Critical Essay | Critical Essay by Stuart M. Kurland

Critical Essay by Stuart M. Kurland

SOURCE: Kurland, Stuart M. “Henry VIII and James I: Shakespeare and Jacobean Politics.” Shakespeare Studies 19 (1987): 203-17.

In the following essay, Kurland traces affinities between King Henry of Shakespeare's Henry VIII and the historical King James I of England, the reigning monarch at the time of the drama's premiere.

The allusion to James I in Cranmer's prophecy in the last scene of Henry VIII is unmistakable. Cranmer foresees an ideal reign not only for the “royal infant” Elizabeth but for her successor,¹

Who from the sacred ashes of her honour Shall star-like rise, as great in fame as she was, And so stand fix'd. Peace, plenty, love, truth, terror, That were the servants to this chosen infant, Shall then be his, and like a vine grow to him; Wherever the bright sun of heaven shall shine, His honour and the greatness of his name Shall be, and make new...
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