King John

"King John" by William Shakespeare is a historical play written during the late 16th century. The narrative revolves around the troubled reign of King John of England, exploring themes of power, legitimacy, and conflict. The play introduces various characters, including King John, his mother Queen Eleanor, and the young Prince Arthur, setting the stage for political intrigue and familial betrayal. At the start of the play, the central conflict arises as King John receives an embassy from the King of France, who claims the English throne for his nephew, Arthur, the son of John's deceased brother Geoffrey. This initial encounter demonstrates John's precarious grip on power and the tension between personal and political obligations. The dialogue reveals the ambitious scheming of both John and the French court, as well as the maternal instincts of Queen Eleanor attempting to safeguard her son's crown. As accusations and claims are traded, the audience is drawn into the complex web of allegiance, honor, and political maneuvering that will drive the unfolding drama. (This is an automatically generated summary.)

William Shakespeare was an English playwright, poet and actor. He is widely regarded as the greatest writer in the English language and the world's pre-eminent dramatist. He is often called England's national poet and the "Bard of Avon". His extant works, including collaborations, consist of some 39 plays, 154 sonnets, three long narrative poems and a few other verses, some of uncertain authorship. His plays have been translated into every major living language and are performed more often than those of any other playwright. Shakespeare remains arguably the most influential writer in the English language, and his works continue to be studied and reinterpreted.