Main directions of the English Literature in the Early Middle ages

26.Shakespeare's historical dramas and their role in the history of Great Britain.

The first historical tetralogy was written in a monumental, and yet in a rather crude manner, there is no subtle psychology in it, man characters are painted all back or all white mostly all black). In the second historical tetralogy, which deal with an earlier period of English history (it consists of “Richard II”, the two parts of “Henry IV”, and “Henry V”). Shakespeare rose to the heights of his poetic and dramatic power. The theme of feudal decay is developed here with considerably greater finesse than in the first tetralogy. Probably the figures that embody the theme most vividly are to be seen in “Henry IV”. The first is Henry Percy, nicknamed Hotspur. All the feudal virtues are seen in him he is brave, straight forward, honourable, strong willed. Although his manners are rude and he is fiery-tempered and quarrel, some, we never doubt his honesty and his great ability as a warrior. Yet despite all this, Shakespeare shows Hotspur to be historically doomed; his participation in feudal civil wars brings disaster to the country, and his valour serves only to forward his personal ambition and make all his heroicThe first historical tetralogy was written in a monumental, and yet in a rather crude manner, there is no subtle psychology in it, man characters are painted all back or all white mostly all black). In the second historical tetralogy, which deal with an earlier period of English history (it consists of “Richard II”, the two parts of “Henry IV”, and “Henry V”). Shakespeare rose to the heights of his poetic and dramatic power. The theme of feudal decay is developed here with considerably greater finesse than in the first tetralogy. Probably the figures that embody the theme most vividly are to be seen in “Henry IV”. The first is Henry Percy, nicknamed Hotspur. All the feudal virtues are seen in him he is brave, straight forward, honourable, strong willed. Although his manners are rude and he is fiery-tempered and quarrel, some, we never doubt his honesty and his great ability as a warrior. Yet despite all this, Shakespeare shows Hotspur to be historically doomed; his participation in feudal civil wars brings disaster to the country, and his valour serves only to forward his personal ambition and make all his heroicdeeds fruitless. Another character in “Henry IV” is Sir John Falstaff, one of Shakespeare’s greatest creations.

Shakespeare’s historical plays are:

King John, Richard II, Henry IV Part 1, Henry IV Part 2, Henry V, Henry VI Part 1, Henry VI Part 2, Henry VI Part III, Richard III, Henry VIII.

Shakespeare’s history plays are enormously appealing. Not only do they give insight into the political processes of medieval and renaissance politics but they also offer a glimpse of life from the top to the very bottom of society – the royal court, the nobility, tavern life, brothels, beggars, everything.