Lancaster tetralogy

The Lancaster tetralogy is one of William Shakespeare's histories , which thematically represent a genre of its own in which English history is illuminated - in particular the conflict between divine grace and usurpation or the right to resist, which comes to rest in the Tudor myth . Aesthetically speaking, Shakespeare uses both the form of tragedy ( Richard II. ) And that of comedy ( Henry IV. With the Falstaff story) in the histories .

Historical background

The historical material of the royal dramas , on which the Lancaster tetralogy is based, exerted a special fascination on the people of Elizabethan England, as the events were less than two centuries ago and accordingly continued to have an impact on the present. Edward III , second born son John of Gaunt, 1st Duke of Lancaster , establishes the line of rulership of the House of Lancaster , his son ascends the throne as Henry IV. ( Henry IV. ). The legitimate but incompetent King Richard II , son of the "Black Prince" of Wales, Edward , is ousted by Henry IV and dies at Pontefract Castle . Henry V asserts the English claims to the French throne during the war. Henry VII closes this era with the founding of the House of Tudor .

The dramas

Overview

Richard II. ( King Richard II .; between 1590 and 1599, printed 1597)

Henry IV.

Part 1 ( King Henry IV. , Part 1; around 1595/96, printed 1598)

Part 2 ( King Henry IV. , Part 2; around 1597, printed 1600)

Henry V ( King Henry V .; 1599, printed 1600 (pirated print))

Brief content

Richard II

In the first part of the "Lancaster Tetralogy", Shakespeare outlines the character study of the legitimate but "incompetent" King Richard II, who can only recognize his personal limits and those of political power in the downfall. The poet describes the rise of the urbane usurper Bolingbroke , who, with a will to power and political calculation, rises from disenfranchised to ruler and triggers a new wave of political violence. A devastating analysis of the development of power: every new king drowns again in his own blood or in someone else's blood.

Henry IV, part 1

The first part of the historical drama about King Henry IV takes place in 1402/03. The eponymous storyline describes the rebellion led by Henry Percy (1364 / 1366-1403) against the king. The comic experiences of the impoverished knight Sir John Falstaff are woven into the main plot. The two levels of action are linked by the figure of the youthful Prince Harry.

Henry IV, part 2

The second part of the drama describes the events from 1402 to 1413. King Henry IV, who seized power himself by force, tried to legitimize his rule after the uprising was put down. Meanwhile, Crown Prince Harry stays away from court and continues to indulge in the antics with his friends around Sir John Falstaff. When the king dies, Harry ascends the throne as the new King Henry V. In the interests of the raison d' être , he violates his childhood friends.

Henry V.

Contrary to expectations, Heinrich V proves to be a successful power politician and warlord. On the basis of the Lex Salica , he claims the throne of France. The Dauphin of France provocatively rejects him and publicly snubs the young king. There is a war. Heinrich invades France with the English army, conquers the port city of Harfleur and faces the French army. Before the decisive Battle of Azincourt , he encourages his weary, outnumbered soldiers with the St. Crispins Day speech . Despite their numerical superiority, the French are crushed. In the fifth act, the Duke of Burgundy reconciles the warring kings Karl and Heinrich and warns of the consequences of the cruel war. Heinrich marries the French princess Katherina , which is why Heinrich will also hold the French throne after Karl's death.

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King Henry V, King Heinrich V. - Editor Dieter Hamblock, Verlag Philipp Reclam ISBN 3-15-009899-8
The Volks-Ploetz - excerpt from history. 5th edition, Verlag Ploetz Freiburg · Würzburg ISBN 3-87640-351-0