
This is the first fully annotated modern-spelling edition of King Henry VIII to appear for over a decade and includes up-to-date scholarship on all aspects of the play, including dating authorship, printing, sources and stage history. The editor accepts the view that the play is a collaboration between Shakespeare and Fletcher. Unique to this edition is the frequent reference to Cavendish's biography of Wolsey, neglected in earlier editions. This edition includes a fully detailed commentary and a selective collation of major variant readings appear immediately beneath the text. Special attention has been paid to the frequent allusion to scripture and proverb law. An index to all words glossed and authorities cited appears at the end of the volume.
The play centers on the political and personal instability of King Henry VIII’s court, specifically the fall of Cardinal Wolsey and the rise of Anne Boleyn. The narrative follows the King’s pursuit of an annulment from Queen Katherine, a process that triggers a series of power struggles among the nobility and clergy. The play utilizes a formal, episodic structure to depict the shifting alliances within the Tudor court, emphasizing the fragility of status and the influence of royal favor. The protagonist, King Henry, acts as the primary catalyst for these changes, while the opposing forces of religious tradition and political ambition create a volatile environment for those surrounding him.
Discussion often centers on the play's unique position within the Shakespearean canon, particularly regarding its collaborative nature with John Fletcher. Readers frequently highlight the shift in tone between the scenes attributed to Shakespeare and those written by Fletcher, noting the distinct stylistic differences in character development. Critics often examine the play's focus on historical pageantry and its function as a commentary on the legitimacy of the Tudor dynasty. The work is frequently analyzed for its nuanced portrayal of Queen Katherine, whose dignity serves as a moral anchor amidst the political turbulence of the court. Scholars continue to debate the play's structural integrity and its effectiveness in balancing historical accuracy with dramatic narrative requirements.
Page Count:
240
Publication Date:
2000-09-07
Publisher:
Oxford University Press
ISBN-10:
0192840363
ISBN-13:
9780192840363
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