The arrival of the Saxon leader Hengist in Britain triggers a violent struggle for power that threatens to dismantle the existing social order. The protagonist, Hengist, seeks to consolidate his influence over the newly conquered territory of Kent, facing opposition from both the indigenous British rulers and the internal political machinations of his own court. The narrative operates within the conventions of Jacobean drama, utilizing a blend of high-stakes political maneuvering and tragic character arcs. The play is structured as a multi-layered performance piece that contrasts the gravity of the Saxon invasion with the satirical elements of the subplot.

Discussion often centers on the play's unusual structural duality, which juxtaposes a grim historical tragedy with a farcical comedic subplot. Readers frequently highlight the complexity of Middleton's characterizations, particularly how he balances the political ambition of Hengist with the absurdity of the Mayor's antics. Critics often examine the significance of the play's survival in both manuscript and printed forms, noting how these versions provide insight into seventeenth-century theatrical practices. The work is frequently analyzed for its commentary on contemporary political anxieties regarding authority and national identity. Scholars appreciate the text for its reflection of the period's fascination with the origins of the English monarchy.