was marked by political stability, cultural achievements, and the establishment of Protestantism in England.
Henry VI: Henry VI was King of England from 1422 to 1461 and again from 1470 to 1471, known for his weak rule and the period of instability during his reign, which led to the Wars of the Roses. His character is a central figure in Shakespeare's history plays, showcasing themes of power, legitimacy, and the consequences of political strife in England's history.
Historical accuracy: Historical accuracy refers to the degree to which a representation of past events, figures, and contexts aligns with factual evidence and scholarly research. It is essential in literature, especially in historical plays, where the portrayal of events and characters should reflect the complexities and realities of the time period being depicted.
Holinshed's Chronicles: Holinshed's Chronicles is a comprehensive historical work published in the late 16th century that chronicles the history of England, Scotland, and Ireland. This text served as a primary source for many writers of the time, including William Shakespeare, particularly for his history plays, as it provided detailed accounts of historical events, figures, and societal conditions.
Legitimacy of rule: Legitimacy of rule refers to the rightful authority or acceptance of a ruler's power by the governed. It involves the perception that the ruler has the right to lead, often grounded in historical, legal, or moral foundations. In the context of Shakespeare's history plays, this concept is pivotal as it shapes the political landscape and character motivations throughout the narratives.
Machiavellian Politics: Machiavellian politics refers to a pragmatic and often ruthless approach to political leadership, characterized by the idea that the ends justify the means. It emphasizes realpolitik, where moral considerations are secondary to power and political expediency. This perspective is crucial for understanding the political maneuvering and ambition seen in various historical contexts, particularly in literature and drama.
Margaret of Anjou: Margaret of Anjou was a significant historical figure, the queen consort of King Henry VI of England, known for her role in the Wars of the Roses during the 15th century. As a strong-willed and politically astute woman, she became a central character in the struggles for power between the houses of Lancaster and York, often representing her husband's interests and fighting against his adversaries.
National unity: National unity refers to the sense of shared identity, purpose, and solidarity among the citizens of a nation. It often emerges in times of crisis, conflict, or transformation, bringing people together regardless of their differences to foster a collective spirit that strengthens the nation. In the context of Shakespeare's history plays, national unity is portrayed as essential for political stability and the success of leadership.
Richard III: Richard III is a historical figure and the last king of the House of York, known for his controversial reign and dramatic downfall. In literature, particularly in Shakespeare's play, he is portrayed as a ruthless, manipulative villain whose ambition leads to his tragic end, reflecting the broader themes of power, morality, and human nature during the English Renaissance.
Thematic focus: Thematic focus refers to the central themes and ideas that a work of literature explores, particularly in how these themes reflect the cultural, social, and historical contexts in which the work was created. In relation to historical plays, thematic focus helps to reveal the deeper meanings and implications of events and characters, emphasizing the interplay between individual actions and larger historical narratives.
Wars of the Roses: The Wars of the Roses were a series of civil wars fought between 1455 and 1487 in England, primarily for control of the English throne. The conflict was fought between two rival factions: the House of Lancaster, represented by a red rose, and the House of York, symbolized by a white rose. This tumultuous period significantly influenced English politics and social structures, serving as a backdrop for several of Shakespeare's history plays that depict the complex power struggles during this time.
Weak leadership: Weak leadership refers to a lack of strong authority, decisiveness, and vision in governing or guiding a group, organization, or state. In the context of historical narratives, it often results in political instability, social unrest, and failures in military campaigns. This theme prominently appears in various historical plays where the consequences of ineffective rulers significantly shape the events of the story.
Wolsey: Thomas Wolsey was a prominent English statesman and cardinal who served as the chief minister to King Henry VIII from 1515 until his fall from power in 1529. He played a key role in the political landscape of Tudor England, particularly during the early reign of Henry VIII, influencing both domestic and foreign policy while navigating the complex relationships with the Catholic Church and European powers.