King John (Folger Shakespeare Library)

Nearly all of the conflicts in the play result from unresolved disputes involving family members. The consequences of these disputes often result in murder. John is the weak son of King Henry II and brother of the late King Richard the Lion Heart. Queen Elinor is the domineering mother of John and Prince Henry is his son. Arthur, who is just a child, is the son of John's deceased brother, Richard the Lion Heart. Arthur's mother, Constance enters into a power struggle, aligning herself to the French King in order to claim the throne for her son. The countries go to war and there is also religious conflicts. Arthur is believed to be dead and Constance kills herself. Queen Elinor also dies. Arthur, in an attempt to escape imprisonment, falls onto rocks and dies. King John is poisoned. Cardinal Pandulph, the Pope's legate, forges a peace agreement between England and France, and John's son Henry becomes king.

Drama / Literatura Estrangeira