‘The mounting spirit’

Abstract

The Life and Death of King John by William Shakespeare is a dramatization of the reign of John, King of England. In comparison to Shakespeare's other history plays, the subversive ideological messages of the play have been somewhat overlooked by scholars. Theories which have enhanced understanding of the allusions to Republicanism in the works of Shakespeare allow for a more comprehensive interpretation of King John as a play which has an ideological purpose. This article explores the way in which self-referential and meta-theatrical devices within the text indicate an attempt on the part of Shakespeare to reflect the growing political awareness and aspirations of the burgeoning Fourth Circle. In doing so, it could be argued that Shakespeare subtly makes the case for an alternative method of government in a country that was beginning to change.

Keywords

• King John
• Shakespeare
• Ideology
• Subversive
• Republicanism
• Self-reference