
THE LIFE AND DEATH OF KING JOHN - by William Shakespeare
ACT I - SCENE I. Northampton. A Room of State in the Palace.
ACT II - SCENE I. France. Before the walls of Angiers.
ACT III - SCENE I. France. The French King’s tent.
ACT IV - SCENE I. Northampton. A Room in the Castle.
ACT V - SCENE I. Northampton. A Room in the Palace.
In the opening of this historic drama, England teeters on the brink of war as King John confronts a bold French envoy demanding the throne be handed to his nephew, Arthur. The king’s fierce pride and his mother, Queen Eleanor, clash with the looming threat of foreign invasion, setting the stage for a power struggle that threatens both crown and country. The tension crackles with threats of cannon fire and diplomatic brinkmanship, hinting at the turbulent reign that follows.
Amid the political turmoil, a colorful cast of nobles, soldiers, and a brash, self‑styled “Bastard” enters the scene, each vying for favor and fortune. Their sharp wit, fierce loyalties, and personal grievances add depth to the larger conflict, offering listeners a vivid portrait of medieval ambition and family drama. As alliances shift and accusations fly, the play promises a rich tapestry of intrigue, honor, and the human cost of ruling a kingdom on the edge of chaos.
Language
en
Duration
~2 hours (120K characters)
Publisher of text edition
Project Gutenberg
Credits
the PG Shakespeare Team, a team of about twenty Project Gutenberg volunteers
Release date
1998-10-01
Rights
Public domain in the USA.

1564–1616
A playwright, poet, and actor from Stratford-upon-Avon, he created characters and lines that have stayed alive for more than four centuries. His stories of love, ambition, jealousy, power, and forgiveness still feel startlingly human.
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