The Dramatic Action and Motive of King John; An Essay (Paperback)

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1892. Excerpt: ... A COMPARISON OF THE TROUBLE-SOME RAIGNE OF JOHN, KING OF ENGLAND, AND SHAKE-SPEARE'S KING JOHN, AS EXHIBITING THE SHAKESPEARIAN NON-PARTISAN SPIRIT. In the first part of this essay a brief comparison was made between the dramatic workmanship of Shakespeare and that of the author of the Troublesome Raigne of King John. A comparison of the spirit of the two writers is of still more interest, as explaining in great measure their differences in artistic excellence. The contrast between them is exhibited most markedly in their respective attitudes toward Romanism, and it is, therefore, to their treatment of the religious element in the plays that we look for evidence of their breadth and justice of spirit. This contrast is first expressed in their general plan of dramatic construction. Though the old play can hardly be said in strictness to have an informing purpose, yet as has been pointed out, its pervading spirit is that of antiRomanism. It seems to have been written largely as a dramatic exhibition of the English hatred of Rome, and it is certainly a forcible expression of the passion of religious bigotry. We may notice a few of the dramatic milestones, especially in their bearing upon the religious spirit of the play. The opening scenes of the old play are of a somewhat heterogeneous character, war, inconstancy, revenge, and gallantry succeeding each to each j but the predominant tone is at the outset political, in a "swashing and a martial" fashion. With the entrance of the " Cardynall from Rome," 1 however, begins the true life of the play. Here we have King John and the Cardinal speaking "plain cannon fire, and smoke, and bounce," each giving the other "the bastinado with his tongue " in unstinting measure. We are made at once to feel that, whatever th...